The Houston Texas Stormwater Control Ordinance is a set of regulations and guidelines established by the city of Houston to manage and control stormwater runoff. It focuses on reducing flooding risks, improving water quality, and protecting the natural resources and environment. Under this ordinance, property owners and developers are required to implement specific stormwater management practices controlling the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff from their sites. These practices aim to minimize the impact of development on the waterways and drainage systems, promoting the sustainable use and management of stormwater resources. Some key components covered by the ordinance include: 1. Detention and Retention Requirements: Property owners must implement appropriate stormwater detention and retention measures to control peak flow rates and volume of stormwater runoff from their sites. This helps to prevent flooding and reduce the burden on the city's drainage systems. 2. Water Quality Controls: To minimize the pollution transported by stormwater runoff, property owners are encouraged to implement various best management practices (BMPs). These include installing sediment and erosion control measures, implementing vegetative buffers, and utilizing filtration systems. 3. Erosion and Sediment Control: Developers and property owners must implement effective erosion and sediment control measures during construction to prevent soil erosion and the discharge of sediment into water bodies. Sediment can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and degrade water quality. 4. Maintenance Requirements: Property owners are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of stormwater control measures on their sites. Regular inspections and proper maintenance ensure that these measures continue to effectively manage stormwater runoff over time. 5. Post-construction Stormwater Management: The ordinance also includes requirements for managing stormwater runoff from existing development. Property owners are encouraged to retrofit their properties with techniques such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and green roofs to mitigate stormwater runoff. It is important to note that the Houston Texas Stormwater Control Ordinance applies to various types of development, including residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. Additionally, there may be different regulations associated with specific land use categories or sizes of development within Houston. Developers and property owners should familiarize themselves with the specific requirements relevant to their projects to ensure compliance with the ordinance and contribute to effective stormwater management in the city.