Arapahoe County and cities require erosion and sediment control per Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) and Mile High Flood District standards. Projects over 1 acre need state CDPS Stormwater Construction Permit. Silt fencing, stabilized entrances, and BMPs required. Cherry Creek Watershed imposes stricter controls.
Erosion and sediment control in Arapahoe County is mandated by both federal Clean Water Act Section 402 and Colorado's Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS). Construction projects disturbing 1 acre or more must obtain a CDPS Stormwater Construction Permit from CDPHE Water Quality Control Division and implement a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) per the UDFCD/Mile High Flood District Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3. Best Management Practices include silt fencing on downslope perimeters, straw wattles on slopes, erosion control blankets on disturbed areas, stabilized construction entrances (typically VT-1 tracking pads), sediment basins for larger projects, and concrete washout containment. Aurora City Code §138-180 requires erosion control on projects over 6,000 sq ft disturbed area—stricter than the 1-acre state threshold. Centennial and Littleton follow 10,000 sq ft triggers. The Cherry Creek Reservoir Watershed (5 CCR 1002-72) imposes additional phosphorus-focused BMPs throughout the watershed. Disturbed areas must be stabilized with vegetation or mulch within 14 days of final grading per state rules. Inspections required weekly and after precipitation events over 0.5 inches. Project closeout requires CDPS permit termination and final stabilization certification.
Missing erosion controls: stop-work order and fines $1,000 to $10,000 per day under CDPS. Sediment discharge to waters of the state: $5,000 to $50,000 per day. Cherry Creek watershed violations: additional penalties under 5 CCR 1002-72. Failure to stabilize: daily fines until corrected.
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County regulates amplified music through the general noise ordinance and C.R.S. §18-9-106 disturbing the peace. Sound amplification permits are requ...
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County has no leaf blower-specific ordinance. Operation must comply with general noise limits under C.R.S. §25-12-103 and county noise rules. Gas-po...
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County Land Development Code §5-2 regulates fence materials by zoning district. Wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain-link, and tubular steel are general...
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County permits backyard chickens in most residential zones under the Land Development Code. Unincorporated areas allow up to 6-8 hens with no rooste...
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County requires property owners to maintain defensible space in designated Wildland-Urban Interface zones, especially southern county areas near Che...
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County Weed Control enforces the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S. §35-5.5-101) through its Weed Advisory Board. Property owners must abate listed n...
See how Arapahoe County's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.