SWPPP requirements in San Antonio, Texas
In San Antonio, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) enforces local construction stormwater rules under the Construction Stormwater Ordinance, alongside TCEQ's Construction General Permit, TXR150000.
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.
Certified or licensed preparer or inspector. Inside the SAWS (San Antonio Water System) service area, a certified or licensed preparer or inspector may be required. SAWS describes its Construction Stormwater Ordinance (2014-06-19-0472) as requiring applicable certified SWPPPs and certified stormwater inspectors and reports. SWPPP Desk does not provide that certification. Confirm with SAWS what your project needs; at checkout you confirm that a certified or licensed person will sign or inspect as SAWS requires. SAWS Construction Stormwater FAQs
Local requirements in San Antonio
- The Construction Stormwater Ordinance (2014-06-19-0472), approved by City Council on June 19, 2014, gives SAWS local authority to enforce stormwater rules on construction projects; SAWS serves as co-permittee with the City of San Antonio and TxDOT. Source
- Send copies of Notices of Intent or Construction Site Notices to [email protected] 48 hours before construction-related activities begin. Source
- The ordinance directs the use of BMPs, requires applicable certified SWPPPs, on-site posted TPDES permits, and certified stormwater inspectors and reports. Source
- The City's Phase I MS4 permit prohibits pollutants from entering rivers, creeks and channels from construction; the City asks contractors to keep erosion controls maintained, limit mud tracking, and cover stored materials. Source
Scope flags for San Antonio
- SAWS's ordinance refers to "certified" SWPPPs and certified inspectors. Confirm with SAWS what certification your project needs before ordering; if it requires a certification SWPPP Desk does not hold, we cannot take the site; check with SAWS before ordering. Sites over the Edwards Aquifer may also need a TCEQ Chapter 213 plan. 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio SWP3 written
Fixed price, delivered the next business day after your inputs are complete. Small site: $449. Large site: $749. Rules overview: Texas SWP3.