City of Fort Worth
City of Fort Worth Development Services, Stormwater Management Division
CityMS4 Phase IIVerified 2025-01
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- City of Fort Worth Grading Permit + Stormwater Management Plan Approval
- Submit To
- City of Fort Worth Development Services, Stormwater Management Division
- Lead Time
- Plan review: 2–4 weeks standard; Trinity River / Clearfork projects may take longer due to USACE coordination
- Application Method
- Online via ForTWorks development portal; paper submittals accepted at Development Services offices
- Fee
- Grading permit fee based on project size; fee schedule at FortWorthTexas.gov/Development
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide impervious cover cap; water quality controls required per Fort Worth Stormwater Management Design Standards Manual
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Detention required for net increase in peak runoff; must attenuate to pre-development 100-year storm rates; Fort Worth Design Standards require engineered detention for developments over 1 acre of new impervious cover
- Turbidity Standard
- No local numeric NTU limit; TCEQ TXR150000 narrative standard applies; ESC plan required with grading permit
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- SWPPP per TCEQ + Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) required for local permit
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Drainage and stormwater management plans must be prepared and sealed by a Texas-licensed PE. Fort Worth requires a Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) as part of the grading permit package. Projects near the Trinity River or Clearfork must coordinate with the USACE and may require Section 404 permits.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City of Fort Worth Development Services conducts grading and drainage inspections. Final inspection required before Certificate of Occupancy. Projects near Trinity River may be inspected by USACE.
- Inspector Qualification
- No additional local certification beyond TCEQ requirements; PE-of-record responsible for compliance
Special Overlay Zones
Trinity River / Clearfork Corridor
Trigger: Within FEMA floodplain of the Trinity River, West Fork, or Clear Fork of the Trinity River
Restriction: USACE Section 404/10 permit may be required; Fort Worth floodplain development permit required; levee setbacks enforced where applicable; Trinity River Vision Authority coordinates major projects
FEMA Floodplain / Floodway
Trigger: Within FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain (Zone AE) or floodway
Restriction: No fill in floodway; compensatory storage required in flood zone; City floodplain development permit required
Eagle Mountain Lake / Benbrook Lake Watershed
Trigger: Properties draining to Eagle Mountain Lake or Benbrook Lake (Tarrant County reservoirs)
Restriction: Additional water quality protections may apply near public water supply reservoirs; coordinate with TRWD (Tarrant Regional Water District)
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Fort Worth Stormwater Management Design Standards Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Fort Worth's stormwater program is primarily driven by Trinity River watershed requirements and the city's rapid growth on its western and northern edges. The Trinity River Vision Authority (TRWD) is a major stakeholder for projects near the river. Fort Worth's requirements are generally less restrictive than Austin or San Antonio but more structured than suburban Tarrant County municipalities. Coordination with Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) is often required for projects near public water supply reservoirs.
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 Fort Worth Development Services, Stormwater Management Division and the agency website before beginning construction.