City of Killeen
City of Killeen Development Services
CityMS4 Phase IIVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading / Drainage Permit
- Submit To
- City of Killeen Development Services
- Lead Time
- Plan review typically 2–4 weeks
- Application Method
- Submit via City of Killeen Development Services at 101 N. College St., Killeen, TX 76541 or online portal at killeentexas.gov
- 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 Killeen Drainage Design Criteria
- 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 Killeen Drainage Design Criteria; Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir watershed considerations apply; Lampasas River drains through the metro area
- Turbidity Standard
- No numeric NTU limit; discharges must comply with TCEQ TXR150000 and not degrade Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir, Lampasas River, or Leon River water quality
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. Killeen is adjacent to Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), one of the largest US Army installations in the world, which drives significant regional construction activity. The military population creates strong housing and commercial development demand. Bell County coordinates regional drainage with Killeen, Temple, and Harker Heights.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City of Killeen 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
Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) Buffer and Drainage
Trigger: Development adjacent to Fort Cavazos installation boundaries
Restriction: Coordinate with Fort Cavazos DPW for drainage plans near the installation; military installation stormwater is independently managed; off-post development must not adversely affect on-post drainage infrastructure
Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir Watershed
Trigger: Development draining to the Lampasas River and Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir watershed (USACE water supply and flood control project)
Restriction: Enhanced water quality BMPs advisable; coordinate with USACE Fort Worth District for projects near the lake boundary or with significant watershed impact
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area
Trigger: Development within FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain along the Lampasas River and its tributaries
Restriction: Floodplain development permit required from City of Killeen Floodplain Administrator; no net fill without compensatory storage
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Killeen Drainage Design Criteria
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Killeen is the population center of the Killeen-Temple metro, home to Fort Cavazos (the US Army's largest installation, formerly Fort Hood), which is the primary economic driver of the region. The city has experienced significant growth driven by military and defense contractor employment. Texas A&M Central Texas is located in Killeen. The city is at the transition between the Blackland Prairie and the Hill Country, creating varied terrain. Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir provides flood control and water supply. The Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood metro is a significant construction market.
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 Killeen Development Services and the agency website before beginning construction.