Grading & Drainage: Keller vs North Richland Hills
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Keller, TX and North Richland Hills, TX?
Keller and North Richland Hills have similar restriction levels.
Keller, TX
Tarrant County
Keller Engineering Design Standards require positive drainage from structures and no diversion of runoff onto neighboring lots. Grading permits are required for significant earthwork and cuts or fills over 2 feet.
View full Keller rules →North Richland Hills, TX
Tarrant County
NRH requires grading permits for significant earthwork and mandates positive drainage away from all structures. Runoff cannot be diverted onto neighboring properties, and drainage swales and easements must remain unobstructed.
View full North Richland Hills rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Keller | North Richland Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Slope | 5 percent away, 10 feet | 5 percent over 10 feet |
| Cut or Fill Trigger | 50 cubic yards or steep slope | - |
| Retaining Wall | Engineered over 4 feet | - |
| Easement | No obstruction allowed | - |
| Runoff | No diversion onto neighbors | - |
| Grading Permit | - | 50 cubic yards or in easement |
| Downspout Setback | - | 5 feet from line |
| Drainage Easement | - | Cannot be obstructed |
| Wall Engineering | - | Over 4 feet requires PE |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Keller FAQ
Do I need a permit to regrade my Keller backyard?
Minor landscaping grade changes usually do not require a permit. Significant cut or fill, retaining walls, or changes to drainage easements require a grading plan reviewed by Development Services.
My neighbor raised their yard and now mine floods. What are my rights?
Texas follows modified common-law drainage rules. If a neighbor altered grade in a way that damages your property, you may have a civil claim. The city may also cite the neighbor if a platted easement is blocked.
North Richland Hills FAQ
My neighbor's new patio is flooding my yard in NRH. What can I do?
File a complaint with NRH Code Compliance at (817) 427-6650. The city can enforce drainage easement rules and positive drainage requirements, though pure cost disputes are civil matters between neighbors.
Do I need a permit to regrade my backyard?
Minor regrading (less than 50 cubic yards, outside easements, no change to drainage patterns affecting neighbors) typically does not need a permit. Larger projects or work near easements requires a grading permit.
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