Professional site grading and drainage plan preparation for residential, commercial, and development projects across Texas. Our licensed civil engineers design site grading, earthwork, and drainage systems that ensure proper stormwater conveyance, protect foundations from water damage, and meet local jurisdiction permitting requirements.
Check Your Texas Property Before You Build
Use ALFAP TX for a free preliminary check of flood information, the likely permitting authority, and possible engineering needs for your project.
Check My PropertyPreliminary guidance only. Confirm requirements with the applicable authority.
Our Grading & Drainage Services
Site Grading Design
Design of site grading to achieve proper drainage, accessibility, and building elevations.
Earthwork & Volume Calculations
Calculation of cut/fill earthwork volumes for site development and cost estimation.
Surface Drainage Design
Design of surface swales, channels, and slope drainage to convey stormwater away from structures.
Subsurface Drainage Design
Design of French drains, underdrains, and subsurface collection systems.
Drainage Impact Analysis
Analysis of downstream and upstream drainage impacts for development permit applications.
Finish Floor Elevation Setting
Determination of finish floor elevations based on flood data and drainage requirements.
Erosion Control Integration
Integration of temporary and permanent erosion control measures into grading plans.
Grading Permit Plans
Preparation of grading and drainage plan sets for building permit and site development applications.
When grading and drainage plans may be needed
Grading and drainage plans may be needed for new construction, additions, redevelopment, commercial site development, and any project that modifies site elevations, impervious cover, or stormwater runoff patterns. ALFA's licensed civil engineers prepare grading, earthwork, and drainage plans coordinated with the requirements of the reviewing jurisdiction for residential, commercial, and development projects across Texas.
Project steps
- 1Document & site review — ALFA reviews your survey, topographic information, proposed work, and any agency comments.
- 2Grading & drainage analysis — existing and proposed elevations, runoff patterns, and conveyance are evaluated against the applicable criteria.
- 3Design — grading and earthwork plans, surface and subsurface drainage, finish floor elevations, and erosion control are prepared as needed.
- 4Agency submittal & comments — ALFA coordinates the submittal and responds to reviewing-agency comments; the authority having jurisdiction makes the final permit decision.
Grading and drainage plans focus on site grading, earthwork, and stormwater conveyance for a defined project area. A broader drainage study or hydrologic and hydraulic analysis may be needed when downstream impact, detention sizing, or floodplain modeling is required. Detention design is a separate scope when stormwater storage and controlled release must be sized and routed. See Drainage Design and Detention Pond Design for those scopes. The specific scope for your project is defined in your proposal. ALFA does not guarantee permit approval — the authority having jurisdiction makes the final determination.
Information needed for a quote
- Property address
- Proposed work or project description
- Survey or topographic information (if available)
- Agency or reviewer comments (if available)
You don't need all of these to start the conversation. Share what you have and ALFA will help identify what else is needed for your proposal.
Availability: Grading and drainage plan preparation is available statewide. On-site visits, when needed, are scheduled based on project location.
How to Request a Proposal
Use the button below to request a proposal. Describe your project, site address, and any specific concerns or requirements.
Related Engineering Services
Drainage Design
Broader site drainage, stormwater conveyance, and detention design.
Detention Pond Design
Stormwater detention sizing, routing, and outlet structure design.
Erosion & Sediment Control
SWPPP and erosion control plans for construction sites.
Site Development Engineering
Full site layout, grading, drainage, utilities, and permit coordination.
Scope of Services
Related Services
Related Tools & Official Resources
Verify requirements with the official government sources before your project — these verified resources and plain-English answers apply directly to this service.