Grading & Drainage: Converse vs San Antonio
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Converse, TX and San Antonio, TX?
Converse has fewer restrictions than San Antonio.
Converse, TX
Bexar County
Converse requires grading permits for significant cuts and fills. Property owners cannot redirect stormwater onto adjacent lots. Subdivisions and commercial projects need engineered drainage plans.
View full Converse rules →San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
San Antonio's UDC requires property developers to manage all stormwater flowing through their property, including drainage from upstream development. The Storm Water Design Criteria Manual (Jan 2016) governs design standards. The Edwards Aquifer Protection Ordinance (Chapter 34, Div. 6) limits impervious cover to 15% for residential development on the Recharge Zone and prohibits impervious cover in floodplain buffer zones.
View full San Antonio rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Converse | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Permit trigger | Significant grading or fill | - |
| Code | 2018 IBC Appendix J | - |
| Slope from foundation | 5 percent for 10 feet | - |
| Redirecting runoff | Prohibited | - |
| Contact | (210) 658-5356 | - |
| Design Manual | - | Storm Water Design Criteria Manual (January 2016) |
| Recharge Zone | - | 15% max impervious cover for residential |
| Buffer Zones | - | No impervious cover allowed in floodplain buffers |
| Responsibility | - | Developer must convey all stormwater through property |
| State Law | - | TX Water Code § 11.086 governs altered drainage |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Converse FAQ
Can I add dirt to level my yard?
Small homeowner landscaping projects generally do not require a permit, but larger volumes, retaining walls, or changes that redirect water may trigger permitting.
My neighbor's runoff floods my lot, what can I do?
Contact Public Works for an inspection. If the neighbor altered natural drainage, they can be required to fix it. Some disputes require civil resolution between property owners.
San Antonio FAQ
What are the impervious cover limits over the Edwards Aquifer?
Residential development on the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone is limited to 15% gross impervious cover. Floodplain buffer zones allow no impervious cover at all. The Drainage Area Buffer Zone maximum is 10%.
Am I responsible for stormwater from neighboring properties?
Yes. Under the UDC, the developer is responsible for conveying all stormwater flowing through the property, including water from upstream development. You must account for ultimate upstream development when sizing drainage systems.
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