How Converse Handles Environmental Rules: A Practical Guide
Converse maintains 112 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with environmental rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Converse falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Flood Elevation Requirements
Converse requires new and substantially improved residential structures to elevate the lowest floor to or above the base flood elevation, certified by a registered engineer, architect, or surveyor under Sec. 22-82.
Key details: Standard: Lowest floor at or above BFE. Applies to: New construction & substantial improvements. Certification: PE, architect, or surveyor required. Penalty: Up to $500 per violation. Citation: Sec. 22-82, Converse Code of Ordinances.
Constructing below the required base flood elevation or without a floodplain development permit is a misdemeanor: up to $500 per violation plus costs under Sec. 22-102, and the city can pursue further legal action.
Flood Zones
Any construction, alteration, or land-use change inside Converse's FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas needs a floodplain development permit before work starts.
Key details: Permit required: Floodplain development permit. Administered by: City manager/floodplain administrator. Maps used: FEMA FIS, Bexar County, 2010. Max fine: $500 per violation.
Building or altering land in a flood hazard area without full compliance is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 per violation, plus costs, and the city council may pursue other lawful remedies.
Erosion Control
Converse requires grading permits for significant cuts and fills. Property owners cannot redirect stormwater onto adjacent lots. Subdivisions and commercial projects need engineered drainage plans.
Key details: Permit trigger: Significant grading or fill. Code: 2018 IBC Appendix J. Slope from foundation: 5 percent for 10 feet. Redirecting runoff: Prohibited. Contact: (210) 658-5356.
Converse is more permissive than most cities when it comes to erosion control. That said, there are still limits.
Stormwater Management
Converse bans dumping oil, chemicals, yard waste, and household hazardous waste into storm drains and creeks, and funds drainage upkeep through a monthly stormwater utility fee on every developed lot.
Key details: Penalty: Up to $500 per day. Enforcement: Utility director's stormwater inspector. Residential fee: $2.43 per month. Construction threshold: 1+ acre disturbed needs TCEQ permit. Adopted: Ord. No. 321, Aug. 3, 2010.
Violating the MS4 discharge ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 per offense, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Converse caps heavy diesel truck idling at five consecutive minutes, with signage and fine requirements for truck stops.
Key details: Idle limit: 5 consecutive minutes. Applies to: Diesel trucks over 14,000 lbs GVWR. First offense: $100 civil penalty. Repeat offense: $300 civil penalty. Passenger comfort exemption: 30 min/hr, or 60 min/90 min if >75°F.
Civil penalty of $100 for a first violation and $300 for a second or subsequent violation, enforced by Converse Police.
The Bottom Line
Converse's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Converse is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Converse's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.