Stormwater

Stormwater Regulations

The City Stormwater Discharge Ordinance was adopted to comply with the TCEQ MS4 Permit. This required the development of a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) (PDF) to protect water quality to the maximum extent practicable. The Stormwater Utility Fee was established to provide funds necessary to meet the regulatory requirements.

The permit required the SWMP to include six minimum control measures. These are:

• Public Education, Outreach and Involvement
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
• Post Construction Stormwater Management
• Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
• Industrial Stormwater Sources

The permit also requires an annual report. The latest report can be seen here.

How You Can Protect Stormwater

Learn how you can help prevent pollutants from entering our streams:

• Fertilizer - Apply at appropriate rates or consider organic fertilizers. Do not apply before it rains. 
• Hazardous Household Chemicals - Properly dispose at Frisco's Environmental Collection Center. 
• Herbicides and Pesticides - Use only when necessary and consider natural alternatives. Do not apply before a rain event. 
• Pet Waste - Doo the right thing and pick up after your pets. Waste must be removed in parks, and weekly cleaning of a residential yard is recommended. 
• Pool / Spa Water - Allow water to dechlorinate for 3 days before discharging. 
• Sediment - Vegetate or mulch bare soil and protect dirt piles from washing away.
• Trash / Litter - Throw trash away in designated bins so that it’s not carried into streams by wind or water. 
• Vehicle Fluids - Collect liquids and dispose at the Environmental Collection Center. Use precautions when transporting flammable liquids and avoid from spilling.
• Yard Waste - Don’t sweep or blow glass clippings in the streets. Consider leaving clippings on your lawn or use for composting. You may also bag for curbside collection. Watch this quick video to help better understand the importance of properly disposing of yard waste. 

Homeowner Associations (HOAs)

Many HOAs have maintenance responsibilities for common areas that include ponds, creeks and other stormwater features. The Stormwater Division published Maintenance Guidelines (PDF) for HOAs and other land managers to understand the best management practices for these features.

Stormwater Fee Credits

Non-residential property managers have opportunities to improve stormwater quality. For this reason, the Stormwater Fee Credit program (PDF) was developed to encourage implementation and maintenance of activities and structures that improve stormwater quality.

Commercial and Industrial Activities

You may be required to obtain Multi-Sector General Permit coverage from TCEQ. To ensure you are in compliance, please check the TCEQ Small Business and Local Government Assistance website. Those who obtain coverage under that permit can electronically submit the required MS4 notifications to email MS4.

Construction Activity

Before beginning a construction project you should check the requirements of the Stormwater Ordinance and the the TCEQ General Permit to Discharge under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Those who obtain coverage under that permit can electronically submit the required MS4 notifications by emailing MS4. View the Guidelines for SWP3 and Erosion Control Plan Preparation (PDF) in Frisco.

Post-Construction Stormwater Treatment

Your property may have a stormwater treatment device that is keeping Frisco clean by removing pollutants from stormwater before flowing off site. Please see the Stormwater Feature Maintenance Ordinance for privately-owned stormwater feature requirements. For property owners with a Mechanical Separator, a completed Inspection Report and/or waste manifest form(s) will be required to be sent to [email protected] by the end of each year. Each property owner should have their own Operation & Maintenance Plan for their specific stormwater treatment device and maintenance will vary by unit size and manufacturer. Non-residential property managers with stormwater treatment devices may be eligible for a discount on their stormwater fee through the Stormwater Fee Credit Program.