Arlington regulates grading and drainage through its building code and Unified Development Code (UDC). All grading must ensure proper drainage and cannot adversely affect neighboring properties. Arlington's expansive clay soils make drainage design particularly important.
Grading permits are required for significant earthwork. The UDC requires drainage plans for development projects. Arlington's expansive Blackland Prairie clay soils create unique challenges — they swell when wet and shrink when dry, affecting foundations and drainage. Development must comply with iSWM criteria. On-site detention is typically required for new development to prevent increased downstream flooding. Fill placed in floodplains requires compensating storage.
Grading without permits results in stop-work orders. Diverting drainage onto neighbors triggers enforcement and civil liability. Non-compliant drainage delays occupancy permits.
Arlington, TX
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Arlington, TX
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Arlington, TX
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tarrant County.
See how other cities in Tarrant County handle grading & drainage.
See how Arlington's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
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