Bexar County, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary Permit
- TXR150000
- Stabilization Deadline
- 14 days after grading stops
- Inspection Trigger
- Half-inch rainfall on recharge zone
- Key BMPs
- Silt fence, inlet protection, stone entrance
- County Role
- Plat and drainage review
Summary
Bexar County erosion control follows TCEQ TPDES Construction Permit TXR150000, county drainage rules, and Edwards Aquifer BMP standards. Active sites need silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized entrances, and seeding.
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. [...] 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. [...] 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 Assistance (SBLGA) has developed templates to help you develop your SWP3. 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.
Full Breakdown
Operators of any construction site in Bexar County disturbing one acre or more must comply with the TCEQ TPDES Construction General Permit, which mandates an erosion and sediment control plan as part of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Standard BMPs include perimeter silt fence along downslope property lines, storm drain inlet protection, stabilized construction entrance pads of crushed stone, sediment basins on sites with 10 or more acres disturbed, and progressive seeding or mulching of disturbed areas within 14 days of completing grading in that portion of the site.
Bexar County Public Works enforces county drainage and flood damage prevention regulations on plat and permit approvals and can require additional BMPs where runoff threatens downstream roads, bridges, or properties. Sites within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone are subject to heightened TCEQ requirements: BMPs must be selected from the TCEQ Complying with the Edwards Aquifer Rules Technical Guidance, temporary sediment controls must be installed before clearing begins, and site inspections are required after each half-inch rainfall event. Hillside development in northwestern Bexar County near Government Canyon and the Scenic Loop area is particularly sensitive because steep slopes combined with shallow soils over karst geology accelerate erosion.
Violations & Fines
Failure to install and maintain erosion BMPs can trigger TCEQ enforcement up to 25,000 dollars per day plus corrective orders. Bexar County can hold plat or permit approvals and pursue injunctive relief where erosion damages county infrastructure. Downstream property owners can also bring private nuisance suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What erosion controls are required on my Bexar County site?
Are erosion rules stricter on the Edwards Recharge Zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
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