Tyler, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- City engineer, before earth changes
- Each Site
- Separate permit required
- Drainage Rule
- No unlawful diversion
- Runoff
- No unreasonable increase
Summary
Tyler requires a clearing and grading permit from the city engineer before any earth change, excavating, grading, filling, or clearing, on any property. Drainage cannot create a public hazard or an unlawful diversion, under UDC Sec. 10-527 and 10-528.
Unless specifically exempted in writing, a clearing grading permit must be obtained from the city engineer or designee prior to commencement of any development, excavating, grading, regrading, landfilling, berming, paving, diking, clearing and grubbing, or other earth changes made to any property within the city. A separate permit is required for each separate, non-contiguous site or lot.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: July 2026: Including amendments through July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under UDC Sec. 10-527, a clearing and grading permit must be obtained from the city engineer before any development, excavating, grading, regrading, landfilling, berming, paving, diking, or clearing and grubbing on property within Tyler; a separate permit is required for each non-contiguous site. Sec. 10-528 lets the city permit earth changes only if they create no public hazard through obstruction or sedimentation, cause no unlawful diversion under the Texas Water Code, follow the Storm Drainage Design Standards, and do not unreasonably increase surface runoff. Approval also requires tree-preservation compliance and an approved erosion control plan; the city acts within ten working days.
Violations & Fines
Earth-moving without a grading permit or redirecting drainage onto neighbors draws a stop-work order and correction. Chapter 10 UDC violations carry fines up to $2,000 per day under Tyler Code Sec. 1-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grade my lot?
My neighbor's grading floods my yard. What applies?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tyler
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