Stormwater Management: Fort Worth vs North Richland Hills
How do stormwater management rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and North Richland Hills, TX?
North Richland Hills has fewer restrictions than Fort Worth.
Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth City Code Chapter 12½ (Stormwater Management) regulates discharges into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). The city holds an EPA/TCEQ MS4 permit and enforces illicit discharge detection and elimination. Sec. 12½-40 prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the storm sewer system. New development and redevelopment must comply with stormwater quality and detention requirements under the city's Stormwater Management Ordinance and the Storm Water Management Design Manual.
View full Fort Worth rules →North Richland Hills, TX
Tarrant County
North Richland Hills operates an MS4 stormwater program under TCEQ TPDES permit TXR040000, requiring construction site controls for projects disturbing 1 acre or more and prohibiting illicit discharges into the storm drain system.
View full North Richland Hills rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | North Richland Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Chapter 12½ (Stormwater Management) | - |
| Permit | EPA/TCEQ MS4 permit holder | - |
| Illicit Discharge | Prohibited under Sec. 12½-40 | - |
| Design Manual | Storm Water Management Design Manual required | iSWM Technical Manual |
| Enforcement | Code Compliance and Environmental Services | - |
| MS4 Permit | - | TPDES TXR040000 |
| Construction Trigger | - | 1 acre disturbed |
| Report Dumping | - | (817) 427-6400 |
| Storm Drain | - | Rainwater only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Worth FAQ
Can I discharge anything into Fort Worth storm drains?
No. Chapter 12½ prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the municipal storm sewer system. Only clean stormwater runoff is permitted. Illicit discharges can result in fines.
Do new developments need stormwater plans?
Yes. All new development and redevelopment projects must comply with the Storm Water Management Design Manual, including detention and water quality requirements.
North Richland Hills FAQ
Can I drain my pool into the street in North Richland Hills?
No. Chlorinated pool water must be dechlorinated before discharge and should generally go to the sanitary sewer or be allowed to evaporate. Draining to the storm drain is an illicit discharge violation.
Do I need a stormwater permit for a single-family home build?
Only if the total disturbed area on the lot or common development is 1 acre or more. Smaller individual lots typically rely on the builder's overall subdivision SWPPP.
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