"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

Land Surveys for Stormwater Compliance in Houston Commercial Projects

Drainage Isn’t Just a Site Issue—It’s a Legal One

In Greater Houston, flood risk isn’t just a natural threat—it’s a regulatory one. New commercial real estate projects must meet strict stormwater, drainage, and detention requirements. But before engineers can design a solution, and before a permit can be issued, every project needs one thing: a precise land survey.

At South Texas Surveying, we help developers across Harris County and surrounding areas get projects approved faster and built smarter by providing the topographic and boundary data required to meet stormwater standards—especially in flood-prone zones.

Why Stormwater Compliance Starts with a Survey

Commercial development adds impervious surfaces—rooftops, parking lots, loading zones—all of which affect runoff. Local authorities require a detailed understanding of:

• 🌧️ Surface elevation and slope

• 🛣️ Existing drainage infrastructure

• 🌊 On-site detention capacity

• 🗺️ Proximity to floodplains, bayous, or wetlands

📎 If your site’s drainage design doesn’t start with accurate survey data, it may be denied, delayed, or forced into redesign.

What a Stormwater Survey Includes

Survey ComponentHow It Supports ComplianceTopographic DataElevation points, slope, and grade to direct stormwater flowBoundary VerificationConfirms legal buildable area and proximity to drainage easementsEasement MappingIdentifies existing utility and drainage corridorsFloodplain OverlayShows FEMA zones and base flood elevations (BFE)ALTA Survey LayerSupports permitting, title coverage, and drainage design integration

Where Stormwater Surveys Are Most Critical in Houston

📍 West and Northwest Houston (Cypress, Jersey Village)

Historically flood-prone zones now require elevated compliance with Harris County Flood Control District.

📍 East Houston & Baytown

Development along bayous and drainage channels must meet strict runoff controls to prevent regional overflow.

📍 Montgomery County (Conroe, Magnolia)

Rapid suburban growth has triggered new detention and outflow standards—especially for commercial parking and warehouse projects.

📍 Fort Bend County (Richmond, Sugar Land)

MUD districts and local drainage entities require detailed survey submittals before permitting begins.

How Surveys Help with Drainage & Permitting

A professional land survey gives your engineer or architect what they need to:

• ✅ Design detention ponds and drainage channels

• ✅ Comply with SWPPP and NPDES stormwater permitting

• ✅ Avoid encroachment into protected waterways

• ✅ Mitigate floodplain development restrictions

• ✅ Provide complete data to permitting departments without resubmissions

📎 The faster you get accurate survey data, the faster your site gets approved and stays on schedule.

Stormwater-Related Agencies That Rely on Survey Data

• Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD)

• City of Houston Public Works

• Montgomery County Engineering Department

• Fort Bend County Drainage District

• FEMA / NFIP for floodplain certification and elevation certificates

Why Developers Trust South Texas Surveying

With 40+ years serving Houston’s commercial development community, we understand the drainage and stormwater expectations of city and county reviewers. South Texas Surveying delivers:

✔️ High-resolution topographic surveys with elevation detail
✔️ ALTA, boundary, and improvement surveys with integrated drainage data
✔️ Coordination with civil engineers and drainage consultants
✔️ Fast, reliable service across Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Liberty, Galveston, and Waller counties

📞 Don’t risk stormwater delays or fines—start with a survey from South Texas Surveying.

Protect Your Investment—And the Community—With a Survey

Stormwater compliance isn’t optional in Houston. From detention pond design to floodplain setbacks, it all starts with accurate land data. With the right survey, you can build responsibly, stay compliant, and move forward confidently.

📍 Start your next project with clarity. Contact South Texas Surveying today.