Environmental Rules in Wichita Falls, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Wichita Falls or are thinking about moving there, environmental rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Wichita Falls has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of environmental rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Erosion Control

Wichita Falls requires a grading permit for most cutting or filling of land, with engineered drainage and terracing required to keep runoff off neighboring property.

Key details: Permit needed for: cutting or filling land. Enforcing agency: Building Code Administrator. Small-fill exemption: under 50 cubic yards, under 1 ft. Plans must show: contours, drainage channels, runoff. Governing sections: § 22-638, § 22-639, § 22-645.

Grading without a permit is enforced by the building code administrator, who can require correction or elimination of a noncompliant excavation, fill, or drainage hazard on written notice.

Flood Elevation Requirements

In any FEMA special flood hazard area, new construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation, certified by a registered engineer, architect, or land surveyor.

Key details: Freeboard required: 1 foot above BFE. Applies to: SFHA new & substantial improvements. Certification by: Engineer, architect, or surveyor. Enforcing agency: Floodplain administrator (Public Works). Code section: Wichita Falls Code § 54-92.

Building below one foot above the base flood elevation, or failing to submit the required elevation certification, violates § 54-92. The floodplain administrator can withhold or revoke the floodplain development permit, and owners pay higher NFIP flood-insurance premiums.

Stormwater Management

New commercial, multifamily, or 2+ acre residential development in Wichita Falls must control stormwater runoff to predevelopment rates through on-site detention or an approved downstream assessment.

Key details: Applies to: 1+ acre commercial/multifamily, 2+ acre residential. Standard: Runoff capped at predevelopment rate. Detention design storm: 100-year storm plus 6-inch freeboard. Administered by: Department of Public Works. Agreement required: Recorded detention facilities agreement.

Noncompliant drainage plans are rejected by the Department of Public Works engineering division before permitting; general Code violations carry fines up to $2,000 per offense (up to $4,000 for solid-waste-related violations), with each day a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Wichita Falls'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 Wichita Falls is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Wichita Falls's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.