Environmental Rules in Centennial, CO

If you live in Centennial or are thinking about moving there, environmental rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Centennial has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of environmental rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Erosion Control

Any land-disturbing activity in Centennial needs a Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control permit issued by SEMSWA before disturbance begins, under standards in the regional GESC Manual.

Key details: Permit name: GESC Permit. Issued by: SEMSWA (regional drainage authority). Trigger: Any land disturbing activity. Manual dated: May 2019.

Disturbing land without an approved GESC permit is an LDC violation subject to enforcement and a hold on further development orders under Article 15, Enforcement and Remedies.

Flood Zones

Centennial bans new residential and non-residential construction in mapped floodplains outright, and allows any other floodplain development only if it won't restrict channel or drainage capacity.

Key details: New structures: prohibited outright. Other development: needs floodplain permit. Enforced by: Floodplain Administrator. Applies in: FEMA-mapped flood hazard areas.

Building in a floodplain without a permit is an LDC violation; the Floodplain Administrator can hold or revoke permits, and municipal court may fine up to $2,650 per day (§§ 12-15-302, 1-4-10).

Compared to other cities, Centennial takes a harder line on flood zones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Stormwater Management

Centennial bans discharging pollutants into the storm drain system or watercourses, with limited exemptions for clean water sources like irrigation runoff and air conditioning condensation.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 13-1-210. Minimum fine: $500 per violation. Intentional violation fine: $1,000 minimum. Enforcement: City and SEMSWA inspections.

Prosecutable violation; minimum penalty $500 per offense, rising to at least $1,000 if the court finds the violation intentional. Each calendar day of violation is a separate offense.

Flood Elevation Requirements

Substantially improved structures in a Centennial floodplain must elevate their lowest floor at least two feet above the 100-year base flood elevation, certified by a licensed professional.

Key details: Minimum freeboard: 2 feet above base flood elevation. Applies to: substantial improvements. Certification: PE, architect, or land surveyor. Critical facilities: also 2 feet above BFE.

Building below the required freeboard without a floodplain permit violates the LDC; the Floodplain Administrator can withhold permits, and municipal court may fine up to $2,650 per day (§§ 12-15-302, 1-4-10).

The Bottom Line

Centennial's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Centennial is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Centennial's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.