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JRH

Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.

JRH Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. Logo

JRH

Engineering & Environmental Services

JRH Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. Logo

City of Houston 2026 Stormwater Detention Regulation Update

  • 2 hours ago
  • 2 min read
Houston 2026 Stormwater Detention Update: New 0.8 AF/Acre Rate & Redevelopment Credits

Houston 2026 Stormwater Detention Update: New 0.8 AF/Acre Rate & Redevelopment Credits


JRH Engineering & Environmental Services is the premier provider of civil and structural engineering design solutions in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.


Our motto is “Done Quickly. Done Right. And for the Best Value.”


What’s Changing in Houston Stormwater Detention Rules?


Houston’s Infrastructure Design Manual (IDM) Chapter 9 updates take effect June 1, 2026.


The biggest change affects most new and redevelopment projects.


Key updates include:

  • Flat detention rate of 0.8 acre-feet per acre for all projects under 20 acres

  • New redevelopment credits for existing impervious cover

  • Simplified calculations that replace the previous complex runoff formulas


How the New 0.8 AF/Acre Rate Works

  • Applies automatically to sites under 20 acres

  • No more site-specific hydrologic modeling for smaller projects

  • Reduces engineering time and speeds up permitting


Developers benefit from:

  • Faster plan submittals

  • Lower soft costs

  • Fewer redesign loops


New Redevelopment Credits – A Game Changer


Redevelopment sites now receive credit for existing impervious area.


This can dramatically reduce the required detention volume.


Credit examples:

  • 40% existing impervious cover = up to 40% detention reduction

  • 70% existing impervious cover = up to 70% detention reduction

  • Credit is applied before the 0.8 AF/acre calculation


Compliance Deadline & Action Steps


  • All projects submitted after June 1, 2026, must use the new rules

  • Projects already in review may qualify for the old rules if approved before the deadline


To avoid costly redesigns, developers should:


  1. Schedule a pre-submittal meeting with Houston Public Works

  2. Request a redevelopment credit calculation early

  3. Engage JRH for a quick 2026 compliance review


Want More Information on this Topic?


JRH Engineering & Environmental Services delivers complete stormwater detention design and permitting services in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.


Our low-overhead model means faster turnaround and lower engineering fees while meeting every 2026 requirement.


Contact JRH Engineering & Environmental Services today for a free 15-minute consultation on the new Houston stormwater detention rules.

  • Call (800) 227-9635  

  • Use the chatbot on the lower right-hand side of the screen

  • Or visit our contact page

 
 
 

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Our Services

Our civil engineering company offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.

 

Our capabilities include civil engineering, structural engineering, land development, and environmental engineering, making us a one-stop solution for all your engineering needs.

JRH specializes in full civil and structural engineering design, permitting, and project support. We do not offer standalone inspection-only services or forensic engineering investigations (e.g., 'why is my foundation cracking?'). For those needs, we recommend a licensed home inspector or forensic specialist.

  •  

    As leading civil engineering consultants,

    we provide full-service solutions for a wide range of projects.

     

    From land planning to large-scale infrastructure projects, our civil engineering services cover every aspect of your project.

    ​

    Our experience and attention to detail ensure that your civil engineering projects are executed with precision, resulting in successful, sustainable developments that stand the test of time.

    ​

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    We deliver expert consultation on environmental compliance, sustainable design, and regulatory requirements, ensuring your project aligns with state and federal guidelines.

     

    Our focus on ecological engineering ensures that your project also contributes to a healthier built environment.

    ​

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    Our licensed professional engineers specialize in structural engineering, offering consultation, structural components inspection, structural analysis, structural system design, and sustainable design. ​

     

    Our expertise ensures that every structural element is designed and implemented to the highest standards of safety and functionality.

    ​

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    JRH Engineering provides land development services that are tailored to meet the needs of developers looking to transform raw land into thriving communities.

     

    We assist with every stage of the development process, from land acquisition and parceling to infrastructure design and regulatory compliance.

     

    ​ Our expertise in civil engineering enables us to deliver repeatable, scalable solutions that maximize the potential of your land, ensuring successful and sustainable developments.

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