Grading & Drainage: Colorado Springs vs Manitou Springs
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Colorado Springs, CO and Manitou Springs, CO?
Manitou Springs has fewer restrictions than Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs City Code Section 7.4.601 and the Drainage Criteria Manual govern all grading and drainage activities. A Grading and Erosion Control permit is required before any land disturbance. The Drainage Criteria Manual specifies design standards for open channels, underground conveyance, permanent control measures for water quality treatment and detention. All development must ensure downstream stormwater infrastructure can safely pass 2-year, 25-year, and 100-year storm events, with analysis extending at minimum to the next two downstream structures.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
PPRBD requires grading permits for excavation or fill over 50 cubic yards or slopes over 10%. Drainage must not adversely affect neighboring properties under Colorado common-law rules. Retaining walls over 4 ft need engineering. Black Forest and Cedar Heights foothills face specialized hillside grading requirements.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | City Code §7.4.601; Drainage Criteria Manual | - |
| Permit Required | Grading and Erosion Control permit before disturbance | - |
| Design Standards | Open channels, underground conveyance, detention | - |
| Downstream Analysis | Must extend to at least 2 downstream structures | - |
| Storm Events | Infrastructure must pass 2-yr, 25-yr, 100-yr flows | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | 50 CY or 10% slope |
| Drainage Rule | - | Can't impact neighbor |
| Retaining Walls | - | Engineered if over 4 ft |
| Expansive Soils | - | Widespread in CS |
| Hillside Overlay | - | Extra slope rules |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
What does the Drainage Criteria Manual require?
The DCM contains criteria for public and private stormwater infrastructure including open channels, underground conveyance systems, and permanent control measures for water quality treatment and detention. All projects must demonstrate downstream capacity.
Is a permit required for grading work?
Yes. A Grading and Erosion Control permit must be obtained before any grading or land disturbance begins. The Stormwater Criteria Manual specifies erosion and sediment control requirements for the permit.
Manitou Springs FAQ
Can I regrade my yard to shed water to the alley?
Minor regrading under 50 cubic yards and under 10% slopes is exempt, but you cannot concentrate drainage onto neighboring properties or the public alley in a way that causes damage. Colorado follows the modified civil-law rule — reasonable drainage only.
Why do I need a soils report for a basement?
Colorado Springs sits in one of the nation's highest-risk expansive soil zones (Pierre Shale, Fountain Formation). PPRBD requires geotechnical soils reports for foundations, basements, and significant structural fill to prevent the widespread heaving damage seen in pre-2000 construction.
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