Grading & Drainage: Arlington vs North Richland Hills
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Arlington, TX and North Richland Hills, TX?
North Richland Hills 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 →North Richland Hills, TX
Tarrant County
NRH requires grading permits for significant earthwork and mandates positive drainage away from all structures. Runoff cannot be diverted onto neighboring properties, and drainage swales and easements must remain unobstructed.
View full North Richland Hills rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | North Richland Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | UDC and Building Code | - |
| Soils | Expansive Blackland Prairie clay | - |
| Detention | On-site detention typically required | - |
| Design Standard | iSWM criteria | - |
| Floodplain Fill | Compensating storage required | - |
| Grading Permit | - | 50 cubic yards or in easement |
| Foundation Slope | - | 5 percent over 10 feet |
| Downspout Setback | - | 5 feet from line |
| Drainage Easement | - | Cannot be obstructed |
| Wall Engineering | - | Over 4 feet requires PE |
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.
North Richland Hills FAQ
My neighbor's new patio is flooding my yard in NRH. What can I do?
File a complaint with NRH Code Compliance at (817) 427-6650. The city can enforce drainage easement rules and positive drainage requirements, though pure cost disputes are civil matters between neighbors.
Do I need a permit to regrade my backyard?
Minor regrading (less than 50 cubic yards, outside easements, no change to drainage patterns affecting neighbors) typically does not need a permit. Larger projects or work near easements requires a grading permit.
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