Austin City Code Title 25 and the Drainage Criteria Manual regulate all grading and drainage activities. A grading permit is required for any land-disturbing activity exceeding specific thresholds. The city requires drainage plans showing pre- and post-development runoff calculations and mandates that development not increase flooding on adjacent properties. Cut and fill operations must comply with geotechnical requirements especially in the Balcones Fault Zone.
Austin's grading and drainage ordinance regulates earth-moving activities to prevent flooding, erosion, and drainage conflicts. Grading permits are required when: filling or excavating more than 50 cubic yards of earth, altering natural drainage patterns, creating slopes steeper than 2:1, or grading within setbacks or easements. Permitted projects must maintain positive drainage away from structures and ensure stormwater does not concentrate onto neighboring properties. Swales, French drains, or storm drains may be required. Lot-to-lot drainage disputes are a common enforcement issue — property owners who redirect stormwater onto neighbors face corrective orders. Final grading must establish positive drainage with a minimum 2% slope away from foundations for at least 10 feet. Texas's humid subtropical to semi-arid climate and drought and conservation issues affect drainage design standards.
Unpermitted grading: $250–$1,000 fine plus restoration order. Directing stormwater onto neighbors: $100–$500 fine and mandatory correction. Fill over utilities or easements: immediate removal order.
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