Grading & Drainage: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do grading & drainage rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
Universal City has fewer restrictions than San Antonio.
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 →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Universal City requires grading permits for projects moving over 50 cubic yards of soil and mandates drainage plans that preserve sheet flow and avoid concentrating runoff onto neighbors.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Permit threshold | - | 50 cubic yards |
| Code basis | - | IBC Appendix J |
| Foundation slope | - | 5 percent for 10 feet |
| Retaining wall threshold | - | 4 feet |
| Neighbor discharge | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Universal City FAQ
Do I need a permit to regrade my yard?
Minor landscaping is exempt, but moving more than 50 cubic yards of soil or changing drainage flow requires a grading permit.
Can water from my roof drain onto my neighbors yard?
No. Texas common law and city drainage rules prohibit concentrating runoff onto neighboring properties. Use downspout extensions or swales.
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