2026 Infrastructure Design Manual and Design & Construction Standards
Where can I find the current City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual?
The official 2026 Infrastructure Design Manual and Design & Construction Standards is published by Houston Permitting Center and applies to projects in Houston, Texas. Use the official link below to access the current version directly — requirements and forms can change, so confirm the current version with Houston Permitting Center before any submittal.
What is this resource?
2026 Infrastructure Design Manual and Design & Construction Standards is a design manual / standards published by Houston Permitting Center for Harris County. The authoritative, current version is always the one published on the official page linked above.
2026 IDM effective March 2, 2026; full implementation for applicable new initial reviews beginning June 1, 2026.
When is this used?
This resource is used in Houston development, permitting and engineering review processes. Whether it applies to a specific project depends on the current requirements published by Houston Permitting Center — confirm the current requirements with the applicable jurisdiction before any submittal.
What may be required?
Requirements are defined solely by Houston Permitting Center and are published on the official resource page — ALFA Engineering is not the issuing government agency. Engineering documents commonly prepared by ALFA for projects that use this resource include:
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Related FAQs
Where can I find the current engineering design manual?
Use the official current manual or standards landing page — each jurisdiction keeps the current version on its own site.
ALFA can design the project using current jurisdictional criteria rather than outdated standards.
Where do I start my permit?
Start with the official city portal, then confirm which engineering disciplines your submittal requires.
ALFA can review the project scope before you spend time on an incomplete submittal.
Do I need a drainage study for my project?
Requirements depend on jurisdiction, acreage, impervious cover, outfall and floodplain conditions — always check the local criteria.
ALFA can determine the drainage-analysis scope and prepare calculations, exhibits and reports.
Need civil engineering plans for your Houston project?
ALFA's licensed civil engineers can review your proposed scope and provide a proposal for applicable site development, grading, drainage, detention, and permit support services. ALFA is an independent engineering firm and is not affiliated with Houston Permitting Center; the authority having jurisdiction makes the final permit decision.
Designing a Houston civil project? ALFA can apply the current IDM to site, drainage and utility plans.
Request Project ReviewALFA Engineering, LLC — Houston Metro / Gulf Coast · Licensed Texas Professional Engineers
External government and agency resources are provided for convenience. Requirements, forms and URLs may change. Confirm current requirements with the applicable jurisdiction. ALFA Engineering is not the issuing government agency.