Environmental Rules in Amarillo, TX (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Amarillo, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Amarillo operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under its TPDES permit and prohibits illicit discharges to the storm drainage system. Chapter 8-5 (Public and Environmental Health) and Chapter 18-2 (Water Utility System) together govern stormwater quality.
Stormwater Quality and Illicit Discharge Rules
Some RestrictionsTCEQ Stormwater Permits Program (TPDES TXR040000/050000/150000)
Stormwater Permits: Requirements related to water quality permitting for stormwater runoff from construction sites, industrial facilities, and publicly owned and operated storm sewers. Under Which Stormwater Permit Are You Regulated? Industrial Multi-Sector General Permit (TXR050000); Construction General Permit (TXR150000); Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit (TXR040000).
Erosion Control
Amarillo requires all construction sites to implement erosion and sediment controls to prevent soil and contaminants from entering the city's stormwater system. Sites disturbing one or more acres must obtain a state TPDES Construction General Permit and submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
Construction Sites Must Prevent Stormwater Erosion and Sediment Runoff
Some RestrictionsTCEQ Construction General Permit TXR150000 (effective Mar. 5, 2023)
2023 CGP TXR150000: TCEQ issued the renewal of the CGP with an effective date of March 5, 2023. Construction activities are regulated under the CGP if they discharge stormwater to any surface water in the state and disturb an acre or more of soil. Large construction activities which disturb 5 or more acres, or are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will disturb 5 or more a...
Coastal Development
Amarillo is an inland Panhandle city with no tidal shoreline, so Texas coastal zone management laws and NOAA's coastal development permitting program do not apply within the city limits.
No Coastal Development Rules Apply in Amarillo
Few RestrictionsFlood Zones
Amarillo participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and regulates construction in flood hazard areas. Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas requires elevation certificates and flood-resistant building techniques.
Amarillo Flood Zone Regulations & Building Rules
Heavy RestrictionsGrading & Drainage
Amarillo requires drainage plan approval before final plat issuance. Construction sites disturbing one or more acres must file a TCEQ Notice of Intent. The city's Drainage Utility Program, codified at Chapter 18-4, funds stormwater infrastructure through a fee-based system.