SWPPP requirements in Austin, Texas
Austin adds a local layer on top of TCEQ's Construction General Permit. The City's Environmental Criteria Manual governs erosion and sedimentation controls for development in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and site plan applications include an erosion and sedimentation control plan.
Last reviewed October 19, 2026. Prepared by our team led by Mohamed Elansary, PhD. We are not a licensed engineering firm and do not seal plans. Local rules change; confirm with the city before you start.
What we do and don't do in Austin. We still prepare the state SWP3 your site needs under TCEQ's TXR150000. The City of Austin's erosion and sedimentation control plan (ESCP), part of the site plan, must be signed and certified by a Texas Professional Engineer or a CPESC, and sealed by a Texas PE if it includes engineering calculations. That plan is outside our scope; your engineer prepares it. We can write the SWP3 to be consistent with the approved ESCP.
Official page: City of Austin: Site Plan Requirements (ESCP, LDC 25-8-181)
Local requirements in Austin
- The City of Austin Erosion and Sedimentation Control policy (Environmental Criteria Manual 1.4) governs temporary and permanent erosion and sedimentation controls for development in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and requires controls for all construction, with or without a permit. Source
- Consolidated site plan applications list an erosion and sedimentation control plan (LDC 25-8-181) and a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan where more than 1 acre is within the limits of construction and infrastructure is proposed (ECM 1.4.0). Source
- An Environmental Resource Inventory is required for site plans within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, with a Critical Water Quality Zone, gradients over 15%, or within 150 feet of a wetland feature. Source
- If a site needs a separate TCEQ Edwards Aquifer plan under 30 TAC Chapter 213, a copy goes in the SWP3 with its approval letter. Source
Scope flags for Austin
- Austin requires the erosion and sedimentation control plan (ESCP) to be signed and certified by a Texas licensed Professional Engineer or a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sedimentation Control (CPESC), and sealed by a PE if it includes engineering calculations. SWPPP Desk does not provide that sign-off: the City ESCP must come from your engineer. We can prepare the TCEQ SWP3 that is consistent with an approved ESCP. Source
State rules that apply everywhere in Texas
| Disturbed area | TCEQ class | Key obligations |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 acre, not part of a larger common plan of 1+ acres | Not regulated by the CGP | No CGP coverage needed. TCEQ |
| 1 to under 5 acres (or part of a common plan in that range) | Small construction activity | SWP3 before work; post Form 20963 at least 2 days before work; copy to MS4 operator 2 days before; no NOI. TXR150000 Part II.E.2 |
| 5 acres or more (or part of a 5+ acre common plan) | Large construction activity | SWP3 before coverage; primary operator files NOI in STEERS before work; post Form 20961 or 20962. TXR150000 Part II.E.3 |
Checklist for a Austin site
- Confirm acreage class (count support activities).
- Prepare and implement the SWP3 before soil disturbance. TXR150000 Part III.C
- Large sites: file the NOI in STEERS ($225 online). Small sites: sign Form 20963. TCEQ
- Send the NOI or site notice copy to the local MS4 contact above, on the local deadline.
- Post the site notice; keep the SWP3 on site; inspect on your chosen schedule. TXR150000 Part III.D, III.F.8
- At final stabilization, terminate and send the local copy. Keep records 3 years. TXR150000 Part VII
What this page does not cover
Building, grading or site development permits, drainage criteria, post-construction water quality permits (except where flagged above), and neighboring cities or county jurisdictions.
Have your Austin SWP3 written
Fixed price, delivered the next business day after your inputs are complete. Small site: $449. Large site: $749. Rules overview: Texas SWP3.