Harris County Flood Control District
Harris County Flood Control District — Permit Center
DistrictMS4 Phase IIVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- HCFCD Channel Use Permit / Outfall Permit
- Submit To
- Harris County Flood Control District — Permit Center
- Lead Time
- Plan review typically 4–8 weeks; complex projects may require longer review
- Application Method
- Submit via HCFCD Permit Center online at harriscountyfws.org or in person at 9900 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77092
- Fee
- Fee schedule based on project type and impact; contact HCFCD for current schedule
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- HCFCD does not regulate impervious cover; however, drainage submissions must demonstrate that post-development flows do not exceed channel conveyance capacity and erosion thresholds
- On-Site Treatment Required
- No
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Detention required for all development connecting to HCFCD channels or when development increases runoff to HCFCD channels beyond allowed thresholds; HCFCD Criteria Manual specifies sizing standards for Harris County; post-Harvey revised standards require 100-year detention analysis for larger projects
- Turbidity Standard
- No numeric NTU limit imposed by HCFCD; discharges to HCFCD channels must comply with TCEQ TXR150000 and not degrade channel or downstream water quality; erosion of channel banks is a primary concern
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- SWPPP per TCEQ TXR150000; HCFCD requires drainage report demonstrating compliance with channel criteria
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
HCFCD operates 2,500+ miles of channels throughout Harris County. Any project with an outfall to an HCFCD channel or that increases runoff to an HCFCD channel requires HCFCD review and permit. HCFCD's Criteria Manual for Harris County is the definitive drainage design reference for the Houston region. The district significantly updated its criteria after Hurricane Harvey (2017) using NOAA Atlas 14 revised rainfall frequencies. Detention pond design must use the updated HCFCD criteria, which now require larger facilities than pre-Harvey standards in many cases.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- HCFCD inspects all work within or adjacent to HCFCD channels and easements. Inspections required at channel connection, outfall installation, and project completion. HCFCD has authority to require corrective action for erosion or sediment impacts to its channels.
- Inspector Qualification
- No specific HCFCD certification required, but drainage engineer of record must be a Texas PE familiar with HCFCD Criteria Manual
Special Overlay Zones
HCFCD Primary Channel System
Trigger: Any development with an outfall to Buffalo Bayou, Brays Bayou, White Oak Bayou, Greens Bayou, Cypress Creek, Clear Creek, or other primary HCFCD channels
Restriction: HCFCD Channel Use Permit required; outfall design must comply with HCFCD Criteria Manual; erosion protection at outfall required; HCFCD may require modification of outfall design to protect channel
HCFCD Detention Basin Adjacency
Trigger: Development adjacent to HCFCD regional detention basins (Barker, Addicks, Brays Bayou, etc.)
Restriction: Development in or near HCFCD detention facility easements prohibited or restricted; HCFCD easement encroachment permit required; post-Harvey expanded detention project footprints may affect adjacent development
Post-Harvey Updated Floodplain
Trigger: Development in areas where FEMA maps have been or are being revised post-Hurricane Harvey
Restriction: HCFCD advises using post-Harvey updated hydrology even where FEMA maps have not yet been formally revised; HCFCD and Harris County may require compliance with updated hydrology before FEMA map revision is complete
HCFCD Bayou Greenway Initiative
Trigger: Development adjacent to bayou greenway corridors included in the Harris County Bayou Greenways 2020 initiative
Restriction: Coordinate with Harris County and Houston Parks Board regarding greenway trail access and buffer protection; erosion protection of bayou banks is critical within greenway corridors
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- Harris County Flood Control District Criteria Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is one of the most important stormwater regulatory bodies in Texas, managing over 2,500 miles of channels and approximately 130 stormwater detention basins throughout Harris County. Unlike a city or county government, HCFCD focuses exclusively on flood risk reduction and drainage — but its permit requirements affect virtually every significant construction project in the Houston metro. Hurricane Harvey (2017) caused over $125 billion in damage across the Houston region and fundamentally changed HCFCD's approach to drainage design. Post-Harvey, HCFCD adopted the updated NOAA Atlas 14 precipitation data, which significantly increased the rainfall depths used for design, requiring larger detention facilities. HCFCD coordinates with the City of Houston and surrounding municipalities on regional drainage. For any project in Harris County with stormwater outfalls, HCFCD review is almost always required in addition to city or county permits.
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 Harris County Flood Control District — Permit Center and the agency website before beginning construction.