College Station Stormwater and Sewer Ordinances

Environmental Protection Texas 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Texas

College Station, Texas maintains local stormwater and sewer rules administered through city departments to reduce flooding, prevent illicit discharges, and protect public infrastructure. This guide summarizes how those local rules are enforced, where to find official requirements and what residents and developers must do to comply. It covers enforcement pathways, common violations, applications and permits, practical steps after a flood or spill, and official contacts for reporting problems. Readers should consult the city’s stormwater program for operational details and to file complaints or permit requests.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of College Station assigns responsibility for stormwater and sewer compliance primarily to Public Works and related code enforcement divisions. The city enforces local stormwater obligations, illicit discharge prohibitions, and maintenance requirements through administrative orders, civil actions, and other remedies. Specific dollar amounts for fines or a defined escalation schedule are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence procedures are not detailed on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, required corrective work, restoration of damaged infrastructure, lien placement or civil court actions are available remedies under city enforcement practice.
  • Enforcer and reporting: Public Works is the operational contact for stormwater concerns and illicit discharges; report incidents or request inspections via the city’s stormwater contact pages.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits for administrative orders are not specified on the cited page; affected parties should follow the notice or order instructions and contact the issuing department for appeal deadlines.[1]
Document damage and take photographs before cleanup when safe to do so.

Applications & Forms

Construction and development projects commonly need permits or plan approvals tied to erosion control and stormwater management. The city’s webpages direct homeowners and developers to Development Services and Public Works for permit requirements. Specific form names, numbers, standard fees, and submission portals are not specified on the cited city stormwater page; consult Development Services for construction-related stormwater permit forms and fee schedules.[1]

  • If required: erosion and sediment control or stormwater-related permit applications are submitted to Development Services (check online intake or in-person submittal rules).
  • Fees: specific permit fees are not listed on the cited stormwater page; check the Development Services fee schedule.
  • Deadlines: project review times and resubmittal timelines vary by application type and are set by the permitting office.

Common Violations

  • Illicit discharges to streets, ditches, or storm drains (petroleum, sewage, wash water).
  • Uncontrolled erosion or sediment runoff from construction sites.
  • Failure to maintain private drainage features that cause off-site flooding or blockage of public conveyances.
Report sewage or hazardous discharges immediately to reduce public-health risk.

Action Steps

  • To report flooding, illicit discharge, or a sewer backup, contact Public Works through the city stormwater reporting page or the general report-a-concern portal.[1]
  • Before construction, confirm required erosion-control permits with Development Services and submit plans per the city checklist.
  • If ordered to abate or repair, follow the directive promptly and document completion to avoid escalation to civil enforcement.

FAQ

Who enforces stormwater and sewer rules in College Station?
Public Works and associated code enforcement units administer stormwater and sewer compliance; report incidents through the city stormwater page.[1]
What should I do after a residential sewer backup?
Ensure safety, document damage, contact the city utility or emergency reporting line, and follow local guidance for cleanup and insurance claims.
Do I need a permit to alter drainage on my property?
Most grading, construction, or drainage changes that affect runoff require review—check with Development Services for permit requirements and application steps.

How-To

  1. Identify the issue: note location, time, materials involved, and take photos if safe.
  2. Report to the city: use the stormwater reporting page or the report-a-concern portal so Public Works can inspect.[1]
  3. Follow instructions from the inspector: complete any required abatement, submit receipts or proof of repair if requested.
  4. If issued an order you disagree with: request appeal or administrative review as indicated on the order and consult the issuing department.
  5. For construction projects: obtain applicable permits and implement best-practice erosion controls throughout the build.

Key Takeaways

  • Report spills and backups promptly to reduce harm and trigger inspections.
  • Check Development Services before altering drainage or starting construction.
  • Public Works is the primary operational contact for stormwater and sewer concerns.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of College Station - Stormwater

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