Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Brownsville

Brownsville, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Adopted code
Standard Excavation and Grading Code, 1975
Enforcers
City engineer and building official
Culvert duty
Owner pays; city engineer specifies
Continuing violation
Each ten days a separate offense
Design manuals
City drainage reports and criteria

Summary

Excavation and grading in Brownsville run under a model code adopted by reference in its 1975 edition, enforced by the city engineer and building official. Owners on unpaved streets install driveway culverts at their own cost.

The Standard Excavation and Grading Code, 1975 Edition, published by the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc., is adopted by the city commission for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations governing excavations and grading and excavation and grading activities within the corporate limits.

Source: Brownsville Code of Ordinances & Unified Development CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 18, Article X adopts the Standard Excavation and Grading Code, 1975 Edition, published by Southern Building Code Congress International, as controlling within the corporate limits; the reference copy sits in the city secretary's permanent files. Section 86-98 makes owners abutting unpaved streets install an adequate culvert, pipe or tile drain under any driveway crossing, on the grade the city engineer furnishes and under his supervision. Drainage design follows the city's Minimum Requirements for Drainage Reports and Plans and its Criteria for Design of Drainage Improvements and Subdivision.

Violations & Fines

Grading violations are misdemeanors under section 18-718, with each ten days a prohibited condition stands counting as a separate offense. Noncompliant driveway crossings must be removed or corrected after ten days' written notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I read Brownsville's grading standards?
The city adopted the 1975 Standard Excavation and Grading Code by reference rather than reprinting it in the code. A copy is kept in the city secretary's permanent files.
Who pays for the culvert under my driveway?
The abutting property owner, at their own cost and expense. The city engineer furnishes specifications on request, supervises the work, and can order it replaced if it falls short.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Brownsville

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsCoastal DevelopmentFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingFew RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Brownsville rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Brownsville to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview

Get notified when Erosion Control in Brownsville, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.