Environmental Rules in Abilene, TX (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Abilene, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Abilene bans dumping anything but stormwater into its municipal storm drains, and empowers the City to inspect, fine, or shut off water and sewer service to violators. The rule funds a dedicated municipal drainage utility under state law, and covers illicit connections, spills, and non-stormwater discharges citywide, per Code of Ordinances §§ 32-160 and 32-187.
Abilene Bans Illicit Stormwater Discharges
Significant RestrictionsCode of Ordinances §§ 32-161, 32-187
The purpose of this article is to protect the public health, safety, environment and general welfare through the regulation of non-stormwater discharges to the municipal stormwater drainage system to the maximum extent practicable as required by federal law... No person may discharge or cause to be discharged any harmful quantity of any substance into the municipal stormwater drainage system th...
Erosion Control
Construction sites in Abilene that need a state TPDES stormwater permit must file a stormwater pollution prevention plan and notify the City's Stormwater Utility Division before breaking ground. Tracking sediment, concrete, or debris into the municipal storm drain system is a separate violation, enforced under Code of Ordinances §§ 32-241 and 32-190(c).
Abilene Requires SWP3 at Construction Sites
Some RestrictionsCode of Ordinances §§ 32-241(b), 32-190(c)
State of Texas regulations require that subject facilities apply for and obtain general permits for industrial facilities (TPDES TXR050000) and construction sites (TXR150000) that have been determined to contribute or have the potential to contribute substantial pollutant loads to the municipal stormwater drainage system or waters of the state. The general permits require that the permitee deve...
Flood Zones
Abilene requires a Floodway Development Permit from the Floodplain Administrator before any building construction or earth change on property inside a mapped floodway. The Land Development Code exempts bona fide farming, routine yard maintenance, emergency repairs, and public utility excavation. The Administrator must approve or deny a complete application within 20 working days, and a City Council appeal is available within 10 days of a denial or revocation.
Abilene Floodway Development Permit Required
Some RestrictionsAbilene Land Development Code Sec. 3.2.11.5(a), (c), (e)
(a)Floodway Development Permit Requirements. A Floodway Development Permit, as defined and regulated by this Division, shall be required prior to the commencement of any building construction, or earth change, of any property within a designated floodway. Floodway Development Permits shall not be required for activities listed in 3.2.11.2(b) [3.2.11.5(b)]. A separate permit shall be required fo...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In Abilene's FEMA special flood hazard areas, new and substantially improved homes must set the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation, or eighteen inches above the gutter, whichever is more restrictive.
Abilene Floodplain Rule: Lowest Floor One Foot Above BFE
Some RestrictionsAbilene Land Development Code Sec. 3.2.11.6(b)(1) - Special Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction in Areas of Special Flood Hazard
Specific Standards. In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data has been provided as set forth in this Division, the following provisions are required. (1) Residential Construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement), elevated to one foot (1') above the base flood elevation or eight...
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