Stormwater Management: Dallas vs Irving
How do stormwater management rules compare between Dallas, TX and Irving, TX?
Irving 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 →Irving, TX
Dallas County
Irving regulates stormwater quality through its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and the city's Stormwater Management Program. The Irving Code of Ordinances Chapter 34 (Utilities) addresses stormwater discharge prohibitions. Construction sites disturbing one or more acres must obtain a Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) permit and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SW3P).
View full Irving rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Irving |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | Irving Code Ch. 34 — Utilities |
| Permit Type | - | MS4 TPDES permit |
| Construction Threshold | - | 1+ acre requires SW3P |
| Illicit Discharge | - | Prohibited to storm drain system |
| Enforcement | - | Irving Stormwater Management |
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.
Irving FAQ
Can I wash my car and let water flow into the gutter?
Residential car washing on a pervious surface is generally acceptable. However, discharging water with significant soaps, chemicals, or pollutants to the storm drain system is prohibited under Irving's stormwater ordinance.
What is a SW3P?
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SW3P) is required for construction sites disturbing one or more acres in Texas. It outlines erosion controls, sediment barriers, and inspection schedules to prevent pollutants from entering stormwater runoff.
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