Compare Regulations
Compare state baseline against local requirements in a single view
Loading...
Compare state baseline against local requirements in a single view
Rows with an amber indicator differ across selections.
| Field | State Texas TCEQ | Local Galveston County Galveston County Public Works Department, 722 Moody Ave., Galveston, TX 77550 (Engineering Division) |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | ||
| Permit / Authorization | Construction General Permit (TXR150000) | Galveston County Drainage / Infrastructure Permit |
| Submit To | TCEQ | Galveston County Public Works Department, 722 Moody Ave., Galveston, TX 77550 (Engineering Division) |
| Lead Time | Must file NOI and receive authorization before construction begins | 4–8 weeks for standard projects; coastal zone or floodplain projects may require additional TCEQ, GLO, or USACE review time of 60–120 days |
| Application Method | Online via TCEQ Water Quality ePay system | Submit application to Galveston County Public Works / Engineering. Applications must include drainage plan, hydrologic/hydraulic study, and erosion control plan signed and sealed by a licensed Texas PE. Projects in the coastal zone also require review under the Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP) administered by the Texas General Land Office (GLO). |
| Fee | $325 for projects disturbing < 5 acres; $525 for ≥ 5 acres | Contact agency for current fee schedule |
| Water Quality | ||
| Impervious Cover Limit | No statewide limit | No countywide blanket impervious cover cap for unincorporated areas. TCEQ and GLO Coastal Management Program may impose additional limits in the Critical Dune Area and Coastal Hazard Area. Incorporated cities enforce their own standards. |
| On-Site Treatment Required | Not specified at state level | No |
| Detention Required | Not specified at state level | Yes — Post-development peak discharge must not exceed pre-development peak discharge for the 2-, 10-, 25-, and 100-year storm events per the Galveston County Drainage Criteria Manual. Post-Hurricane Ike (2008) updates introduced elevated design standards including higher freeboard requirements and storm surge overlay considerations. In low-lying coastal areas, pump stations may be required and must be designed for the 100-year storm event. |
| Turbidity / Discharge Standard | Not specified in CGP; discharges must not cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards | No separate county numeric turbidity standard. TPDES Construction General Permit (TXR150000) effluent limits apply. Projects near Galveston Bay must also comply with TCEQ water quality standards for receiving water bodies (Galveston Bay is a nutrient-sensitive water body). |
| SWPPP | ||
| SWPPP / Local Plan Required | Yes | No local plan |
| PE Stamp Required | No | No |
| Inspections | ||
| Inspection Requirements | Every 14 days and within 24 hours of a rainfall event producing ≥ 0.5 inches | Galveston County Public Works / Engineering performs construction-phase inspections and a final acceptance inspection for permitted drainage facilities. Projects involving tidal outfalls or work in Galveston Bay are subject to concurrent inspection by USACE and TCEQ. Texas GLO may inspect projects in the coastal zone. Contractor must provide advance notice (minimum 48 hours) for county inspections. |
| Inspector Qualification | Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Inspector — no state license required but must be knowledgeable | County inspections performed by county engineering staff. As-built surveys must be sealed by a licensed Texas RPLS. A licensed coastal engineer (PE with coastal specialty) is recommended for projects in FEMA V-Zones or within 1,000 ft of mean high tide. |
| Design & Zones | ||
| Local Design Manual | N/A — state level | Galveston County Drainage Criteria Manual (Post-Ike Edition) |
| Special Overlay Zones | N/A — see local jurisdictions | FEMA Coastal High Hazard Area — V-Zone (VE), Texas Critical Dune Area and Coastal Hazard Area, Galveston Bay Estuarine System / Wetlands Buffer, Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District (HGCSD) |