Environmental Rules in Baytown, TX (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Baytown, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Baytown bans dumping motor oil, wash water, sewage, sediment or other pollutants into its storm sewer system under City Code Sec. 98-542. Construction sites disturbing an acre or more must file a stormwater pollution prevention plan and NOI before breaking ground, and the director can order cleanup, entry, and a $100 abatement charge for violations.
Baytown Stormwater Discharge Rules
Some RestrictionsBaytown, TX Code of Ordinances Sec. 98-542
(a)Prohibition of illicit discharges.(1)No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the city's stormwater system or watercourses any materials including, but not limited to, pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than stormwater. ... (3)Exceptions. The commencement, conduct or continuance o...
Erosion Control
Baytown requires erosion and sediment controls on construction sites to prevent soil runoff into storm drains and waterways. Projects disturbing one acre or more must file for a TCEQ Construction General Permit with a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Smaller residential projects must still employ best management practices to keep sediment on-site. Baytown's clay soils and flat terrain require careful erosion management.
Baytown Erosion Control Requirements
Few RestrictionsTCEQ Construction General Permit (TXR150000)
Stormwater Requirements for Construction Activities 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 acres, are regulated under this general permit. Small construction activities which disturb at least 1 but less than 5 acres, or are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will di...
Flood Zones
Any development, redevelopment, or substantial improvement inside a Baytown special or moderate flood hazard area needs a floodplain development permit under City Code Sec. 110-68. Flood zones are drawn from FEMA's Harris and Chambers County flood insurance studies, and building without full compliance is a misdemeanor.
Baytown Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsBaytown, TX Code of Ordinances Sec. 110-68
A floodplain development permit shall be required for all proposed development, re-development, or substantial improvement within special or moderate flood hazard areas to ensure conformance with this article. Building and engineering permits with a floodplain review may serve as the floodplain development permit required by this section.
Boat Dock Permits
A noncommercial dock or pier on ER or SR zoned waterfront property in Baytown needs a Special Use Permit before it can be built ahead of the house, under Subsec. 2.35(C)(3) of the Unified Land Development Code. The Director of Planning & Development Services reviews the site plan before the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council decide.
Baytown Boat Dock Special Use Permit
Significant RestrictionsBaytown Unified Land Development Code, Subsec. 2.35(C)(3)
3. Timing of Construction. No detached accessory structure shall be constructed until the construction of the primary structure has commenced with the exception of the construction of a garage, carport, noncommercial dock/pier, noncommercial greenhouse, or private barn/stable on ER and SR zoned properties where a Special Use Permit has been issued in accordance with the provisions below. a. All...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New or substantially improved homes in a Baytown special flood hazard area must have their lowest floor built to the 500-year floodplain elevation or 24 inches above base flood elevation, whichever is higher, under City Code Sec. 110-102. Slab-on-grade construction is banned for new residential dwellings in these zones.
Baytown Flood Elevation Freeboard Rules
Some RestrictionsBaytown, TX Code of Ordinances Sec. 110-102(1)a
Within an area of special flood hazard, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, and all components of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and any other service facility elevated to at least the 500-year floodplain elevation or 24 inches above the base flood elevation, whichever is higher. Additionall...
Looking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Baytown city rules.
Environmental Rules in Harris County →