Texas
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Quick Summary
For most Texas projects disturbing 1 acre or more, you need a TPDES Construction General Permit (TXR150000) and a SWPPP. No state-specific inspector certification is required. Projects near the Edwards Aquifer may face additional restrictions.
Construction Permit
Permit Document ↗- Permit Name
- Construction General Permit (TXR150000)
- Threshold
- ≥ 1 acre of land disturbance (or < 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development)
- NOI Lead Time
- Must file NOI and receive authorization before construction begins
- Application Method
- Online via TCEQ Water Quality ePay system
- Fee
- $325 for projects disturbing < 5 acres; $525 for ≥ 5 acres
- Permit Expires
- March 5, 2028
SWPPP Requirements
Permit Document ↗- SWPPP Required
- Yes
- PE Cert Required
- No
- Template Available
- Yes
Inspection Requirements
Permit Document ↗- Frequency
- Every 14 days and within 24 hours of a rainfall event producing ≥ 0.5 inches
- Rain Trigger
- Within 24 hours of a rainfall event producing ≥ 0.5 inches
- Inspector Qualification
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Inspector — no state license required but must be knowledgeable
- Accepted Certifications
- No state-specific cert required; inspector must be 'knowledgeable' in permit requirements and BMP implementation; CPESC, CESSWI accepted but not mandated by TCEQ
Discharge Standards
Permit Document ↗- Turbidity Limit
- Not specified in CGP; discharges must not cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards
Post-Construction
TCEQ ↗- Required
- Yes
Impaired Waterbody / TMDL Requirements
Standard ProvisionsTexas TPDES Construction General Permit (TXR150000) has standard provisions. No specific permit conditions are systematically triggered by proximity to 303(d)-listed impaired waters in the general permit, though TCEQ may impose individual site-specific conditions for certain sensitive receiving waters. Projects near the Galveston Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, or San Antonio-Guadalupe Estuary watersheds should consult TCEQ for any applicable special conditions.
Program Contact
Contact Page ↗- Phone
- (512) 239-4671
- SWGP@tceq.texas.gov
State-Specific Notes
Texas operates one of the most active stormwater construction permit programs in the country. Projects near impaired water bodies or Edwards Aquifer zones may have additional requirements.
Local Jurisdictions
Additional city and county requirements beyond the state permit
City of Austin
City
Submit to: City of Austin Watershed Protection Department (WPD)
Detention: Required
Impervious limit: Varies by watershed: 15% in Barton Springs Zone (B…
City of Houston / Harris County
City
Submit to: Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) for drainage design
Detention: Required
Impervious limit: No citywide impervious cover cap (Houston has no t…
City of Dallas
City
Submit to: City of Dallas Department of Sustainable Development and Construction (SDC), Engineering Division
Detention: Required
Impervious limit: No citywide impervious cover cap; water quality co…