Harris County, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal deadline
- 30 days after stabilization/NOT
- Civil penalty
- Up to $1,000 per day
- Correction window
- 72 hours after notice
- Enforced by
- County Engineer / County Attorney
Summary
Construction sites in unincorporated Harris County need an SWQ Permit with a site plan showing erosion control measures, and must remove temporary structural erosion controls within 30 days of final stabilization or filing a Notice of Termination.
A site operator that is required to post notice as a large or small construction site under the Texas Construction General Permit (TXR150000) shall remove all temporary structural erosion controls no later than 30 days after submittal of the NOT or after final stabilization has been achieved on all portions of the site that are the responsibility of the permittee. For large construction sites, primary and secondary operators shall have joint and several liability for compliance with this provision.
Full Breakdown
Operators seeking coverage under the Texas Construction General Permit must submit a site plan detailing erosion control measures with their NOI to the Stormwater Quality Engineer. Harris County then makes periodic unannounced inspections checking the condition and effectiveness of erosion and sediment control devices and entrance stabilization to reduce vehicle tracking. Once a large or small construction site reaches final stabilization or the operator files a Notice of Termination, all temporary structural erosion controls must be removed within 30 days. Large-site primary and secondary operators share joint and several liability for that removal; on small sites, operators and property owners share it.
Violations & Fines
County Attorney can sue for civil penalties up to $1,000 per day per violation and to enjoin the violation; each day counts separately. Uncorrected inspection deficiencies (72-hour correction window) trigger a reinspection fee on top of any penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for erosion control on a Harris County construction site?
How long can silt fence and other temporary erosion controls stay up after construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.