MS4 Stormwater Planning Requirements for Construction

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required to ensure that construction activities comply with state or federal stormwater permits by implementing measures to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff. The SWPPP must be site-specific for all residential, commercial, and industrial developments disturbing one acre or more, or smaller sites that are part of a larger common development. It must be prepared at the time of the Notice of Intent (NOI) or construction site notice submission and include details such as outfall locations, environmentally sensitive areas, and whether the plan or an erosion control plan will be submitted for review. Redevelopment projects are exempt unless they convert more than one acre of permeable surface to impervious cover.

Waco City Ordinance Chapter 26, Article VIII

Sites One Acre or More (≥ 1.0 acre)

Required:

  1. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) per TCEQ or EPA (TPDES/NPDES).
  2. Notice of Intent (NOI) if site disturbs more than 5 acres.
  3. Construction Site Notice if site disturbs 1–5 acres.

Submit copies to the city upon request:

  • SWPPP
  • NOI or Construction Site Notice
  • Notice of Termination (NOT), if applicable

Additional Notes:

  • Applies to all development types (residential, commercial, industrial).
  • Must be prepared at time of NOI or construction site notice submission.
  • Director of Engineering may require corrections to SWPPP.
  • City inspection and completion of measures required before occupancy.

Sites Less Than One Acre, but Part of a Larger Development

Required:

  1. Must still comply with SWPPP and pollution control per Sec. 26-327(a).

Determining site area:

  • Based on lot(s), site plan, phase name, or contiguous ownership.
  • Partial disturbance does not exempt it.

Sites Less Than One Acre, Not Part of a Larger Development

Required (for commercial, industrial, multi-family, and residential subdivisions):

  1. Erosion Control Plan (instead of full SWPPP).

Requirements:

  • Must include erosion control measures.
  • May include additional pollution controls per Sec. 26-327.
  • Area defined by platted lot, tract size, or contiguous ownership.

General Requirements for All Sites

  • Must implement all pollution control measures in the plan.
  • Inspections will occur during and after construction.
  • Certificate of Occupancy and plat improvement acceptance are contingent on full implementation.
  • Exemption:
    No SWPPP or control plan is needed if redeveloping a site unless converting >1 acre from porous to impervious surface.
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