San Antonio, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Design Manual
- Storm Water Design Criteria Manual (January 2016)
- Recharge Zone
- 15% max impervious cover for residential
- Buffer Zones
- No impervious cover allowed in floodplain buffers
- Responsibility
- Developer must convey all stormwater through property
- State Law
- TX Water Code § 11.086 governs altered drainage
Summary
San Antonio's UDC requires property developers to manage all stormwater flowing through their property, including drainage from upstream development. The Storm Water Design Criteria Manual (Jan 2016) governs design standards. The Edwards Aquifer Protection Ordinance (Chapter 34, Div. 6) limits impervious cover to 15% for residential development on the Recharge Zone and prohibits impervious cover in floodplain buffer zones.
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 o
Full Breakdown
San Antonio regulates grading and drainage through building and engineering codes. Site grading must direct drainage away from structures and not adversely affect neighboring properties. Drainage swales, French drains, and catch basins may be required. Retaining walls over 4 feet need engineering and separate permits. Compaction testing required for structural fill. Final grade must match approved plans. Property owners responsible for maintaining drainage facilities on their land.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the impervious cover limits over the Edwards Aquifer?
Am I responsible for stormwater from neighboring properties?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle erosion control.