City of Houston / Harris County
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) for drainage design; City of Houston PWE for right-of-way and detention
CityMS4 Phase IIVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Permit + City of Houston Drainage Permit
- Submit To
- Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) for drainage design; City of Houston PWE for right-of-way and detention
- Lead Time
- Drainage design review: 4–8 weeks typical; Harris County review for HCFCD-regulated channels can take 6–12 weeks
- Application Method
- City: ProjectDox online plan review portal (houston.permitsmarts.com); HCFCD: paper submittals to HCFCD offices
- Fee
- City of Houston drainage permit fee based on project type; HCFCD review fee varies by project complexity (typically $500–$5,000+)
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide impervious cover cap (Houston has no traditional zoning); however, detention required for any net increase in runoff
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Detention required for net increase in impervious cover; flat rate of ~0.80 ac-ft/ac for sites < 20 acres (2025 IDM); larger projects follow Harris County Flood Control criteria starting at 0.65 ac-ft/ac. Post-Harvey requirements (2018–2020+) significantly strengthened; many areas require 500-year storm attenuation.
- Turbidity Standard
- No local numeric NTU limit; TCEQ TXR150000 narrative standard applies. IDM Chapter 13 requires a Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) identifying site pollutants with on-site BMPs designed to remove them (10-minute residence time, max 48-hour ponding, ≥ 3 inches freeboard). Bioretention/LID facilities allowed where soils permit; underdrains required in clay-heavy soils.
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) per TCEQ; City requires ESC notes on grading plans
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
All drainage plans submitted to the City of Houston must be prepared and sealed by a Licensed PE registered in Texas. Harris County drainage analysis must follow HCFCD's Policy, Criteria and Procedure Manual (PCPM). Post-Harvey (2017), requirements have become substantially more stringent — particularly for detention sizing.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City of Houston PWE inspects drainage and grading installations. HCFCD inspects permitted work within or adjacent to HCFCD-maintained channels. Construction inspections required before final certificate of occupancy.
- Inspector Qualification
- PE-of-record responsible for drainage design compliance; no additional city-specific inspector certification required beyond TCEQ
Special Overlay Zones
FEMA Floodway / Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
Trigger: Within FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain (Zone AE) or floodway
Restriction: No fill in floodway; substantial improvement rules apply; floodplain development permit required; Harris County has adopted more restrictive 500-year standards in many areas
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Channel Setback
Trigger: Within 25–100 ft of an HCFCD-maintained bayou or channel (varies by channel size)
Restriction: No permanent structures; HCFCD right-of-entry and permit required for construction within setback; channel bank stabilization standards apply
Subsidence-Affected Area
Trigger: Much of Harris County and surrounding region
Restriction: Land subsidence from groundwater withdrawal is a major issue; projects may encounter subsidence-related drainage design complications; Texas Groundwater Conservation Districts regulate pumping
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- Harris County Flood Control District Policy, Criteria and Procedure Manual (PCPM) + City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual (IDM)
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Houston is unique in Texas (and nationally) for having no traditional zoning, which creates a complex stormwater landscape. Two parallel requirements apply: (1) Detention — the primary flood control tool, significantly strengthened post-Harvey with flat rates of ~0.80 ac-ft/ac for sites < 20 acres under the 2025 IDM supplement (effective May 16, 2025); and (2) Water Quality Treatment — IDM Chapter 13 requires a Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) with on-site BMPs sized to meet residence time and ponding standards. A 2026 IDM edition is effective March 2, 2026 (mandatory for submittals after June 1, 2026). Projects near HCFCD-maintained bayous require a separate HCFCD permit. The dual-agency review (City + HCFCD) adds complexity and time.
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 (HCFCD) for drainage design; City of Houston PWE for right-of-way and detention and the agency website before beginning construction.