DeSoto, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirements
- Drainage plans required for major construction
- Prohibitions
- Post-development runoff cannot increase
- Iswm Regional
- iSWM regional design manual used
- Standards
- Civil law drainage rule applies
- 6" Foundation
- 6" foundation slope in first 10 feet
Summary
DeSoto requires grading and drainage plan review for new construction, major additions, and significant site modifications. Drainage plans must demonstrate that post-development runoff does not advers
Sec. 232.003. SUBDIVISION REQUIREMENTS. By an order adopted and entered in the minutes of the commissioners court, and after a notice is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, the commissioners court may:(1) require a right-of-way on a street or road that functions as a main artery in a subdivision, of a width of not less than 50 feet or more than 100 feet;(2) require a right-of-way on any other street or road in a subdivision of not less than 40 feet or more than 70 feet;(3) require that the shoulder-to-shoulder width on collectors or main arteries within the right-of-way be not less than 32 feet or more than 56 feet, and that the shoulder-to-shoulder width on any other street or road be not less than 25 feet or more than 35 feet;(4) adopt, based on the amoun
Full Breakdown
DeSoto requires grading and drainage plan review for new construction, major additions, and significant site modifications. Drainage plans must demonstrate that post-development runoff does not adversely impact adjacent properties and that lot drainage directs water away from foundations and toward approved discharge points (street gutter, approved swale, or detention facility). Texas law recognizes the 'civil law' rule for surface drainage: the upper property owner has a natural easement for flow across lower properties, but that flow cannot be artificially increased or redirected without the lower owner's consent. Regrading that diverts water onto a neighboring property can result in civil liability and code enforcement action. For larger developments, DeSoto requires detention or retention facilities sized per the iSWM (integrated Stormwater Management) design manual commonly used in the DFW region, with release rates not exceeding pre-development conditions. Foundation drainage must slope at least 6 inches in the first 10 feet away from the structure per IRC.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Desoto code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a drainage plan for a DeSoto home addition?
Can I regrade my DeSoto yard to send water to my neighbor?
What drainage standard does DeSoto follow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeSoto
Texas rules heatmap·Compare DeSoto 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.
Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle erosion control.