Houston, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Houston Code of Ordinances Ch. 47, Art. XII
- Prohibited
- Any non-storm-water discharge into MS4
- Construction/industrial sites
- Must file NOI before construction permit
- SWQ permit duration
- Valid one year, renewable annually
- Enforcing agency
- City engineer, Houston Public Works
Summary
Houston bans discharging anything other than storm water into its municipal storm sewer system (MS4); construction and industrial sites need EPA/TCEQ permits plus city NOI filings before work begins.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person threatens to introduce, introduces or causes to be introduced into the MS4 any discharge that is not composed entirely of storm water.
Full Breakdown
Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47, Article XII makes it a criminal offense to introduce anything besides storm water into the city's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), covering everything from paint rinse water to yard chemicals. Construction sites and industrial facilities with NPDES/TPDES permits must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the city engineer or building official before pulling a construction permit, and a Notice of Termination (NOT) once work wraps up. New development and significant redevelopment also need a separate Storm Water Quality (SWQ) permit tied to an approved management plan, which the city engineer can revoke for false statements or violations.
Violations & Fines
Discharging non-storm-water into the MS4 is a criminal offense under Sec. 47-741; the city engineer can also revoke SWQ permits, require corrective action, and refer illegal discharges for civil or criminal enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car in the driveway in Houston?
Do I need a permit if my project disturbs soil?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle stormwater management.