Georgetown, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Sec. 080 of the Georgetown Code of Ordinances sets the construction-phase erosion and sediment control rules under the City's MS4 chapter. For sites disturbing one acre or more, state and federal rules already require an SWPPP, and Georgetown requires the developer to submit that SWPPP, satisfying EPA and TCEQ regulations and the NPDES or TPDES construction general permit, at the time subdivision construction plans, a site development application, or a building permit application is filed; no work can start until the City Engineer or a designee approves it, and copies of any Notice of Intent and Notice of Termination filed with EPA or TCEQ must also go to the City Engineer.

Where the site is at least an acre but less than an acre will actually be disturbed, the code calls instead for an erosion and sedimentation control plan. For commercial, industrial, multifamily and subdivision development under one acre, and for single-lot single-family construction, a site-specific erosion and sedimentation control plan is likewise required before a building permit or development approval issues. The plan's pollution-control measures, such as treating wash water in a sediment basin and shielding building materials and chemicals from rain, must be built and inspected during normal construction inspections.

A Certificate of Completion, Certificate of Occupancy, or City acceptance of public improvements can be withheld until the Chief Building Official confirms every temporary and permanent measure in the plan is in place. Redevelopment of a previously developed tract is exempt from needing a new plan unless it converts more than one-quarter acre from pervious to impervious surface. Special land uses such as fueling stations, vehicle washing facilities and outdoor storage of erodible materials must additionally identify best management practices from the City's Construction Specifications and Standards.