North Richland Hills, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Grading Permit
- 50 cubic yards or in easement
- Foundation Slope
- 5 percent over 10 feet
- Downspout Setback
- 5 feet from line
- Drainage Easement
- Cannot be obstructed
- Wall Engineering
- Over 4 feet requires PE
Summary
NRH requires grading permits for significant earthwork and mandates positive drainage away from all structures. Runoff cannot be diverted onto neighboring properties, and drainage swales and easements must remain unobstructed.
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
Full Breakdown
Grading and drainage in NRH are regulated through the Subdivision Regulations, Building Code (adopted from the International Residential Code and International Building Code), and Chapter 102 floodplain ordinance. Any project moving more than 50 cubic yards of earth, or any grading within a drainage easement, flood zone, or within 20 feet of a property line requires a grading permit from Public Works. New construction must provide positive drainage with a minimum 5 percent slope for 10 feet from foundation walls, or equivalent engineered drainage. Downspouts and sump pump discharges must terminate at least 5 feet from property lines and cannot be directed at neighboring buildings or into neighbor yards.
Texas common law of surface waters generally follows the reasonable use rule, meaning property owners cannot unreasonably increase runoff onto neighbors. Filling or obstructing drainage swales and easements is prohibited. Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineered plans. Sheet flow across lots must be preserved unless redirected through engineered systems. Post-construction drainage inspections verify compliance before final occupancy. Repeated drainage complaints may trigger enforcement and required remediation.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted grading is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to 2,000 dollars per day. Drainage diverting onto neighbors may create civil liability plus city enforcement orders to restore original drainage.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor's new patio is flooding my yard in NRH. What can I do?
Do I need a permit to regrade my backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Richland Hills
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle erosion control.