Grading & Drainage: Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Fort Worth has fewer restrictions than Arlington.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington regulates grading and drainage through its building code and Unified Development Code (UDC). All grading must ensure proper drainage and cannot adversely affect neighboring properties. Arlington's expansive clay soils make drainage design particularly important.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth regulates grading and drainage through the Development Code and the Storm Water Management Design Manual. A grading permit is required for earthwork exceeding specified thresholds. Drainage plans must demonstrate that post-development runoff does not exceed pre-development rates for the 25-year storm event. Fill placement must not redirect drainage onto adjacent properties. The Public Works Department reviews grading plans as part of the development permitting process.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | UDC and Building Code | - |
| Soils | Expansive Blackland Prairie clay | - |
| Detention | On-site detention typically required | - |
| Design Standard | iSWM criteria | 25-year storm event for detention |
| Floodplain Fill | Compensating storage required | - |
| Review Authority | - | Public Works / Development Services |
| Adjacent Properties | - | Cannot redirect drainage onto neighbors |
| Grading Permit | - | Required for earthwork above thresholds |
| Reference | - | Storm Water Management Design Manual |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Why is drainage important in Arlington?
Arlington's expansive clay soils swell and shrink with moisture changes, affecting foundations and drainage patterns. Proper grading and drainage design prevents property damage and flooding.
Do I need a grading permit?
Permits are required for significant earthwork. Contact the city's Building Inspection division to determine if your project requires a grading permit.
Fort Worth FAQ
Do I need a grading permit in Fort Worth?
A grading permit is required for significant earthwork projects. Contact Fort Worth Development Services to determine if your project meets the threshold requiring a permit.
Can I change drainage patterns on my property?
You cannot redirect stormwater onto neighboring properties. Grading and drainage modifications must comply with the Storm Water Management Design Manual and maintain predevelopment flow patterns.
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