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Universal City, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

MS4 permit
TCEQ TXR040000
Construction permit
TXR150000 at 1+ acre
Receiving water
Cibolo Creek
Prohibited discharges
Oil, paint, yard waste
Required plan
SWPPP

Summary

Universal City operates under a Texas MS4 stormwater permit through TCEQ, prohibiting illicit discharges to storm drains and requiring construction site BMPs for any project disturbing one acre or more.

Stormwater permit requirements for the discharge of stormwater associated with construction activities that disturb one (1) or more acres of soil. Under Which Stormwater Permit Are You Regulated? Industrial Multi-Sector General Permit (TXR050000); Construction General Permit (TXR150000); Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit (TXR040000). The TCEQ has begun the process for the renewal of the TPDES Stormwater Construction General Permit, TXR150000, which expires on March 5, 2028. The amendment to the MSGP was required to implement the following legislative requirements: prohibit quarries located within water quality protection areas in the Coke Stevenson Scenic Riverway from obtaining stormwater coverage under this general permit (House Bill (HB) 1688 from the 88th Regular Legislative Session), and expand the applicability for non-exempt oil and gas activities (HB 2771 from the 86th Regular Legislative Session).

Source: TCEQ Stormwater ProgramView official code

Full Breakdown

Universal City is a regulated Small MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's TPDES general permit TXR040000. The city enforces an illicit discharge ordinance that prohibits dumping oil, paint, yard waste, pet waste, soapy car wash water, and other pollutants into storm drains or drainage ditches leading to Cibolo Creek and the San Antonio River watershed. Construction projects disturbing one or more acres must file a Notice of Intent under the TCEQ TXR150000 construction general permit, develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and install best management practices such as silt fence, inlet protection, and stabilized construction exits. Post-construction stormwater controls are required for new developments to manage runoff volume and water quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my car in my driveway?
Residential car washing is generally allowed, but soapy runoff should be minimized and cannot be directed into storm drains in quantity.
Do I need a stormwater permit for my home addition?
Only if the total land disturbance exceeds one acre. Most home additions are below this threshold but still require sediment controls during construction.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Universal City

All Universal City rules

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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities

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