Stormwater Management: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do stormwater management 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 enforces comprehensive stormwater management through the UDC, SAWS, and TCEQ compliance. Projects in the Edwards Aquifer recharge or contributing zones must file an Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan (EAPP) with TCEQ and maintain a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) under Construction General Permit TXR150000. SAWS serves as the MS4 operator and conducts site inspections for erosion control compliance.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Universal City operates under a Texas MS4 stormwater permit through TCEQ, prohibiting illicit discharges to storm drains and requiring construction site BMPs for any project disturbing one acre or more.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| MS4 Operator | SAWS (San Antonio Water System) | - |
| TCEQ Permit | Construction General Permit TXR150000 | - |
| Aquifer Zones | EAPP required for recharge/contributing zone projects | - |
| Inspections | SAWS conducts quarterly stormwater basin inspections | - |
| Design Manual | Storm Water Design Criteria Manual (Jan 2016) | - |
| MS4 permit | - | TCEQ TXR040000 |
| Construction permit | - | TXR150000 at 1+ acre |
| Receiving water | - | Cibolo Creek |
| Prohibited discharges | - | Oil, paint, yard waste |
| Required plan | - | SWPPP |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
Do I need a stormwater plan for construction in San Antonio?
Yes. A SWPPP is required under TCEQ's Construction General Permit TXR150000. Projects in the Edwards Aquifer recharge or contributing zones must also file an Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan (EAPP) with TCEQ before construction begins.
Who enforces stormwater compliance in San Antonio?
SAWS is the MS4 operator and enforces erosion control and stormwater BMP compliance on all construction activity within city limits. TCEQ's San Antonio Regional Office handles Edwards Aquifer zone permits at (210) 490-3096.
Universal City FAQ
Can I wash my car in my driveway?
Residential car washing is generally allowed, but soapy runoff should be minimized and cannot be directed into storm drains in quantity.
Do I need a stormwater permit for my home addition?
Only if the total land disturbance exceeds one acre. Most home additions are below this threshold but still require sediment controls during construction.
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