Austin City Code Title 6, Chapter 6-7 (Drainage) and the Environmental Criteria Manual require stormwater management for all development. The Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance imposes the strictest water quality controls in the Barton Springs Zone. Green Stormwater Infrastructure (rain gardens, biofiltration, rainwater harvesting) is now required as the primary water quality treatment method for most site plan and subdivision development citywide.
Austin's stormwater management ordinance requires new construction and significant property modifications in city limits to manage stormwater runoff on-site. Development must not increase the volume or rate of runoff leaving the property beyond pre-development levels. Grading, filling, and paving that alter natural drainage patterns require drainage plans reviewed by the public works department. Residents may not redirect stormwater onto neighboring properties, into roadway ditches beyond capacity, or into sanitary sewers. Best management practices (BMPs) including rain gardens, permeable pavement, and retention basins may be required. The humid subtropical to semi-arid climate and drought and conservation patterns influence local stormwater management requirements.
Unauthorized drainage alterations receive correction notices with 30-60 day deadlines. Non-compliance fines range from $200–$2,000 per day. Development projects face stop-work orders for stormwater violations.
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See how Austin's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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