Texas
Dam Safety Inspection
Periodic dam safety inspections, emergency action plans and repairs for private and public dams.
What the work involves
State dam safety programs regulate most non-federal dams and often require owners to have periodic inspections by a licensed engineer, maintain emergency action plans for high or significant hazard dams, and repair deficiencies. Inspections look at embankments, seepage, spillways, outlets and instrumentation. Owners such as HOAs, farms and businesses are frequently surprised to learn their pond embankment is a regulated dam.
Local conditions we plan for
- Expansive clay soils and foundation movement
- Hurricanes and coastal flooding on the Gulf Coast
- Flash flooding (Hill Country, Houston)
- Karst in the Edwards Aquifer region
Building code: 2012 IBC/IRC listed at the state level; local jurisdictions may adopt newer editions (ICC adoption chart, April 2026).
When you need it
- State dam safety agency requires inspection
- Seepage, sinkholes or slides on the embankment
- Spillway erosion or inadequate capacity
- Emergency action plan required or outdated
Frequently asked questions
How much does dam Safety Inspection cost?
Across the US, dam Safety Inspection usually costs $2,000 to $30,000 per inspection. Estimate. Small low hazard dams are at the low end; high hazard dams requiring analysis cost more.
How long does dam Safety Inspection take?
Plan on 2 to 8 weeks from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.
Do I need a licensed PE for dam Safety Inspection?
In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.
How do I verify an engineer's license in Texas?
Engineers practicing in Texas are licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. You can confirm a license number and its status in the board's public license search before you sign a contract.
Which building code applies in Texas?
2012 IBC/IRC listed at the state level; local jurisdictions may adopt newer editions (ICC adoption chart, April 2026). Cities and counties can add local amendments, which is one reason to hire an engineer who works in your area.
What site problems do engineers see most in Texas?
Common issues include expansive clay soils and foundation movement, hurricanes and coastal flooding on the Gulf Coast, flash flooding (Hill Country, Houston) and karst in the Edwards Aquifer region.