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Montgomery County, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Federal Trigger
1 acre disturbed (TCEQ CGP)
Conroe Trigger
10,000 sq ft
SWPPP
Required before ground-break
Stabilization
14 days post-grading
Piney Woods Soil
Highly erodible sandy loam

Summary

Montgomery County requires erosion and sediment controls for land-disturbing activities over 1 acre under TCEQ Construction General Permit. Conroe applies stricter 10,000 sq ft threshold. Piney Woods soils are highly erodible.

City-specific rules exist: Conroe, and Shenandoah have their own erosion control rules that differ from Montgomery County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Stormwater General Permit for Construction Activities

Stormwater permit requirements for the discharge of stormwater associated with construction activities that disturb one (1) or more acres of soil.

2023 CGP TXR150000

TCEQ issued the renewal of the CGP with an effective date of March 5, 2023. Construction activities are regulated under the CGP if they discharge stormwater to any surface water in the state and disturb an acre or more of soil.

Stormwater Requirements for Construction Activities

Large construction activities which disturb 5 or more acres, or are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will disturb 5 or more acres, are regulated under this general permit.

Small construction activities which disturb at least 1 but less than 5 acres, or are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will disturb at least 1 but less than 5 acres, are also regulated under this general permit.

Construction activities that disturb less than 1 acre, and are not part of a larger common plan of development or sale that would disturb 1 or more acres, are not regulated by this general permit.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3)

The CGP requires construction site operators to develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) prior to commencing construction. A SWP3 is a document that outlines construction plans and best management practices (BMPs) to control pollutants that may be discharged in stormwater runoff.

Waivers for Small Construction Activities

Low Potential for Erosion: You may be automatically authorized under this general permit if your construction activity occurs during periods of low potential for erosion.

Low Rainfall Erosivity Waiver: You may be eligible for this waiver if your construction activity has a low potential to wash away soil, as determined using the erosivity factor.

Source: TCEQ Construction GPView official code

Full Breakdown

Land disturbance in Montgomery County triggers the TCEQ TXR150000 Construction General Permit when disturbing 1 acre or more, requiring a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Best management practices include silt fences along downgradient perimeters, rock or stabilized-stone construction entrances, inlet protection, sediment traps, and erosion control blankets on slopes over 3:1. Conroe Code Ch. 78 lowers the threshold to 10,000 sq ft for local SWPPP submittal. The Woodlands Development Standards for construction require similar controls. Montgomery County Engineer inspects subdivision sites; city inspectors handle municipal permits. Piney Woods sandy loam erodes rapidly during rainfall, uncontrolled discharge to Lake Conroe, Spring Creek, Peach Creek, or San Jacinto tributaries draws TCEQ enforcement. Stabilization required within 14 days of final grading.

Violations & Fines

Missing silt fence or BMP: stop-work order, Conroe fines $250 to $2,000/day. TCEQ sediment discharge to waters in state: civil penalties $50 to $25,000/day, criminal for willful. Unstabilized sites: daily fines until revegetated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a SWPPP for a home construction site?
Yes if disturbance exceeds 1 acre under TCEQ rules or 10,000 sq ft in Conroe. Smaller single-lot sites usually only need silt fencing per builder's best practice.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Montgomery County

All Montgomery County rules

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