Houston Code Chapter 47, Art. XII regulates stormwater discharges. New development on parcels of one acre or larger and significant redevelopments (adding 0.2+ acres of impervious surface) must obtain a Stormwater Quality (SWQ) permit. Houston's Design Manual Chapter 9 sets detailed stormwater design requirements.
Under Houston Code Chapter 47, Art. XII, Sec. 47-601, stormwater discharges associated with construction activity (clearing, grading, excavation, demolition) are regulated. New development on undeveloped parcels of one acre or larger requires a SWQ permit as part of the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES). Significant redevelopment is defined as increasing impervious surface by 0.2 acres or more on a developed parcel of one acre or larger. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be included in approved construction plans. The SWQ permit is for the life of the site and must be renewed annually. The City of Houston Design Manual Chapter 9 sets stormwater design requirements including detention. Lots 15,000 sq ft or smaller with impervious cover at or below 65% are exempt from detention. An engineered grading plan is required for more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill.
Non-compliance with SWQ permit requirements can result in enforcement actions, fines, and stop-work orders. The site owner is responsible for compliance inspections per the SWQMP.
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