City of Georgetown
City of Georgetown Development Services
CityMS4 Phase IIVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading / Drainage Permit
- Submit To
- City of Georgetown Development Services
- Lead Time
- Plan review typically 2–4 weeks
- Application Method
- Submit via City of Georgetown Development Services at 300 Industrial Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626 or online portal at georgetown.org
- Fee
- Contact agency for current fee schedule
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide impervious cover cap; however, portions of Georgetown may be within the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone (EACZ) requiring compliance with Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) or Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) rules limiting impervious cover
- On-Site Treatment Required
- No
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Detention required to limit post-development peak flows to pre-development levels for 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, and 100-year storms per City of Georgetown Drainage Criteria; Williamson County drainage districts apply for county-maintained channels
- Turbidity Standard
- No numeric NTU limit; discharges must comply with TCEQ TXR150000 and not degrade San Gabriel River, North Fork San Gabriel, or Lake Georgetown
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. Georgetown is in Williamson County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. The San Gabriel River and Lake Georgetown (USACE water supply reservoir) are significant water quality concerns. Northern portions of Georgetown may be on or near the Edwards Plateau, creating karst drainage concerns that require Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) or EAA coordination.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City of Georgetown Development Services inspects grading permits at rough grading and final stabilization.
- Inspector Qualification
- No city-specific certification required beyond TCEQ SWPPP requirements
Special Overlay Zones
Lake Georgetown USACE Project
Trigger: Development within the USACE Lake Georgetown project boundary or draining to the North Fork San Gabriel River above the lake
Restriction: USACE Section 404/10 permits required for work in or adjacent to the lake; USACE Fort Worth District manages the lake; shoreline management plan governs adjacent development; water quality protection for drinking water supply
Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone
Trigger: Development on land identified as Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone (EACZ) within Georgetown's jurisdiction
Restriction: Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) rules may apply; impervious cover limits and recharge protection BMPs required; coordinate with BSEACD for projects on or near recharge features
San Gabriel River Floodplain
Trigger: Development within FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain along the San Gabriel River and its tributaries
Restriction: Floodplain development permit required from City of Georgetown Floodplain Administrator; no net fill without compensatory storage
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Georgetown Drainage Criteria
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Georgetown is the seat of Williamson County and one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, driven by Austin metro overflow growth. The city's location at the interface of the Edwards Plateau and coastal plain creates a geologically complex drainage environment. Lake Georgetown provides flood control and recreation but also creates significant USACE jurisdiction along the San Gabriel River. Portions of Georgetown's ETJ overlap with the Edwards Aquifer recharge and contributing zones, creating additional regulatory requirements. The city's rapid growth means drainage infrastructure is frequently being planned, designed, and constructed.
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 Georgetown Development Services and the agency website before beginning construction.