Stormwater Management: Colorado Springs vs Manitou Springs
How do stormwater management 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 7.4.701 and the Stormwater Criteria Manual (SCM) impose comprehensive stormwater management requirements for all development and redevelopment. The city operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit from CDPHE. Projects must design permanent water quality and detention facilities per the Drainage Criteria Manual (DCM), and construction sites must implement erosion and sediment controls. Stormwater discharge to Monument Creek, Fountain Creek, and their tributaries is closely regulated.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
El Paso County and Colorado Springs operate MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permits under CDPHE CDPS. The $460M 2016 Pueblo-Colorado Springs Intergovernmental Agreement settled stormwater litigation over Fountain Creek. New development requires Drainage Criteria Manual compliance and LID (Low-Impact Development) features.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | City Code §7.4.701; Stormwater Criteria Manual | - |
| MS4 Permit | CDPHE-issued Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit | CDPHE Reg 61 |
| Drainage Manual | DCM governs channels, conveyance, detention | - |
| Storm Events | Must safely pass 2-yr, 25-yr, and 100-yr flows | - |
| Enforcement | Stormwater Enterprise, (719) 385-5918 | - |
| IGA Investment | - | $460M (2016) |
| Manual | - | CS Drainage 2024 |
| Burn Scars | - | Accelerated runoff |
| LID Required | - | New dev over 1 ac |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
What stormwater standards apply to new development in Colorado Springs?
All development must comply with the Stormwater Criteria Manual and Drainage Criteria Manual. Projects must include permanent water quality treatment and detention facilities, and the downstream system must safely pass 2-year, 25-year, and 100-year storm events.
Who enforces stormwater regulations?
The Stormwater Enterprise within Public Works enforces stormwater regulations, reviews drainage plans, and issues grading and erosion control permits.
Manitou Springs FAQ
Why does Colorado Springs have such strict stormwater rules?
The 2016 Intergovernmental Agreement with Pueblo County settled decades of downstream Fountain Creek flooding and pollution litigation, committing Colorado Springs to $460M in stormwater infrastructure over 20 years. Enforcement is correspondingly aggressive.
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Residential car washing with soap draining to the storm drain is technically an illicit discharge under CSCC §3.7.201. Use biodegradable soap and drain onto grass, or use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Enforcement is typically complaint-driven.
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