Erosion Control: Colorado Springs vs Fountain
How do erosion control rules compare between Colorado Springs, CO and Fountain, CO?
Fountain has fewer restrictions than Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs City Code Section 7.4.601 requires grading, erosion, and stormwater quality controls for all land-disturbing activities. A Grading and Erosion Control (GEC) permit is required before any grading or land disturbance begins. The Stormwater Criteria Manual contains all criteria related to sediment control, erosion control during construction, and GEC permitting. Best Management Practices including silt fences, inlet protection, and construction entrance stabilization must be installed and maintained throughout construction.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Fountain, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs requires erosion and sediment control plans for all land disturbance over 1 acre (CS Drainage Criteria Manual) and El Paso County requires ESC plans for disturbance over 1/2 acre (LDC Chapter 6). Waldo Canyon and Black Forest burn scars add post-fire controls. CDPHE CDPS stormwater permit (COR-400000) required.
View full Fountain rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Fountain |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | City Code §7.4.601 Grading, Erosion & Stormwater Quality | - |
| Permit Required | Grading and Erosion Control (GEC) permit | - |
| BMPs | Silt fences, inlet protection, stabilized entrances | - |
| Criteria Manual | SCM contains all erosion/sediment control criteria | - |
| Wildfire Risk | Post-fire erosion on Waldo Canyon, Black Forest burn scars | - |
| State Permit | - | COR-400000 for 1+ ac |
| CS Threshold | - | 1 acre disturbance |
| EPC Threshold | - | 1/2 acre disturbance |
| Burn Scars | - | Post-fire BMPs required |
| Stabilization | - | 14 days inactive |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
When is a grading and erosion control permit required?
A GEC permit is required before any grading or land-disturbing activity begins. The permit ensures proper erosion and sediment control measures are in place per the Stormwater Criteria Manual.
Why is erosion control especially important in Colorado Springs?
The city's steep terrain, semi-arid climate with intense thunderstorms, and burn scars from the 2012 Waldo Canyon and 2013 Black Forest fires create heightened erosion and flash flood risks, making erosion controls critical.
Fountain FAQ
Do I need erosion control for a home addition?
If disturbance is under 1 acre (city) or 1/2 acre (county), no formal plan — but BMPs (silt fencing, stabilized entrance) still recommended. Larger sites need full ESC plan review and CDPHE COR-400000 coverage. Penalties for unpermitted large-site disturbance reach $25,000/day.
Are there extra rules in the Waldo Canyon or Black Forest burn areas?
Yes. Post-fire hydrology studies determined accelerated runoff rates for years after the fires. Construction within the burn perimeters requires enhanced sediment basins, additional re-vegetation commitments, and engineer-stamped post-fire drainage analysis.
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