Fastest-Growing TX, NC & FL Metros: 2027 Forecast for Development
Updated: Oct 13
Why Choose JRH Engineering
Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH
Most engineering firms talk about technical capability. We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.
Faster Project Turnaround
Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
Clear & Responsive Communication
You work directly with engineers who keep you informed.
No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.
Proven Results Across Three States
We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
Check out JRH’s case studies.
Licensed & Certified Professionals
Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers.
JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.
TxDOT Drainage Criteria Can Change a Site’s Value
A commercial tract along a state highway in the Houston area can look ready to build until the drainage numbers come in.
TxDOT’s Houston District drainage criteria tie detention pond requirements to tract size and disturbed area, which can shrink the buildable footprint of a small site.
Checking these rules before purchase helps avoid costly surprises.
JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
Requirements by Site Size
The TxDOT Houston District Drainage Design Guidelines, revised July 1, 2025, set these tiers:
Up to 2 acres: 0.85 acre-feet of detention pond storage per acre of disturbed area
Over 2 to 10 acres: detention pond volume computed with Malcom’s Small Watershed Hydrograph Method
Over 10 acres: a pre-application meeting with TxDOT Houston District Hydraulics before design
TxDOT states that its drainage systems are not intended to provide drainage for new development.
For more detail, see TxDOT Houston Releases New Drainage Criteria.
Why Disturbed Area Matters
Detention pond volume is based on the area disturbed, not only new pavement.
Replacing paving with landscaping can still count toward the required storage.
Redevelopment Challenges
Existing conditions: how much existing pavement counts as existing depends on its age and permit history; buyers should request any TxDOT-approved plans
Finished floor limits: when an existing building stays, its floor elevation limits how high water can pond on the site
Flat sites draining to ditches: these may need pumped systems, which some cities do not allow
Expansion plans: a small site may not fit both a detention pond and a future building addition
JRH’s Recommendation
Order a drainage feasibility study before closing on a highway frontage tract or committing to a redevelopment.
Project: Dairy Queen Restaurant Site, Highway 6, Manvel, TX
Quick-service restaurant on a small Highway 6 lot in Manvel, Brazoria County
Read the full Dairy Queen HWY 6 case study
Challenges
The site needed detention pond storage without losing building area
An awkward triangular corner had no viable building use
Objectives
Keep the rectangular core free for the building, parking and drive-through.
Gain highway access without a separate driveway permit.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Civil engineering site design with concurrent City of Manvel and TxDOT submittals
A retaining wall detention pond placed in the triangular corner
A shared driveway negotiated with the adjacent gas station
Results:
Dead corner space converted into the drainage solution
Maximum usable footprint preserved
Site Feasibility Resources for Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
North Carolina
See the NC Stormwater Design Manual.
Florida
See FDEP’s Environmental Resource Permit program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much detention pond storage does TxDOT require for small sites?
0.85 acre-feet per acre of disturbed area for sites up to 2 acres.
How is detention pond volume calculated for 2 to 10 acre sites?
With Malcom’s Small Watershed Hydrograph Method.
What do sites over 10 acres need?
A pre-application meeting with TxDOT Houston District Hydraulics before design.
Does removing pavement reduce the requirement?
Not necessarily; disturbed area can still count toward detention pond volume.
When should I order a drainage feasibility study?
Before closing on the land or committing to a redevelopment.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
Want More Information on this Topic?
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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