Wichita Falls, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- 1+ acre commercial/multifamily, 2+ acre residential
- Standard
- Runoff capped at predevelopment rate
- Detention design storm
- 100-year storm plus 6-inch freeboard
- Administered by
- Department of Public Works
- Agreement required
- Recorded detention facilities agreement
Summary
New commercial, multifamily, or 2+ acre residential development in Wichita Falls must control stormwater runoff to predevelopment rates through on-site detention or an approved downstream assessment.
This article shall apply to all public drainage facilities; to any public or private commercial or multifamily residential development or redevelopment activity comprising a gross aggregate area of one acre or more; and to any single-family residential development comprising a gross aggregate area of two acres or more. ... The controlled release rate of stormwater runoff from development or redevelopment activities shall not exceed predevelopment conditions unless downstream facilities can be demonstrated to be sufficient to convey fully developed 100-year design storm flows from the watershed.
Full Breakdown
Wichita Falls applies its stormwater management article to any commercial or multifamily development of one acre or more and any single-family development of two acres or more. The controlled release rate of runoff from a development can't exceed predevelopment conditions unless the developer proves downstream drainage facilities can already handle fully developed 100-year storm flows. Compliance is usually met with an engineer-designed detention pond sized for the 100-year storm plus six inches of freeboard, built under a recorded detention facilities agreement with the city. Developers must also secure any required Corps of Engineers, TCEQ, FEMA, or EPA/TCEQ NPDES-TPDES permits tied to the drainage work.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant drainage plans are rejected by the Department of Public Works engineering division before permitting; general Code violations carry fines up to $2,000 per offense (up to $4,000 for solid-waste-related violations), with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every new house need a detention pond?
Can a developer avoid building on-site detention?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita Falls
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Wichita Falls to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
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