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🌍 Environmental Rules/Stormwater Management

Carrollton vs Dallas

How do stormwater management rules compare between Carrollton, TX and Dallas, TX?

Carrollton has fewer restrictions than Dallas.

Carrollton, TX

Dallas County

Some Restrictions

Carrollton requires stormwater management for new development and significant property modifications. Runoff must be controlled on-site through retention, detention, or infiltration systems.

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Dallas, TX

Dallas County

Heavy Restrictions

Dallas City Code Chapter 19, Article IX (Stormwater Drainage System) prohibits harmful discharges into the stormwater system. Sec. 19-118.2 makes it an offense to discharge sediment, chemicals, or other pollutants. Sec. 19-118.6 regulates stormwater from construction activities. The Development Code Sec. 51A-8.611 requires storm drainage facilities to safely drain a 1% annual chance storm event per the Dallas Drainage Design Manual. A stormwater drainage utility fee funds the system under Sec. 2-168.

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Key Facts Comparison

FactCarrolltonDallas
New DevelopmentStormwater plan required-
Runoff ControlOn-site retention-
MaintenanceOwner responsibility-
TopicStormwater-
Discharge Prohibition-Ch. 19, Art. IX, Sec. 19-118.2
Construction-Sec. 19-118.6 (construction stormwater)
Design Standard-1% annual chance storm (Sec. 51A-8.611)
Utility Fee-Stormwater drainage utility (Sec. 2-168)
Pesticides-Sec. 19-118.3 regulates application

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Carrollton FAQ

Do I need a stormwater plan for my project?

Generally required for new construction and major renovations that increase impervious surface area. Small residential projects may be exempt.

What is an illicit discharge?

Any non-stormwater substance entering the storm drain system, including paint, oil, chemicals, or sediment. Report violations to Carrollton public works.

Dallas FAQ

What can I not discharge into Dallas storm drains?

Under Sec. 19-118.2, it is an offense to discharge sediment, silt, chemicals, oils, or other pollutants into the stormwater drainage system. This includes construction runoff and pesticide/herbicide overspray.

What is the stormwater drainage utility fee?

Dallas charges a stormwater drainage utility fee under Sec. 2-168 to fund maintenance of the drainage system. Exemptions and incentives exist for residential properties with stormwater management features.

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