Stormwater Management: Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do stormwater management rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Arlington and Fort Worth have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington enforces stormwater management regulations through its Stormwater Management Department and the city's Code of Ordinances. The city operates under a Phase I MS4 NPDES permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Arlington prohibits illicit discharges to the municipal storm drain system.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth City Code Chapter 12½ (Stormwater Management) regulates discharges into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). The city holds an EPA/TCEQ MS4 permit and enforces illicit discharge detection and elimination. Sec. 12½-40 prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the storm sewer system. New development and redevelopment must comply with stormwater quality and detention requirements under the city's Stormwater Management Ordinance and the Storm Water Management Design Manual.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Authority | Arlington Stormwater Management Dept | - |
| State Authority | TCEQ NPDES permit | - |
| Fee Basis | Impervious surface area | - |
| Design Standard | iSWM criteria | - |
| Watershed | Trinity River tributaries | - |
| Code Section | - | Chapter 12½ (Stormwater Management) |
| Permit | - | EPA/TCEQ MS4 permit holder |
| Illicit Discharge | - | Prohibited under Sec. 12½-40 |
| Design Manual | - | Storm Water Management Design Manual required |
| Enforcement | - | Code Compliance and Environmental Services |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
How are stormwater fees calculated in Arlington?
Stormwater utility fees are based on the amount of impervious surface on your property. Reducing impervious coverage may lower your fees.
What stormwater standards apply to new development?
New development must comply with the city's Stormwater Design Manual and the NCTCOG iSWM criteria for water quality and flood control.
Fort Worth FAQ
Can I discharge anything into Fort Worth storm drains?
No. Chapter 12½ prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the municipal storm sewer system. Only clean stormwater runoff is permitted. Illicit discharges can result in fines.
Do new developments need stormwater plans?
Yes. All new development and redevelopment projects must comply with the Storm Water Management Design Manual, including detention and water quality requirements.
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