In addition to planning efforts, the Watershed Planning Division ushers new or updated rules and ordinances through the stakeholder process, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and supports the department’s GIS functions.
Watershed Master Plan
We identify integrated solutions for flooding, erosion and water quality problems and coordinate capital projects.
Long-Range Planning
We support departmental and citywide policy initiatives like the Watershed Protection Ordinance, Imagine Austin, Transit-Oriented Developments and Neighborhood Plans.
Regulatory
We coordinate revisions to watershed regulations in the Land Development Code and the Criteria Manuals. In 2013, we completed the Watershed Protection Ordinance, a City Council-requested effort to revisit and revise the Environment and Drainage sections of the Code.
Featured Programs
- Watershed Master Plan
- Watershed Protection Ordinance
- Administrative Criteria and Ordinances
- History of Watershed Ordinances
State of Our Environment Reports
The Watershed Protection Department coordinates the publication of Austin's annual State of Our Environment Report. The report provides a snapshot of Austin's air quality, water, trees, open space and habitat and climate change. Download copies below:
- State of Our Environment 2019
- State of Our Environment 2018
- State of Our Environment 2017
- State of Our Environment 2016
- State of Our Environment 2015
- State of Our Environment 2014
- State of Our Environment 2013
- State of Our Environment 2012
- State of Our Environment 2011