Office of the County Engineer > About > Divisions > Watershed Protection > Stormwater Quality

The Harris County Stormwater Quality permit is issued as part of the Civil Development Plan Review process. Civil drawings must be submitted for review to determine if the project meets the definition of new or significant redevelopment. Once in operation, and a Certificate of Compliance has been issued, the SWQ permit is required to be renewed annually. Industrial permitting is covered under the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP TXR050000) issued by the TCEQ.

Master SWQMP

The Master SWQMP may be obtained by a political subdivision of the State for more than one Stormwater Quality Feature located within the boundaries of its jurisdiction. Along with other qualifying provisions, each permit considered for consolidation must receive a Certificate of Compliance and must not be expired.
Revisions to a Master SWQMP can be done by submitting the most recent approved Master SWQMP with an updated permit table listing the new SWQMP(s) to be added, the new SWQMP Report, and the P.E. seal and signature to ePermits using the Renewals/Transfer application.
- Master SWQMP guide sheet

Low Impact Development

LID: Any project proposing to utilize LID IMPs shall have a pre-project meeting with HCED & HCFCD
LID Regulations

SWQ Renewals Transfers

SWQ permits must be renewed annually on or before the anniversary date the Certificate of Compliance was issued.
Renewals: Please obtain the SWQ Permit Renewal Package to acquire the required documents for renewal of the SWQ permit.
- SWQ Renewal Packet
Transfer: Please obtain the SWQ Application for Transfer to transfer the SWQ permit. Transfer to a MUD must be accompanied with the MUD Letter.

How to Obtain a HC SWQ Permit

The HC SWQ Permit must be obtained as part of the Civil Plan Review Process. Please submit civil plans and the SWQMP Report for review to
- ePermits
- Stormwater Quality Permit

Amending an Approved SWQMP

Amending an Approved SWQMP (changing the type of approved SWQ feature) requires that the approved civil plans and SWQMP Report be submitted as a revision. The plans and SWQMP will go through a revision review and once approved, the Amended SWQMP will receive an Amended SWQ Permit. Final Inspection of the Amended SWQ feature will require a Final Inspection.
Revision guidance document

Urban Forestry

An alternative measure to meeting the SWQ permit requirement by Tree Planting. An Urban Forestry tree planting plan will require the site plan sheet(s) in the civil plans as well as the SWQMP Report to be submitted as part of the Civil Plan Review Process. The Urban Forestry Plan must be signed and sealed by one of the professionals listed in Section 1 of the Urban Forestry Worksheet.
Urban Forestry Worksheet
Acceptable Urban Forestry Criteria
Urban Forestry Overview
Cut Sheet Information

Stormwater Quality Permitting