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Temple, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
City Code Chapter 27, Stormwater
Core prohibition
No non-stormwater discharge into MS4
First-offense fine
$250 minimum
Max fine per violation
$2,000 criminal / $5,000 civil per day
Construction sites
TCEQ permit + BMPs required

Summary

Temple prohibits discharging anything but stormwater into the city's storm drain system, with fines up to $2,000 per violation for repeat offenses.

A person commits an offense if they discharge or causes to be discharged any water that does not consist entirely of stormwater into a MS4, waters of the United States, or state waters.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Reformat).

Full Breakdown

City Code Chapter 27 makes it an offense to discharge or cause the discharge of any water that isn't entirely stormwater into Temple's MS4 (storm drain system), waters of the U.S., or state waters. A narrow list of affirmative defenses covers things like landscape irrigation runoff and dechlorinated pool water. Construction sites over the state size thresholds must also implement TCEQ-permitted erosion and sediment BMPs before work starts, and file SWP3s, NOIs, and NOTs with the City.

Violations & Fines

Class C misdemeanor: $250 first offense, $500 second, $1,000 third and beyond, capped at $2,000 per violation; each day of noncompliance is a separate offense. City can also seek civil penalties up to $5,000/day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my car in Temple and let the water run into the street?
Individual residential vehicle washing is a listed affirmative defense, so routine driveway car washing is allowed unless it's found to carry significant pollutants.
What happens if a construction site lets sediment run into a storm drain?
It's an offense under Sec. 27-9 to let sediment or other pollutants enter the City's MS4, on top of any TCEQ permit violation, and can trigger fines and administrative enforcement.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Temple

Building Safety: Building PermitsSignificant RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Artificial TurfFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail LicenseSome Restrictions

All Temple rules

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