Tomball, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Grading Permit
- Required for significant earthwork
- Foundation Slope
- Min 2% for first 10 feet
- Drainage Direction
- Must flow to public facilities
- Easement Obstructions
- Prohibited
- Public Works
- (281) 290-1012
Summary
Tomball requires grading and drainage plans for development projects to ensure proper site drainage and prevent water from flowing onto adjacent properties. Grading permits are required for significant earthwork. All lots must drain to public streets or approved drainage facilities rather than onto neighboring properties.
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 amoun
Full Breakdown
Tomball requires development projects to submit grading and drainage plans as part of the site development permit process. Plans must demonstrate that finished grades direct stormwater to public streets or approved drainage facilities, not onto adjacent properties. Grading permits are required for filling, excavating, or otherwise disturbing land above threshold quantities. All residential lots must maintain positive drainage away from structures with a minimum slope of 2% for the first 10 feet from the foundation. Alteration of existing drainage patterns that causes flooding on adjacent properties is prohibited. Drainage easements must be kept clear of structures, fences, and obstructions that impede water flow. The city requires professional engineering for subdivisions and commercial projects. Driveway culverts must be sized according to city standards to maintain roadside ditch flow capacity. Contact Public Works at (281) 290-1012 for grading permit requirements and drainage standards.
Violations & Fines
Grading without a permit carries fines up to $2,000 per day. Altering drainage patterns that cause flooding on neighboring properties triggers enforcement action and required remediation at the responsible party's expense. Obstructing drainage easements may result in citations and forced removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a grading permit in Tomball?
Can I redirect drainage onto my neighbor's property?
Can I build in a drainage easement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tomball
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tomball to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle erosion control.