City of Plano
City of Plano — Engineering Department, Stormwater Management Division
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Drainage and Grading Permit
- Submit To
- City of Plano — Engineering Department, Stormwater Management Division
- Lead Time
- 10–15 business days for standard review; expedited review may be available
- Application Method
- Submit via City of Plano's online permitting portal or in person at Plano Municipal Center, 1520 Ave. K, Plano, TX 75074; drainage study, grading plan, and ESC plan required
- Fee
- Contact agency for current fee schedule; fees based on project size and disturbed area
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No city-wide percentage cap on impervious cover; post-construction stormwater quality controls required for all sites disturbing ≥1 acre or adding ≥5,000 sq ft of impervious cover per Plano's Phase I MS4 permit
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Post-development peak flows must not exceed pre-development peak flows for the 2-, 10-, and 100-year storm events per the Plano Drainage Design Manual; volume-based water quality capture required for Phase I WQ compliance; detention/retention facilities must be maintained under a recorded private maintenance agreement
- Turbidity Standard
- Comply with TCEQ TXR150000 limits during construction; post-construction treatment BMPs must meet Plano Phase I MS4 minimum control measures for water quality
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- SWPPP per TCEQ TXR150000; Plano requires supplemental ESC plan as part of Drainage and Grading Permit
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Plano's Phase I MS4 status requires enhanced post-construction stormwater quality controls. An ESC plan prepared and sealed by a licensed Texas PE is required as part of the permit application. Post-construction BMPs must be identified, designed, and included in a recorded maintenance agreement.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- Plano Engineering Department conducts regular construction site inspections including erosion control, drainage, and post-construction BMP verification. Final grading and drainage inspection required before certificate of occupancy. Post-construction BMP inspection may be required after project completion.
- Inspector Qualification
- TCEQ-qualified inspector required per CGP; Plano may require documentation of inspector qualifications submitted with permit application
Special Overlay Zones
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
Trigger: Any development within the mapped 100-year floodplain
Restriction: Floodplain development permit required from City of Plano Floodplain Administrator; no net fill without compensatory storage; finished floor elevations must meet or exceed BFE requirements
Rowlett Creek Watershed
Trigger: Development within the Rowlett Creek drainage basin
Restriction: Coordinate with Collin County and neighboring jurisdictions for regional drainage impacts; enhanced erosion controls may be required
Spring Creek Watershed
Trigger: Development within the Spring Creek basin (north Plano)
Restriction: Additional coordination with downstream jurisdictions (Richardson, Garland) may be required for large projects
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Plano Drainage Design Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Plano is a largely built-out city with a robust Phase I MS4 stormwater program focused heavily on water quality and post-construction controls. Redevelopment projects must comply with current stormwater quality standards. The city coordinates with NTMWD on regional water quality initiatives.
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 Plano — Engineering Department, Stormwater Management Division and the agency website before beginning construction.