Houston SWPPP Requirements: What Builders Need to Know
- Tyler Whitt
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Stormwater permitting in the City of Houston and Harris County can be complex. Here's what your team needs to know to stay compliant and keep your project on schedule.
If you’re managing a construction project in Houston or anywhere in Harris County, understanding Houston SWPPP requirements is essential. Stormwater permitting involves more than just state-level paperwork. In addition to filing under the TCEQ Construction General Permit, you'll need to account for detailed requirements from City of Houston Public Works, Harris County Engineering, and occasionally the Flood Control District.
SWPPP documentation in the Houston area is commonly subjected to additional drainage reviews, detention analysis, and more than one round of plan comments—especially for projects located in flood-prone areas or within an MS4-regulated zone.
1. SWPPP Coverage Under TCEQ TXR150000
Construction projects that disturb 1 acre or more require compliance with the Texas Construction General Permit (aka TPDES), including:
For 1–5 acre sites:
SWPPP required on-site.
Small Construction Site Notice (CSN) must be posted and filed with local MS4 (if applicable).
For sites 5 acres or larger:
SWPPP with full BMPs and drainage design.
Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) electronically via TCEQ’s STEERS portal.
Post a Large Construction Site Notice at the jobsite entrance.
Conduct regular inspections:
Weekly inspections, or
Bi-weekly inspections with post-storm inspections after any 0.5" rain event.
Tip: Houston follows all TCEQ requirements—but applies additional local reviews beyond the state permit.
2. Local Permitting in Houston: What’s Different
Houston-area projects must also pass review from:
City of Houston Public Works
Requires a formal Stormwater Quality Permit (SWQ) in many areas.
SWPPP may be reviewed alongside drainage, grading, or paving plans.
Applies additional requirements for detention systems and water quality features.
Harris County Engineering Department
All commercial sites are subject to stormwater plan review under MS4 rules.
Must submit calculations for detention ponds, swales, and stabilization timelines.
Additional conditions for developments in Flood Hazard Zones or detention-sensitive basins.
Tip: These local reviews can add 2–4 weeks to your timeline if documentation is incomplete or unclear.
3. Common Causes of SWPPP Delays in Houston
We regularly help clients resolve issues like:
Missing or underdeveloped BMP designs
Overlooked floodplain or watershed overlays
Unclear inspection and corrective action protocols
Rejected submissions from Harris County reviewers due to formatting or missing attachments
Tip: Many delays can be avoided with a properly scoped SWPPP and experience working with both city and county agencies.
4. What Eco Permit Pros Delivers
We help general contractors, engineers, and developers in Houston avoid red tape and approval delays with:
Service | What’s Included |
Full SWPPP Package | Narrative, BMPs, maps, NOI/CSN, inspection forms |
NOI Filing (STEERS) | We file your TCEQ paperwork directly |
Harris County Submittals | Formatted PDFs, drainage worksheets, BMP diagrams |
City of Houston Compliance | Stormwater Quality (SWQ) Permit-ready documentation, detention specs |
Certified Inspections | Weekly and post-rain reports, digital logs |
Recent Project Spotlight
Project Description: 9-acre light industrial development in Cypress
Services: NOI filing, SWPPP narrative, detention basin BMPs, inspection program
Challenge: Required coordination between Harris County Engineering and floodplain review
Result: Approved in 12 business days with no resubmittals
Pro Tips for Houston SWPPP Success
Start early – Harris County reviewers often take 10–15 business days
Include detention specs – especially if near a regulated floodplain
Coordinate with all reviewers – City of Houston, HCFCD, TCEQ
Use certified inspectors – documentation must be kept on file
Don’t forget the NOT – file a Notice of Termination at project closeout
Need SWPPP Help in Houston?
Eco Permit Pros provides turnkey SWPPP services across the entire Houston-Harris County region. We handle every aspect of stormwater permitting, documentation, and inspections—giving you peace of mind while keeping your jobsite compliant.
Contact a SWPPP expert at Eco Permit Pros today! Call us at (404) 858-8728 or use the contact form at the button below:
Frequently Asked Questions: Houston SWPPP Permitting
What projects in Houston require a SWPPP?
Any project disturbing 1 acre or more (or part of a common development plan) requires a SWPPP under the TCEQ Construction General Permit.
Do I need separate permits for Houston or Harris County?
Yes — the City of Houston and Harris County have their own MS4 permitting processes that apply alongside the TCEQ stormwater permit.
What documents are required for SWPPP submittal?
SWPPP Narrative
BMP Design & Detention Specs
Drainage Analysis
Inspection Schedule
NOI/CSN forms via STEERS Portal and TCEQ
Harris County Engineering Submittals
How long does SWPPP approval take in Houston?
Typical timelines range from 2 to 5 weeks depending on submittal quality, drainage studies, and back-and-forth with county or city reviewers.
What are the risks of non-compliance?
Fines and citations
Stop work orders
Permit delays
Increased insurance or bonding risk
Costly rework of drainage features
Can Eco Permit Pros handle the entire SWPPP process?
Yes — we offer fully managed SWPPP design, submittal, inspections, reporting, and closure services for Houston and surrounding counties. Contact us today using the button below:
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