Aurora, CO Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Plan approval required
- Before grading/drainage construction starts
- Rough grading deadline
- Before temporary certificate of occupancy
- Final grading deadline
- Before final certificate of occupancy
- Post-CO duty
- Owner maintains grading as built
- Governs
- City of Aurora, Colorado only
Summary
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.
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 and the developer may proceed with the grading work at his or her own risk. The city will make no commitments based on these plans but will attempt to notify the developer of any gross errors that are noted. Submittal and approval of the final grading and drainage plans are required under chapter 70, chapter 126 and chapter 138. All grading performed pursuant to any stormwater quality permit issued under section 138-442 shall be in conformance with a grading plan approved by the City.
(b) Exceptions. The following conditions are exceptions to this requirement:
(1) Cemetery graves.
(2) Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
(3) Excavations for wells.
(4) Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing, stockpiling of rock, sand, gravel, aggregate or clay where authorized by a permit issued by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board, provided such operations do not affect the lateral support or increase the stresses in or pressure upon any adjacent or contiguous property.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Aurora City Code § 22-533, developers must coordinate with the city's stormwater program (§§ 138-441, 138-442) before starting grading or drainage construction, and final grading and drainage plans need city approval under Chapters 70, 126 and 138. Per § 22-538, if weather or frozen ground blocks final grading, rough grading must still be enough to route water away from the structure before a temporary certificate of occupancy issues: final grading is mandatory before the final certificate of occupancy. Owners then keep drainage as-built (§ 22-536); grading itself excludes mining or mineral extraction.
Violations & Fines
Grading without an approved plan proceeds at the developer's own risk and can hold up a certificate of occupancy; post-occupancy, owners who alter drainage or build structures that impede it are responsible for resulting damage, with no liability falling on the city or contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need city approval before grading in Aurora, Colorado?
Can I get an occupancy permit if final grading isn't done?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Colorado environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle erosion control.