Stormwater Management: Dallas vs Garland
How do stormwater management rules compare between Dallas, TX and Garland, TX?
Garland has fewer restrictions than Dallas.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
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.
View full Dallas rules →Garland, TX
Dallas County
Garland regulates stormwater management through its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and the Garland Development Code. The city requires new development and significant modifications to control runoff on-site through retention, detention, or infiltration systems. Sites disturbing one or more acres must obtain a TPDES permit and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SW3P). Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited.
View full Garland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code Section | - | Garland Development Code — Stormwater Mgmt |
| Permit Type | - | MS4 TPDES permit |
| Construction Threshold | - | 1+ acre requires SW3P |
| On-Site Controls | - | Retention/detention required for new development |
| Illicit Discharge | - | Prohibited to storm drain system |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Garland FAQ
Does Garland require on-site stormwater controls?
Yes. New development and significant modifications must control stormwater runoff on-site through retention, detention, or infiltration systems per the Garland Development Code.
What triggers a stormwater permit for construction?
Construction disturbing one or more acres requires a TPDES Construction General Permit and SW3P from TCEQ. The city also reviews stormwater management plans as part of development approval.
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