Lubbock, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Manual
- Drainage Criteria
- FFE
- 12 in above curb
- Playa FFE
- 1 ft above 100-yr
- Wall Trigger
- Over 4 ft engineered
- Nuisance
- Enforced
Summary
Lubbock requires grading plans for subdivisions and any site work over 5,000 sf of disturbance. Residential lots must positively drain to approved outfalls; ponding within 10 ft of foundations is prohibited.
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 mor
Full Breakdown
The Lubbock Drainage Criteria Manual (Appendix A of the Development Code) sets grading standards. Subdivisions must capture and convey the 100-year storm to an approved outfall, typically a playa lake basin or Canyon Lakes tributary. Finished floor elevations must sit at least 12 inches above the top of curb and at least 1 foot above the 100-year water surface elevation of any adjacent playa. Builders may not redirect drainage onto neighboring lots without an easement. Homeowner grading changes that cause nuisance flooding on adjacent property violate Chapter 24.5 and are enforced by Stormwater staff. Retaining walls over 4 ft require engineered design and permit.
Violations & Fines
Adverse drainage onto neighbor: civil citation plus required regrading.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor regraded and now water pools in my yard. What can I do?
Do I need a permit to change my backyard slope?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lubbock
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