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Brownsville, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Permit
TPDES MS4; Ord. No. 2013-1576
Exemption threshold
Under one acre disturbed
Performance bond
Construction cost plus twenty-five percent
Maintenance
Covenant recorded with County Clerk
Inspections
Annual minimum for each facility

Summary

Brownsville runs a TPDES-permitted municipal storm sewer system with a broad illicit discharge article, and requires engineer-signed stormwater management plans, maintenance easements and recorded covenants for subdivision and site plan development.

No land owner or developer will receive a building, grading or other land development permit required for any land disturbance activity without first meeting these stormwater management requirements prior to commencing the proposed activity.

Source: Brownsville Code of Ordinances & Unified Development CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 46, Article V bars any discharge that would cause the city to violate its TPDES permit, then lists prohibited discharges covering used oil and vehicle fluids, household hazardous waste, fueling and vehicle wash areas, grease traps, chlorinated water, pesticides and fertilizers, ready mix concrete truck washing, and yard waste in gutters. Article 5.6 of the development code adds design criteria, low impact development, and a permit condition: no building, grading or land development permit issues until stormwater requirements are met. The city may require a performance bond of construction cost plus twenty-five percent.

Violations & Fines

Each day and each section is a separate offense under section 46-293, and no culpable mental state is required. Fines follow section 1-13, and the city attorney may seek an injunction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sweep grass clippings into the street gutter?
No. Section 46-278 bars placing or dropping brush cuttings, grass clippings or rubbish in inlets, curbs, gutters or drain ditches where water can wash them into the storm sewer.
Who maintains a detention pond after construction?
The property owner, under a maintenance covenant approved by the city and recorded with the County Clerk. Facilities get at least an annual inspection for silt, litter and vegetation.
Does the city inspect my stormwater facility?
Yes. A recorded maintenance easement gives the city access at reasonable times, and it binds every later owner of the property automatically.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Brownsville

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsCoastal DevelopmentFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingFew RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Brownsville rules

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