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How do you get a TCEQ stormwater permit for a construction site?

Most Texas construction sites do not get an individual permit; they are covered by TCEQ's Construction General Permit, TXR150000. Small sites (1 to under 5 acres) are covered by preparing a SWP3 and posting a site notice; large sites (5+ acres) also need the primary operator to file a Notice of Intent in STEERS and pay a $225 fee. TCEQ TCEQ fee

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. General information, not legal advice; the permit text controls.

Which TCEQ stormwater permit applies

TCEQ's stormwater program includes separate general permits: the Construction General Permit (TXR150000) for construction activity and the Multi-Sector General Permit (TXR050000) for industrial facilities. TCEQ Construction sites use TXR150000. An operator may instead request an individual permit. TCEQ

Step by step

Check eligibility. A new facility or one ranked "high" or "satisfactory" can continue; "unsatisfactory" must seek an individual permit. TCEQ
Determine your class. Small (1 to under 5 acres) or large (5+ acres or part of a 5+ acre common plan). TCEQ: Am I regulated?
Prepare and implement the SWP3 before construction. TXR150000 Part III.C
Small sites: sign and post Form 20963 at least 2 days before work and send a copy to the MS4 operator 2 days before work; no NOI. TXR150000 Part II.E.2
Large sites: primary operator submits the NOI and fee in STEERS before construction; electronic submission gives immediate provisional coverage, paper NOIs get provisional coverage 7 days after postmark. Then post Form 20961 (primary) or 20962 (secondary). TCEQ steps
Run the site under the SWP3: inspections, maintenance, revisions within 7 days. TXR150000 Part III.E-F
Terminate: after final stabilization, file the NOT in STEERS (large sites) and keep records 3 years. TCEQ TXR150000 Part VII

Waivers for small sites

Small sites may qualify for automatic authorization during periods of low potential for erosion (Form 20964, county date ranges in Appendix A), or for the Low Rainfall Erosivity Waiver (LREW), each with conditions. TCEQ TXR150000 Part II.E.1, II.G

Fees

The CGP authorization fee is $225, paid online through STEERS by card or bank draft; a paper NOI is $325. Small sites using the site-notice option file no NOI. TCEQ TCEQ

What this page does not cover

Industrial (MSGP) permits, MS4 permits, wastewater permits, and city building or grading permits.

Have it written for you

SWPPP Desk prepares site-specific SWPPPs from your drawings for construction sites in the states we cover (coverage by state), for a fixed price, delivered the next business day after your inputs are complete. Small site (1 to under 5 acres): $449. Large site (5 acres or more): $749. Background: all guides.

Small site: $449 Large site: $749