Bellaire, TX Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Bellaire's grading and drainage regulations are critical given the city's flat terrain, clay soils, and location in the Brays Bayou watershed. The building department reviews drainage plans as part of all building permit applications for new construction, additions, and significant site modifications. Grading must direct stormwater away from building foundations and toward approved drainage points without increasing runoff onto neighboring properties or the public right-of-way above pre-development rates. Lot grading changes that redirect stormwater flows may require engineering analysis demonstrating no adverse impact on adjacent properties. The city prohibits raising lot grades in a manner that displaces floodwater onto neighboring lots. Fill material used to elevate building pads must be compensated by equivalent flood storage elsewhere on the lot in flood-prone areas. Retaining walls used for grade changes may require structural engineering review and a building permit. French drains, area drains, and other subsurface drainage systems are common solutions in Bellaire due to the flat topography and must connect to approved discharge points. The city inspects grading and drainage during construction to verify compliance with approved plans.