Grading and Erosion Control
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Most land disturbing activities in Colorado Springs require that grading and erosion control plans be developed and submitted to the City. This page provides a summary of some of the requirements for grading and erosion control plans and the submittal and review process. Also included is a description of the process for addressing non-compliance.
Requirements for Grading and Erosion Control Plans
Grading and Erosion Control Plans are required for all but minor land disturbing activities in accordance with City Code 7.7.15 (Grading Ordinance) and 7.3.504 (Hillside Ordinance) and the City of Colorado Springs/El Paso County Drainage Criteria Manual, Chapter 4. Grading and Erosion Control Plans are required for the following:
-Any grading or construction within Hillside Areas (City Code, 7.3.504),or
-Excavation or fill > 500 CY, or
-Grading of a site with a platted acreage > 1 acre, or
-Grading on any property with a natural slope > 8%, or
-Any combination of the above three
Grading and Erosion Control Brochure (PDF)
Submittal Requirements
Grading and Erosion Control Plans are required to show the grading activities to be undertaken and the Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will be implemented to minimize erosion and property damage, respectively. Specific requirements for the Grading Plan are found in the Subdivision Policy Manual (SPM). The Drainage Criteria Manual (DCM) Vol I and II provide the requirements for the Erosion Control Plan. These manuals are available online by clicking Reference Materials or for a minimal fee by contacting City Office Services at (719) 385-5023.
Review Process
Grading and Erosion Control Plans are reviewed by City Staff to ensure that City Code, SPM, and DCM requirements are met. Non-Hillside Grading and Erosion Control Plans are reviewed/signed off by the Subdivision Engineering Review staff in City Engineering. Hillside Grading and Erosion Control Plans are jointly reviewed/signed off by Subdivision Engineering Review staff and Development Review staff. Individual Hillside Site/Lot Plans are reviewed/signed off by Development Review staff.
Complaint Process
If deficiencies with grading and/or erosion control are noticed in the field or reported by citizens, City Engineering Inspectors notify the contractor/owner so that the deficiencies can be corrected. Compliance with the Plan is the responsibility of the developer/owner who signs the Plan. Situations that present an immediate danger to public and/or private safety may result in enforcement action per Section 7.7.15 (Grading Plans) or 7.3.504 (Hillside Overlay) of the City Code.
State Requirements
Currently, construction activities that disturb one or more acres, or which are part of a larger master plan, are required to obtain a "Discharge of Stormwater Associated with Construction Activities" permit through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. For more information, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division at (303) 692-3500.
Training and Certification
Altitude Training Associates provides a one-day or two-day training course in Stormwater Management During Construction: Erosion and Sediment Control. This course is designed for those wanting to learn how to properly install and maintain BMPs and be certified under the Erosion Control Supervisor (ECS) Certification Program. For more information, contact Sott Olson at Altitude Training Associates. Phone: (307) 630-8110. Email: scott@altitudeta.com Website: www.altitudeta.com
Additional Resources
Brian Garber, Environmental Director
Colorado Contractors Association
6880 Yosemite Court Suite 200
P.O. Box 3489
Englewood, CO 80155-3489
Phone: (303) 290-6611
Fax: (303) 290-9141
Web: coloradocontractors.org
International Erosion Control Association (IECA)
P.O. Box 774904 1355 S Lincoln Ave.
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477-4904
Phone: (970) 879-3010
Fax: (970) 879-8563
IECA Mountain States Chapter
President, Chance Foreman
2480 West 26th Ave. Suite 156 B
Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 879-8563
Soil and Water Conservation Society
President, Colorado Chapter, Wendall Hassell
7866 Marshall Street
Arvada, CO 80003
Phone: (303) 422-2440
Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD)
480 West 26th Avenue, Suite 156-B
Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 455-6277
Fax: (303) 455-7880
City of Colorado Springs Contacts
Subdivision Engineering Review (grading,erosion and control plan review)
(719) 385-5979
City Engineering Inspections (citizen erosion complaint response/plan enforcement)
(719) 385-5980
City Planning/Development Review (Hillside grading and erosion control plan review)
(719) 385-5982
