City of Amarillo
City of Amarillo Engineering Department / Development Services
CityMS4 Phase IIVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading / Site Development Permit
- Submit To
- City of Amarillo Engineering Department / Development Services
- Lead Time
- Plan review typically 2–4 weeks for standard projects
- Application Method
- Submit via City of Amarillo Development Services online portal or in person at City Hall, 601 S. Buchanan St., Amarillo, TX 79101
- Fee
- Contact agency for current fee schedule
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide impervious cover cap; drainage systems must accommodate design storm flows per Amarillo Drainage Design Criteria
- On-Site Treatment Required
- No
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Detention required to limit post-development peak flows to pre-development levels for 2-, 10-, and 100-year storms per City of Amarillo Drainage Design Criteria Manual
- Turbidity Standard
- No numeric NTU limit; discharges must comply with TCEQ TXR150000; wind erosion controls are equally important given Panhandle wind conditions
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- SWPPP per TCEQ TXR150000; drainage report required for local permit
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Drainage report prepared by a Texas PE required for projects disturbing ≥1 acre. Panhandle location produces high winds that can transport disturbed soil off-site; wind erosion BMPs (silt fences perpendicular to prevailing winds, temporary seeding) are essential. Occasional high-intensity flash floods from severe thunderstorms require robust inlet protection.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City of Amarillo Engineering Department inspects grading permits at rough grading and final stabilization. Spring thunderstorm season (April–June) requires active BMP maintenance.
- Inspector Qualification
- No city-specific certification required beyond TCEQ SWPPP requirements
Special Overlay Zones
Canadian River Watershed
Trigger: Development contributing runoff to tributaries of the Canadian River
Restriction: Enhanced water quality controls required; Canadian River is a regional water resource; coordinate with Amarillo Public Works for basin-specific criteria
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
Trigger: Development within FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain along Amarillo Creek and tributaries
Restriction: Floodplain development permit required from City of Amarillo Floodplain Administrator; no net fill without compensatory storage
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Amarillo Drainage Design Criteria Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Amarillo's location on the Southern High Plains produces a semi-arid climate with intense but infrequent thunderstorms. Wind erosion from disturbed sites is a significant challenge — the city sits in one of the windiest areas of the United States. Both water and wind erosion BMPs must be addressed in SWPPP documentation. The flat Llano Estacado terrain means drainage must travel long distances to natural channels.
Remember: These local requirements are in addition to the TCEQ state construction permit. Both must be satisfied before breaking ground.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Always verify requirements directly with City of Amarillo Engineering Department / Development Services and the agency website before beginning construction.