SWPPP Requirements in San Antonio & Bexar County: What You Need to Know
- Tyler Whitt
- May 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Overview SWPPP Requirements in San Antonio and Bexar County
If you're planning construction, it's essential to understand the SWPPP Requirements in San Antonio and Bexar County that developers must follow. This guide outlines everything you need to stay compliant with stormwater regulations at the city, county, and state levels. From site notices to aquifer protection plans, knowing these requirements will help you reduce risk, and keep your project on schedule.
TCEQ Stormwater Permitting
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates stormwater runoff under the Construction General Permit (TXR150000). Requirements apply to:
Sites disturbing 1–5 acres:
Submit a Small Construction Site Notice
Prepare and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Send the notice to the local Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) operator
Sites disturbing 5 acres or more:
File a Notice of Intent (NOI) with TCEQ
Submit a Large Construction Site Notice to the local MS4
Implement a SWPPP
In San Antonio city limits, the MS4 operator is San Antonio Water System (SAWS).
In unincorporated Bexar County, the MS4 operator is Bexar County Public Works.
Sites disturbing less than one acre, not part of a common development plan, are generally exempt.
SWPPP Requirements for Bexar County:
Storm Water Quality Site Development Permit
In addition to TCEQ requirements, Bexar County requires a Storm Water Quality Site Development Permit for:
Sites disturbing 1 acre or more
Sites under 1 acre but part of a larger common plan
Permit Fee: $500
Submit To: Bexar County Public Works: 1948 Probandt St., San Antonio, TX 78214
Recommended Lead Time: 30+ days before land disturbance
Required Documents:
Completed permit application
SWPPP Narrative & Erosion Control Plan
Site plan
TCEQ Construction Site Notice
Potential Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Acknowledgment Form
Dewatering plan (if applicable)
Once submitted, Bexar County conducts periodic inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.
SWPPP Requirements for City of San Antonio:
SAWS Construction Compliance
For projects within San Antonio city limits, SAWS plays a central role in enforcing construction-related environmental compliance including the SWPPP—especially for projects near the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.
Key SAWS Requirements:
Edwards Aquifer Projects: Projects that overlay or drain toward the Recharge Zone must comply with additional aquifer protection standards, including proper SWPPP documentation and TCEQ-required Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan (EAPP) filings.
Utility Installation: All water and wastewater infrastructure must follow SAWS’ Standard Specifications for Construction. Additional backflow prevention, grease interceptor, and pipe testing may be required.
Inspections & Compliance
SAWS enforces environmental compliance on all construction activity within San Antonio city limits, not just utility work. Inspectors visit active job sites to ensure erosion controls and stormwater BMPs are in place and functioning.
Noncompliance may result in:
Stop-work orders
Suspension of water/sewer service connections
Delays in final SAWS project clearance
Contractors are expected to maintain documentation, keep controls working, and resolve violations promptly.
Tools and Support:
Downloadable permit forms and compliance checklists
Contractor workshops and training
Ongoing compliance assistance and inspection guidance
Need Help with Your SWPPP or Permitting?
Complying with stormwater regulations in San Antonio and Bexar County involves working with multiple agencies—TCEQ, SAWS, and Bexar County Public Works—each with its own rules and timelines. That’s where Eco Permit Pros comes in.
We handle the entire permitting process—from SWPPP preparation to TCEQ filings and agency coordination—so you don’t have to.
Commercial Sites | Infrastructure Projects | Edwards Aquifer Zones
📞 Call or text us at (404) 858-8728
Let Eco Permit Pros take the stress out of your next project—we’ll keep you compliant, on time, and on budget.
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