Environmental Rules in Pearland, TX (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Pearland, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Pearland's General Code bars anyone from putting anything but storm water and specifically listed allowable flows into the city's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). The city engineer enforces the rule, can inspect any discharging property, and can order remediation with costs billed to the violator.
Pearland Illicit Discharge and MS4 Rules
Significant RestrictionsPearland, TX Code of Ordinances § 30-143(a), § 30-144(d)
No person shall introduce or cause to be introduced into the MS4 any discharge not composed entirely of storm water and other allowable discharges... No person shall dump, spill, leak, pump, pour, emit, empty, discharge, leach, dispose, or otherwise introduce or cause, allow, or permit to be introduced any discharge that is not composed entirely of storm water to the Phase II MS4.
Erosion Control
Pearland bans land-disturbing construction activity without a city permit and requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan for any site disturbing an acre or more. The city engineer reviews stormwater pollution prevention plans and can stop work or revoke a permit for violations.
Pearland Construction Erosion and Sediment Control Rules
Significant RestrictionsPearland, TX Code of Ordinances § 30-146(c)(1), § 30-146(b)(2)
It shall be unlawful for a person to conduct any land disturbing activity in the absence of a city issued permit authorizing such work. Such permits include, without limitation, site work permit, building permits, grading permits, and major construction improvement permits... To prevent the adverse impacts of storm water runoff, the performance standards required by this article shall be applie...
Flood Zones
Pearland requires a floodplain development permit before any construction, fill, or land alteration in a special flood hazard or moderate flood hazard area. The floodplain administrator reviews drainage impact analyses and elevation data under Code of Ordinances Chapter 10½, and a permit expires if work has not started within 180 days of issuance.
Pearland Floodplain Development Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsPearland Code of Ordinances § 10½-33 (Establishment of development permit)
A floodplain development permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this chapter. As part of the building permit application, the developer will be required to submit a drainage impact analysis to demonstrate no impact to the drainage system resulting from the proposed development. The drainage analysis shall show location of the site, mitigation provision made, NFIP ...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New and substantially improved homes in Pearland's FEMA flood hazard area must have their lowest floor, including all ductwork, plumbing, and HVAC, elevated at least one foot above base flood elevation, or above the 500-year flood level, whichever is higher.
Pearland Floodplain: Lowest Floor One Foot Above BFE
Some RestrictionsPearland Code of Ordinances, Ch. 10½, Sec. 10½-82 (Specific standards)
Residential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement and all essential plumbing, HVAC units and utilities, including duct work), elevated to a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation or at or above 500-year floodplain elevation, whichever is higher.
Looking for Brazoria County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pearland city rules.
Environmental Rules in Brazoria County →