Travis County, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit Trigger
- 1 acre / 4 ft cut
- Design Storms
- 2-100 yr Atlas 14
- Karst
- Must report
- Code
- Ch. 82
Summary
Grading permits are required under Travis County Code Chapter 82 for any disturbance over 1 acre, cuts/fills over 4 feet, or any work in the Edwards Aquifer recharge or contributing zones. Drainage designs must match pre-development peak flows for 2, 10, 25, and 100-year storms using Atlas 14 rainfall data. Downstream drainage easements required for concentrated flow.
Sec. 232.0021. PLAT APPLICATION FEE. (a) The commissioners court may impose an application fee to cover the cost of the county's review of a subdivision plat and inspection of street, road, and drainage improvements described by the plat.(b) The fee may vary based on the number of proposed lots in the subdivision, the acreage described by the plat, the type or extent of proposed street and drainage improvements, or any other reasonable criteria as determined by the commissioners court.(c) The owner of the tract to be subdivided must pay the fee at the time directed by the county before the county conducts a review of the plat.
Full Breakdown
TNR Development Services reviews drainage reports before permit issuance. Detention ponds must be designed by a Texas P.E. Karst features discovered during grading (sinkholes, voids) must be reported to TCEQ and geologic assessment performed before backfill. Slope stabilization required on cuts over 4:1.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted grading: up to $1,000 per day plus restoration. Unreported karst feature: TCEQ Ch. 213 enforcement, fines up to $25,000. Drainage downstream damage: civil liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I find a sinkhole while grading?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Atlas 14 TX
Other rules in Travis County
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