City of El Paso
City of El Paso Development Services Department (DSD)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading / Land Disturbance Permit
- Submit To
- City of El Paso Development Services Department (DSD)
- Lead Time
- Plan review typically 2–4 weeks; permit issued before grading begins
- Application Method
- Online via El Paso permitting portal (elpasotexas.gov) or in-person at DSD
- Fee
- Based on disturbed area and project valuation; contact DSD for current schedule
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide impervious cover cap; drainage infrastructure must convey design storm flows
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- 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 El Paso Stormwater Management and Design Manual
- Turbidity Standard
- No numeric NTU limit in local ordinance; discharges must comply with TCEQ TXR150000 and not violate Rio Grande water quality standards
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) — aligned with TCEQ TXR150000; local ESC plan as part of grading permit
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Drainage report stamped by a Texas PE required for projects disturbing ≥ 1 acre. El Paso's arid climate produces intense short-duration storms; BMPs must account for high sediment loads from desert soils. City may require enhanced inlet protection given wind-blown sediment.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City of El Paso DSD inspects grading permits independently of TCEQ. Inspections required at key milestones: rough grading, drainage structure installation, final stabilization. Complaint-driven inspections also conducted.
- Inspector Qualification
- No city-specific certification beyond TCEQ requirements; contractor responsible for SWPPP implementation
Special Overlay Zones
Rio Grande Floodplain (FEMA AE/AO Zones)
Trigger: Development within FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain along Rio Grande and tributaries
Restriction: FEMA floodplain development permit required; finished floor elevations must meet BFE requirements; LOMA/LOMR may be required
Desert Arroyo / Wash Corridors
Trigger: Development adjacent to or crossing ephemeral desert washes and arroyos
Restriction: Setbacks required; culvert crossings must be sized for 100-year flow; erosion protection of channel banks required
International Border Zone
Trigger: Projects within International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) jurisdiction near Rio Grande
Restriction: IBWC coordination may be required for projects affecting Rio Grande floodway; no discharge that increases flood risk to Mexico
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- El Paso Stormwater Management and Design Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
El Paso's arid climate (≈8 in/year rainfall) produces intense monsoonal thunderstorms July–September capable of generating significant flash flooding. BMPs must address wind erosion as well as water erosion. The Franklin Mountains create rapid runoff concentration. Projects near the Rio Grande require coordination with IBWC and may have additional federal requirements.
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 El Paso Development Services Department (DSD) and the agency website before beginning construction.