College Station Sewer, Stormwater & Excavation Rules
Overview
The City separates responsibilities across Utilities (wastewater collection and billing), Public Works/Engineering (stormwater management and discharge controls) and Development Services/Permits (excavation, right-of-way and construction permits). Routine sewer charges are billed through the Utilities customer account; stormwater and illicit discharge controls are implemented via stormwater regulations and construction best-management practices overseen by Engineering.
- Typical charges: wastewater base fees, usage tiers, and service charges are billed with water utilities.
- Stormwater controls: prohibitions on illicit discharges and requirements for erosion control on construction sites.
- Excavation permits: required for work in public right-of-way and often require restoration bonds or inspections.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is carried out by the City of College Station departments responsible for the subject matter: Utilities enforces billing and collection for sewer fees; Engineering/Public Works enforces stormwater and right-of-way rules; Development Services reviews permits and inspects excavation and restoration. Specific monetary fines, escalation rules, and time limits are set in the City Code and related administrative rules; exact fine amounts or ranges are not specified on the cited page cited below.[1]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first offence, repeat offence and continuing violation provisions are referenced in code; specific increments are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration orders, lien placement for unpaid utility charges, and civil or criminal court actions may be authorized.
- Inspection & complaints: complaints about illicit discharges, spills or unpermitted excavation are routed to Engineering/Public Works or Utilities depending on the issue.
- Appeals/review: the code provides appeal routes to specified administrative officers or municipal court; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences/permits: authorized discharges with valid permits, emergency repairs, or actions under an approved variance are typical defenses if provided in the code.
Applications & Forms
Permit names, application forms and fee schedules for sewer service connections, stormwater controls, and excavation/right-of-way work are administered by the relevant City department. Where a specific form or fee schedule is not published on the municipal code page, it is provided by the department's permitting portal or utilities billing office (see Help and Support / Resources below for direct contact pages).
- Excavation/Right-of-Way Permit: name/number not specified on the cited page; contact Development Services for the current application and fees.
- Sewer tap/service applications: form name and fee schedule not specified on the cited page; Utilities issues connection requirements and billing setup.
- Stormwater permits and erosion control plans: plan submittal and inspection checklists are provided by Engineering; specific form names are not specified on the cited page.
Common Violations
- Illicit discharge to storm drain or channels (improper dumping of waste or wash water).
- Excavation in the right-of-way without a permit or failure to properly restore the surface.
- Unpaid sewer utility charges or tampering with utility meters.
Action Steps
- Before work: contact Development Services for excavation permits and Engineering for stormwater plan requirements.
- To report illicit discharge or a spill: contact Public Works/Stormwater complaints or use the city's online report form.
- If billed incorrectly for sewer fees: contact Utilities billing to request review and appeal per the city's procedures.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to excavate in a College Station street or sidewalk?
- Yes. Excavation in the public right-of-way generally requires a permit from Development Services; contact the permitting office for the application and bond requirements.
- How do I report a storm drain discharge or construction site runoff?
- Report spills or illicit discharges to Public Works/Engineering via the city's stormwater complaint line or online reporting portal.
- What happens if I don’t pay my sewer bill?
- Unpaid utility charges may result in collection actions, service termination, and placement of liens as authorized by city code.
How-To
- Identify the issue: confirm whether the concern is a billing dispute, an illicit discharge, or an excavation permit issue.
- Gather documentation: photos, account numbers, permit numbers, contractor details and dates of occurrence.
- Contact the relevant department: Utilities for billing, Engineering/Public Works for stormwater, Development Services for permits.
- File the report or application: submit the complaint or permit application through the city's online portal or in person per department instructions.
- Follow up: keep inspection reports, payments and appeal deadlines; if ordered to restore, schedule work and confirm reinspection.
Key Takeaways
- Obtain permits before excavation and follow stormwater controls to avoid enforcement.
- Utility billing issues and unpaid sewer fees can lead to collection and liens.
- Report spills and illicit discharges promptly to limit environmental harm and liability.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of College Station - Utilities
- City of College Station - Public Works / Engineering
- City of College Station - Development Services / Permits
- City of College Station - Code of Ordinances