Grading & Drainage: Live Oak vs San Antonio
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Live Oak, TX and San Antonio, TX?
Live Oak has fewer restrictions than San Antonio.
Live Oak, TX
Bexar County
Live Oak requires grading permits for significant earthwork and prohibits grading that redirects stormwater onto neighboring properties, following Bexar County drainage standards.
View full Live Oak rules →San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
San Antonio's UDC requires property developers to manage all stormwater flowing through their property, including drainage from upstream development. The Storm Water Design Criteria Manual (Jan 2016) governs design standards. The Edwards Aquifer Protection Ordinance (Chapter 34, Div. 6) limits impervious cover to 15% for residential development on the Recharge Zone and prohibits impervious cover in floodplain buffer zones.
View full San Antonio rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Live Oak | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation slope | 6 inches in 10 feet minimum | - |
| Wall engineering | Required over 4 feet | - |
| Redirecting runoff | Prohibited | - |
| Easement filling | Prohibited | - |
| Design Manual | - | Storm Water Design Criteria Manual (January 2016) |
| Recharge Zone | - | 15% max impervious cover for residential |
| Buffer Zones | - | No impervious cover allowed in floodplain buffers |
| Responsibility | - | Developer must convey all stormwater through property |
| State Law | - | TX Water Code § 11.086 governs altered drainage |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Live Oak FAQ
Can I raise my yard with fill dirt?
Minor landscaping fill is allowed; larger quantities that change drainage need Public Works review.
My neighbor graded and now water floods my yard.
That may violate city ordinance and Texas drainage law; file a complaint with Code Enforcement.
San Antonio FAQ
What are the impervious cover limits over the Edwards Aquifer?
Residential development on the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone is limited to 15% gross impervious cover. Floodplain buffer zones allow no impervious cover at all. The Drainage Area Buffer Zone maximum is 10%.
Am I responsible for stormwater from neighboring properties?
Yes. Under the UDC, the developer is responsible for conveying all stormwater flowing through the property, including water from upstream development. You must account for ultimate upstream development when sizing drainage systems.
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