Baytown, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- City Code Sec. 98-540 to 98-554
- Enforcing official
- Director of public works and engineering
- Appeal window
- 7 days to city manager
- Administrative abatement fee
- $100.00 flat
- Lien interest rate
- 10% per annum
- SWPPP/NOI threshold
- 1 acre or more disturbed
Summary
Baytown bans dumping motor oil, wash water, sewage, sediment or other pollutants into its storm sewer system under City Code Sec. 98-542. Construction sites disturbing an acre or more must file a stormwater pollution prevention plan and NOI before breaking ground, and the director can order cleanup, entry, and a $100 abatement charge for violations.
(a)Prohibition of illicit discharges.(1)No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the city's stormwater system or watercourses any materials including, but not limited to, pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than stormwater. ... (3)Exceptions. The commencement, conduct or continuance of any illicit discharge to the stormwater system is prohibited, except as described as follows: ... j.Individual residential vehicle washing;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 98-542 of the Baytown Code prohibits discharging any pollutant other than stormwater into the city's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) or watercourses, and separately bans illicit physical connections to the storm drain system. 0 mg/l chlorine, and sediment from land-disturbing activity. Narrow exceptions exist, including individual residential vehicle washing, air conditioning condensate, firefighting water, and dechlorinated pool drainage. The director of public works and engineering administers the program under Sec. 98-541 and can inspect any facility with a stormwater discharge permit and, in an emergency, suspend a violator's MS4 access without prior notice under Sec.
98-543. Construction operators disturbing one acre or more must submit a copy of their NOI to the director at the same time it goes to the EPA or TCEQ (Sec. 98-545) and secure a city stormwater permit backed by an approved SWPPP (Sec. 98-553); sites disturbing less than an acre file a limited SWP3 with the stormwater coordinator when they apply for a building permit (Sec. 98-554). Facility operators must give the director access for sampling and monitoring equipment installation (Sec. 98-546), and every landowner along a watercourse must keep it clear of trash and debris (Sec. 98-548).
Violations & Fines
The director issues a written notice of violation that can order monitoring, cessation of the discharge, remediation, and a fine (Sec. 98-549.5). The recipient has seven days to appeal to the city manager, whose decision is final. If the violation isn't corrected, the director may enter the property, perform the abatement or restoration work, and charge the owner actual cost plus a $100.00 administrative fee, secured by a lien accruing interest at ten percent per annum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car in my driveway in Baytown?
Does a small home construction project need a Baytown stormwater permit?
What happens if I'm cited for an illegal storm drain discharge in Baytown?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baytown
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle stormwater management.