Grading & Drainage: Dallas vs Irving
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Dallas, TX and Irving, TX?
Irving has fewer restrictions than Dallas.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-8.611 sets comprehensive requirements for grading and drainage. All storm drainage facilities must be designed to safely convey a 1% annual chance storm event per the Dallas Drainage Design Manual. Erosion control plans are required for any grading or clearing activity. Financial assurance is required for grading improvements. The city requires that development not increase stormwater runoff onto adjacent properties without proper management.
View full Dallas rules →Irving, TX
Dallas County
Irving requires grading permits for land disturbance activities under the Land Development Code. All development must manage drainage to prevent adverse impacts on adjacent properties. Post-development stormwater runoff must be detained to match or reduce pre-development flow rates. Irving's relatively flat North Texas terrain requires engineered drainage solutions for larger developments.
View full Irving rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Irving |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Sec. 51A-8.611 (Storm Drainage Design) | - |
| Design Standard | 1% annual chance storm capacity | - |
| Manual | Dallas Drainage Design Manual | - |
| Financial Assurance | Required for grading improvements | - |
| Adjacent Property | No increased runoff without management | - |
| Permit Required | - | Grading permit for land disturbance |
| Drainage Standard | - | Detain post-development runoff to pre-development rates |
| Design Storm | - | 100-year storm event for major drainage |
| Review Authority | - | Irving Engineering Division |
| Adjacent Impact | - | Must not increase drainage onto neighbors |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
What drainage standard does Dallas require?
All storm drainage facilities must safely convey a 1% annual chance (100-year) storm event per the Dallas Drainage Design Manual under Sec. 51A-8.611.
Can my development increase runoff to neighboring properties?
Dallas requires that development manage stormwater so as not to increase runoff onto adjacent properties without proper drainage infrastructure.
Irving FAQ
When do I need a grading permit in Irving?
A grading permit is generally required for any significant land disturbance, including site preparation for new construction, lot regrading, and drainage modifications. Contact Irving Development Services for specific thresholds.
What are Irving's drainage detention requirements?
Development must detain stormwater so that post-development runoff does not exceed pre-development rates. Detention facilities are designed based on the 100-year storm event. Engineering plans must be submitted with development applications.
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