Tarrant County
Tarrant County Transportation and Public Works Department
CountyMS4 Phase IIVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Stormwater Management / Land Disturbance Permit
- Submit To
- Tarrant County Transportation and Public Works Department
- Lead Time
- 10–15 business days typical; varies by project complexity
- Application Method
- Submit application and drainage study to Tarrant County Transportation and Public Works; online portal or in-person at 100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196
- Fee
- Contact agency for current fee schedule
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No county-wide impervious cover cap for unincorporated areas; individual site controls required
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Post-development peak discharge must not exceed pre-development rates for the 2-, 10-, and 100-year storm events per the Tarrant County Stormwater Management Design Manual
- Turbidity Standard
- Comply with TCEQ TXR150000 general permit effluent limits; no separate county turbidity numeric standard for construction
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- No
- PE Stamp Required
- No
A TCEQ Construction General Permit (TXR150000) SWPPP is required for all sites disturbing ≥1 acre. Tarrant County does not impose an additional local ESC plan beyond TCEQ requirements, but the county may inspect sites for compliance. Drainage studies submitted with the land disturbance permit must be prepared by a licensed Texas PE.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- Tarrant County Transportation and Public Works may conduct site inspections during construction to verify compliance with the approved drainage plan and stormwater controls. Final inspection and approval required before permit closeout.
- Inspector Qualification
- No county-specific inspector certification required beyond TCEQ CGP qualified inspector standards
Special Overlay Zones
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
Trigger: Any development within a mapped 100-year floodplain
Restriction: Floodplain development permit required from Tarrant County; must comply with Tarrant County Floodplain Management Regulations; no net fill without compensatory storage
Trinity River Corridor
Trigger: Development within the Trinity River basin that triggers USACE or TCEQ jurisdiction
Restriction: May require USACE Section 404/401 permits in addition to county drainage permit; coordinate with Tarrant Regional Water District
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- Tarrant County Stormwater Management Design Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Tarrant County MS4 Phase II permit holder under TCEQ TPW GP. Unincorporated Tarrant County regulations apply; incorporated cities within the county (Arlington, Fort Worth, etc.) have their own stormwater programs. Projects within city ETJs should verify jurisdiction. The Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) manages regional water supply and some flood control infrastructure but does not issue construction stormwater 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 Tarrant County Transportation and Public Works Department and the agency website before beginning construction.