Environmental Rules in Tarrant County, TX (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Tarrant County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Tarrant County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Stormwater Management

Stormwater in Tarrant County is governed by TCEQ MS4 permit TXR040000 and the Construction General Permit TXR150000 for sites disturbing 1 acre or more. Illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited.

Tarrant County Stormwater Rules

Heavy Restrictions

TCEQ Construction General Permit TXR150000 (2023 CGP)

Stormwater General Permit for Construction Activities: Stormwater permit requirements for the discharge of stormwater associated with construction activities that disturb one (1) or more acres of soil. [...] TCEQ issued the renewal of the CGP with an effective date of March 5, 2023. Construction activities are regulated under the CGP if they discharge stormwater to any surface water in the stat...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Erosion Control

Erosion and sediment control in Tarrant County is required under TCEQ TXR150000 for sites 1 acre or larger, plus MS4 rules. Common BMPs include silt fence, rock check dams, and stabilized construction entrances.

Tarrant County Erosion Control

Heavy Restrictions

TCEQ Construction General Permit — SWP3 & Erosion Waivers

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3): The CGP requires construction site operators to develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) prior to commencing construction. A SWP3 is a document that outlines construction plans and best management practices (BMPs) to control pollutants that may be discharged in stormwater runoff. Small Business and Local Government Assistan...

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Coastal Development

Tarrant County is inland — no coastal jurisdiction or Texas General Land Office Open Beaches Act rules apply. Waterfront development along the Trinity River, Eagle Mountain Lake, Lake Worth, and Lake Arlington is regulated through Tarrant County's NFIP floodplain permit program and the controlling lake authority (Tarrant Regional Water District or USACE).

Tarrant County Floodplain & Waterfront Development (Inland — No Coast)

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Flood Zones

Tarrant County participates in the NFIP. Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas in unincorporated land requires a floodplain permit from the Tarrant County Floodplain Administrator, with 1 foot of freeboard typical.

Tarrant County Flood Zone Rules

Heavy Restrictions

FEMA Flood Map Service Center — About

FEMA Flood Map Service Center: Welcome! [...] About Flood Map Service Center: The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood r...

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Grading & Drainage

Grading and drainage in unincorporated Tarrant County are reviewed via subdivision platting, floodplain permits, and stormwater rules. No blanket grading permit exists, but SWPPP is required for 1+ acre disturbance.

Tarrant County Grading and Drainage

Some Restrictions

Tex. Water Code Sec. 11.086(a), (b)

Sec. 11.086. OVERFLOW CAUSED BY DIVERSION OF WATER. (a) No person may divert or impound the natural flow of surface waters in this state, or permit a diversion or impounding by him to continue, in a manner that damages the property of another by the overflow of the water diverted or impounded. (b) A person whose property is injured by an overflow of water caused by an unlawful diversion or impo...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗