City of Denton
City of Denton — Development Services Department, Engineering Division
CityMS4 Phase IIVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Land Disturbance Permit (LDP)
- Submit To
- City of Denton — Development Services Department, Engineering Division
- Lead Time
- 10–15 business days for standard review; concurrent review available
- Application Method
- Submit via Denton's online permitting portal (EnerGov/Tyler Technologies) or in person at 401 N. Elm St., Denton, TX 76201; requires drainage study, grading plan, and ESC plan
- Fee
- Contact agency for current fee schedule; fees based on acreage disturbed
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No city-wide impervious cover percentage cap; post-construction water quality controls required for sites disturbing ≥1 acre per TCEQ CGP; additional local WQ requirements may apply in sensitive watersheds
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Post-development peak discharge must not exceed pre-development rates for 2-, 10-, and 100-year storm events per Denton Drainage Criteria Manual; volume-based detention may be required in priority watersheds
- Turbidity Standard
- Comply with TCEQ TXR150000 construction effluent limits; post-construction controls per Denton MS4 Phase II permit requirements
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- SWPPP per TCEQ TXR150000; Denton requires local ESC plan as part of Land Disturbance Permit
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Denton requires an Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan prepared and stamped by a licensed Texas PE as part of the Land Disturbance Permit application. The SWPPP must be kept on site during construction. Denton's Development Services reviews ESC plans for compliance with local criteria before permit issuance.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- Denton Development Services Engineering conducts erosion control and drainage inspections. Inspections typically required at rough grading, after major storm events, and prior to permit closeout. Permit holder must correct deficiencies within a specified timeframe.
- Inspector Qualification
- TCEQ-qualified inspector required per CGP; Denton may require documentation of inspector qualifications
Special Overlay Zones
Denton Creek Watershed
Trigger: Any land disturbance within the Denton Creek contributing drainage area
Restriction: Enhanced post-construction stormwater quality controls required; coordinate with City of Denton and potentially USACE for wetland/waterway impacts
Pecan Creek Watershed
Trigger: Development within the Pecan Creek drainage basin (flows through central Denton)
Restriction: Heightened erosion control and water quality BMP requirements; Pecan Creek has a history of flooding and water quality issues
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
Trigger: Development within the mapped 100-year floodplain
Restriction: Floodplain development permit required from City of Denton Floodplain Administrator; compensatory storage required for fill; lowest floor elevation requirements apply
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Denton Drainage Criteria Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Denton is a rapidly growing city in the DFW metroplex with a Phase II MS4 permit. The University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University campuses may have separate institutional stormwater plans. Projects in the ETJ should verify applicable jurisdiction — Denton County (unincorporated) standards may apply in the ETJ.
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 Denton — Development Services Department, Engineering Division and the agency website before beginning construction.