City of Arlington
City of Arlington — Public Works / Development Services Engineering Division
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading and Drainage Permit
- Submit To
- City of Arlington — Public Works / Development Services Engineering Division
- Lead Time
- 10–20 business days; larger projects may require additional review time
- Application Method
- Submit via City of Arlington Development Services online portal or in person at 101 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010; drainage study and grading plan required
- Fee
- Contact agency for current fee schedule; fees based on disturbed area and project valuation
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No city-wide percentage cap on impervious cover; post-construction stormwater quality controls required for sites disturbing ≥1 acre or adding ≥5,000 sq ft of impervious cover
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Post-development peak flows must be attenuated to pre-development levels for the 2-, 10-, and 100-year storm events per Arlington Drainage Criteria Manual; on-site detention facilities must be designed by a licensed Texas PE
- Turbidity Standard
- Comply with TCEQ TXR150000 effluent limits during construction; post-construction water quality controls per Arlington's MS4 Phase I NPDES permit requirements
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- SWPPP per TCEQ TXR150000; Arlington may require supplemental ESC plan
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Arlington's Phase I MS4 status means the city has enhanced post-construction stormwater quality requirements. A SWPPP must be on site during all construction activity. The city's Engineering Division may require a separate Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan as part of the grading permit submittal. PE stamp required on drainage study and ESC plan.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City of Arlington inspectors conduct grading, drainage, and erosion control inspections throughout construction. Pre-construction meeting with city inspector may be required for large projects. Final drainage inspection required before certificate of occupancy.
- Inspector Qualification
- TCEQ-qualified inspector required on site per CGP; city may require evidence of inspector credentials
Special Overlay Zones
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
Trigger: Any development within the 100-year floodplain
Restriction: Floodplain development permit required from City of Arlington Floodplain Administrator; no net fill without compensatory storage; finished floor elevation requirements apply
Lake Arlington Watershed
Trigger: Development in the Lake Arlington contributing watershed
Restriction: Lake Arlington serves as a drinking water supply; projects may face additional water quality review and may require coordination with TRWD
Village Creek Watershed
Trigger: Development within Village Creek drainage basin
Restriction: Enhanced stormwater quality controls may be required; coordinate with Arlington Public Works for basin-specific criteria
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Arlington Drainage Criteria Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Arlington is a Phase I MS4 as a large urbanized city. Post-construction BMPs must be documented in a maintenance agreement recorded with the county. Projects in the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport vicinity should also coordinate with DFW Airport drainage standards.
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 Arlington — Public Works / Development Services Engineering Division and the agency website before beginning construction.