SWPPP requirements in Houston, Texas
Construction sites in Houston that disturb one acre or more need TCEQ Construction General Permit coverage and a SWP3. The City of Houston does not issue that permit, but it inspects covered sites inside city limits and requires a copy of your NOI or site notice before earth disturbance.
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 Houston. We still prepare the state SWP3 your site needs under TCEQ's TXR150000. The City of Houston's Storm Water Quality (SWQ) Permit is a separate city permit. It applies to new development on a tract of 1 acre or more, or to redevelopment of a 1-acre-plus tract that adds 0.2 acre or more of impervious cover. Its Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) must be certified by a Texas Professional Engineer, so it is outside our scope. Your engineer prepares it and emails it to swq@houstontx.gov.
Official page: City of Houston: Storm Water Quality (SWQ) Permit
Local requirements in Houston
- The City of Houston does not issue the TCEQ construction permit but inspects construction sites within city limits that are subject to it. Inspections are unannounced. Source
- Send a copy of your NOI (large site) or Construction Site Notice (small site) to the City at MS4.Construction@houstontx.gov at least 2 days before any earth disturbance. Source
- Post the TCEQ Construction Site Notice near the site entrance and keep the SWP3 readily available for the inspector at the site. Source
- At completion (final stabilization, which the City describes as 70% density of vegetative cover on unpaved areas), large-site primary operators file the NOT with TCEQ and send the City a copy; small-site operators complete the bottom of the site notice and send it to the MS4 operator. Source
- The City lists a re-inspection fee of $109.46, with authority including Chapter 47, Article XII of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances. Source
Scope flags for Houston
- City SWQ Permit: needed for "new development" or "significant redevelopment" (Sec. 47-601). The plan must be certified by a Professional Engineer on the City's engineer's certification form, and the permit is renewed every year. This is a sealed-plan requirement, outside SWPPP Desk's scope. We still write the TXR150000 SWP3. 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 Houston 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 Houston SWP3 written
Fixed price, delivered the next business day after your inputs are complete. Small site: $449. Large site: $749. Rules overview: Texas SWP3.