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Dallas County, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit
TPDES TXR150000 (1+ acre)
SW3P
Required for qualifying sites
Authority
TCEQ with county coordination
Controls
Silt fences, sediment basins

Summary

TCEQ TPDES construction general permit TXR150000 requires erosion controls for sites disturbing 1+ acre. Dallas County SWMP covers construction site runoff control. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SW3P) required for qualifying projects.

City-specific rules exist: Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Garland, Carrollton, Richardson, Grand Prairie, Irving, and Dallas have their own erosion control rules that differ from Dallas County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

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 state and disturb an acre or more of soil. Large construction activities which disturb 5 or more acres, or are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will disturb 5 or more acres, are regulated under this general permit. Small construction activities which disturb at least 1 but less than 5 acres, or are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will disturb at least 1 but less than 5 acres, are also regulated under this general permit. Construction activities that disturb less than 1 acre, and are not part of a larger common plan of development or sale that would disturb 1 or more acres, are not regulated by this general permit. 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. Waivers for Small Construction Activities: Low Potential for Erosion — You may be automatically authorized under this general permit if your construction activity occurs during periods of low potential for erosion. Low Rainfall Erosivity Waiver — You may be eligible for this waiver if your construction activity has a low potential to wash away soil, as determined using the erosivity factor.

Source: TCEQ Construction StormwaterView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Erosion control in unincorporated Dallas County is governed by the TCEQ TPDES Construction General Permit (TXR150000), which requires erosion and sediment controls for construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more. Operators must develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SW3P) with best management practices including silt fences, erosion blankets, and sediment basins. Dallas County's SWMP includes construction site runoff control as a minimum control measure. The county coordinates with TCEQ on construction stormwater compliance.

Violations & Fines

TCEQ enforcement: administrative penalties up to $25,000/day for TPDES violations. Stop work orders for non-compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need erosion controls for construction in unincorporated Dallas County?
If disturbing one acre or more, yes: you need a TPDES construction general permit with a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan including erosion and sediment controls.
Who enforces erosion control in Dallas County?
TCEQ has primary enforcement authority. Dallas County monitors compliance through its MS4 stormwater program administered by Public Works.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dallas County

All Dallas County rules

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