Sherman, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Article 3.13 of the Sherman Code regulates stormwater discharges from construction activities in the City of Sherman, Texas, and section 3.13.005 holds the design requirements. Grading, erosion control practices, sediment control practices and waterway crossings must meet the design criteria in the most recent North Central Texas Stormwater Quality Construction Site BMP Manual and be adequate to prevent sediment leaving the site to the city's satisfaction. Clearing of natural resources such as forests and wetlands is not permitted except in compliance with all other chapters of the code, and clearing techniques must retain natural vegetation and drainage patterns. Phasing is required on every site disturbing greater than thirty acres, with each phase sized at plan review.

Sequencing is fixed: clearing, other than what is necessary to establish sediment control devices, cannot begin until all sediment control devices are installed and stabilized. Soil must be stabilized within five days of clearing or inactivity in construction, stockpiles must be stabilized or covered at the end of each workday, dust and sediment blowing must be prevented, and upland runoff must be diverted past disturbed slopes. Sediment controls take the form of settling basins, sediment traps or tanks, and perimeter controls, with adjacent properties protected by a vegetated buffer strip. Every site needs a temporary access entrance, and all temporary devices come out upon final occupancy or once permanent ground cover is established.

Paperwork depends on site size. Under section 3.13.003, land disturbance or construction of one acre or greater requires a notice of intent and an erosion control plan under TPDES construction general permit TXR 150000, with a copy of the notice filed with the city as operator of the MS4. Smaller sites file a limited pollution prevention plan with the building permit application, and a construction site pollution prevention inspection fee of $25.00 for less than one acre or $45.00 for one acre or greater is paid at that time. Section 3.13.007 adds waste rules, including a designated concrete washout pit.