Environmental Rules in Aurora, CO (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Aurora, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Aurora requires a storm drainage system utility permit and a stormwater quality discharge permit from Aurora Water before building drainage infrastructure or discharging into any public right-of-way or easement.
Aurora Stormwater Drainage Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsAurora City Code § 138-368
It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, install, place or attempt to construct, install or place any storm drainage system extension or related subsurface structure or facility within any public street, avenue, alley or other public way or to discharge into a public right-of-way or easement, without first having obtained a storm drainage system utility permit and stormwater quality di...
Erosion Control
Aurora requires an approved grading and drainage plan before earthwork begins, with rough grading tied to temporary occupancy and final grading required before final occupancy.
Aurora, CO Grading & Drainage Permit
Some RestrictionsAurora City Code § 22-533(a)
Prior to the start of grading or drainage construction, the developer shall comply with the requirements of sections 138-441 and 138-442 pertaining to the protection of stormwater quality. In the event grading commences prior to approval by the City of the grading plan, the developer shall submit one copy of any grading plans that are available at that time. Such plans are for information only ...
Flood Zones
In Aurora, Colorado, all development in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area is prohibited unless the floodplain administrator first issues a floodplain development permit.
Aurora Floodplain Development Permit
Significant RestrictionsAurora City Code § 70-8
All development in a SFHA is prohibited unless a floodplain development permit for such development has been issued by the floodplain administrator pursuant to the requirements of this article. The floodplain development permit shall be required in addition to all other permits and requirements of this Code.
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance caps idling of diesel and other stationary vehicle engines at 15 minutes per hour citywide, with narrow exceptions for safety-mode equipment and sleeper-cab truckers parked well away from homes.
Aurora, CO 15-Minute Vehicle Idling Limit
Some RestrictionsAurora Unified Development Ordinance § 146-4.11.2(E)(1)(d)
Idling or permitting the idling of a motor or any stationary diesel fuel burning vehicle or motor vehicle of any kind for a period in excess of 15 minutes in any hour, within the City limits at any time is prohibited. This Section shall not apply to: i. Engines that must be operated in the idle mode for safety reasons, including but not limited to cranes and forklifts used in the construction i...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Aurora requires new homes in mapped floodplains to sit two feet above base flood elevation, and new commercial buildings one foot above it or flood-proofed to that level.
Aurora Base Flood Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsAurora City Code § 70-31(1)
New construction and Substantial Improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement or crawl space), electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork), elevated to two feet above the base flood elevation. Upon completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor, including ...
Looking for Arapahoe County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Aurora city rules.
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