Houston requires erosion control measures for construction and development under Chapter 47 and the City of Houston Design Manual. Erosion control methods are required when design velocities exceed 3 feet per second. An engineered grading plan is required for more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill.
Under Houston's stormwater regulations (Chapter 47, Art. XII) and the City of Houston Design Manual Chapter 9, erosion control methods acceptable to the City are required when design velocities are expected to exceed 3 feet per second. Property owners and public agencies are responsible for not adversely impacting the community, neighbors, or City facilities in terms of flood risks, erosion, infiltration, and siltation. An engineered grading plan is required for more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill (reduced from the previous 5,000 cubic yard threshold after post-Harvey reforms). Stormwater discharges associated with construction activity including clearing, grading, excavation, and demolition are regulated under Sec. 47-601. Compliance inspections and annual SWQ permit renewal are required for the life of the site.
Erosion control violations can result in enforcement actions, stop-work orders, and fines. The site owner bears responsibility for ongoing compliance.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
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