City of Garland
City of Garland Development Services
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading / Drainage Permit
- Submit To
- City of Garland Development Services
- Lead Time
- Plan review typically 2–4 weeks
- Application Method
- Submit via City of Garland Development Services at 800 Main St., Garland, TX 75040 or online portal
- 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 City of Garland Engineering Standards
- 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 Garland Drainage Design Criteria; Lake Ray Hubbard watershed considerations apply for projects draining eastward
- Turbidity Standard
- No numeric NTU limit; discharges must comply with TCEQ TXR150000 and not degrade Lake Ray Hubbard or Duck Creek
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 study prepared by a Texas PE required for grading permits. Garland drains largely to Lake Ray Hubbard, a primary drinking water supply for Dallas. Enhanced sediment and nutrient controls are advisable for projects in the contributing watershed. Industrial and manufacturing activity is significant in Garland — SWPPP must address potential contaminant sources.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City of Garland Development Services inspects grading permits at rough grading and final stabilization. Lake Ray Hubbard watershed sensitivity requires active BMP maintenance.
- Inspector Qualification
- No city-specific certification required beyond TCEQ SWPPP requirements
Special Overlay Zones
Lake Ray Hubbard Watershed Protection Area
Trigger: Development draining to Lake Ray Hubbard, a primary water supply reservoir for the Dallas area
Restriction: Enhanced water quality BMPs required to protect drinking water supply; coordinate with Dallas Water Utilities and North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) for projects with significant watershed impact
Duck Creek Floodplain
Trigger: Development within FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain along Duck Creek and its tributaries
Restriction: Floodplain development permit required from City of Garland Floodplain Administrator; no net fill without compensatory storage
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Garland Engineering Standards
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Garland is a large, largely built-out suburb east of Dallas with a significant industrial and manufacturing base. The city drains primarily to Lake Ray Hubbard, one of the Dallas area's main drinking water reservoirs, making water quality protection a priority. Phase I MS4 status reflects Garland's size and urban density. Redevelopment of older industrial sites requires careful assessment of legacy contamination. The city has an active code enforcement program for stormwater violations.
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 Garland Development Services and the agency website before beginning construction.