Austin City Code Title 25 and the Environmental Criteria Manual Section 1.6 require erosion and sedimentation controls for all land-disturbing activities. In March 2025 the City Council approved strengthened erosion protections along the Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam. Developers must submit Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plans and install Best Management Practices (BMPs) before grading begins. Inspections are required during active construction.
Austin's erosion and sediment control ordinance requires developers and property owners to prevent soil erosion and sediment runoff during construction and grading activities. Projects disturbing more than 5,000 square feet of soil require an erosion control plan approved by the city engineer. Required measures include silt fencing, sediment basins, construction entrances with rock tracking pads, slope stabilization, and temporary seeding of exposed soil. Plans must address stormwater management during all phases of construction. Permanent stabilization (vegetation, hardscape) must be established within 14 days of final grading. Federal NPDES permits apply to sites over 1 acre. Texas's drought and conservation context and humid subtropical to semi-arid climate affect erosion risk and seasonal requirements.
Missing or inadequate erosion controls: $250–$2,500 per day. Sediment discharge to waterways: $5,000–$25,000 per occurrence plus state/federal penalties. Stop-work orders until controls are installed.
Austin, TX
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Austin, TX
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See how Austin's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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