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Colorado Springs, CO Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 7.4.601 (GEC Permit)
Permit trigger
1+ acre of land disturbance
Erosion blanket
Required on slopes 3:1 or steeper
Slope analysis
Required beyond 2.5:1 on permanent slopes
Reviewing authority
Stormwater Enterprise Manager (§7.5.506)
Overlay districts
HS-O/SS-O need extra Hillside/Streamside Plan

Summary

Private grading that disturbs one acre or more, is part of a larger project disturbing an acre or more, touches an open drainage channel, or builds or modifies a permanent control measure needs a Grading and Erosion Control (GEC) Permit under City Code § 7.4.601C, reviewed by the Stormwater Enterprise Manager under § 7.5.506.

C. Grading and Erosion Control (GEC) Permit: 1. No person shall undertake any grading on private property that will result in any of the following without first complying with the requirements of Subsection 2 below: a. Construction activities disturbing one (1) or more acres; ... c. Any grading or construction within an open drainage channel as determined by the review engineer... An erosion control blanket shall be installed on all graded slopes three (3) to one (1) and greater. A slope stability analysis or approved alternative shall be performed for permanent slopes graded steeper than two and a half (2.5) to one (1).

Source: Colorado Springs City Code §7.4.601View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 26-23, passed June 9, 2026).

Full Breakdown

5:1. Subsection C lists the triggers that require a GEC Permit or Associate GEC Permit, disturbing one acre or more, being part of a larger common plan that disturbs an acre or more, grading or constructing within an open drainage channel, constructing or substantially modifying a permanent control measure, or any site the Stormwater Enterprise Manager deems necessary. 601C3). 601C5–6). 603A–B). 602A).

Violations & Fines

Grading without a required GEC Permit, or grading that damages life, limb or property, lets the Stormwater Enterprise Manager declare the site a public health, safety and welfare nuisance after inspection, triggering abatement that can include a new or revised GEC Plan or Stormwater Management Plan (§7.4.602). Starting the final construction phase without an approved Permanent Control Management Plan can draw a stop-work order (§7.4.601C3). Refusing to allow an inspection can lead the City to obtain a Municipal Court warrant to enter and inspect (§7.4.603B). Absent a specific fine, the Code's general penalty of up to $2,500 and/or 189 days in jail applies (§1.1.201B).

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a Grading and Erosion Control Permit in Colorado Springs?
When your project disturbs one acre or more (alone or as part of a larger common plan), grades or builds within an open drainage channel, constructs or substantially modifies a permanent control measure, or the Stormwater Enterprise Manager otherwise requires it (§7.4.601C1).
What slope standards apply to grading?
An erosion control blanket is required on all graded slopes of 3:1 or steeper, and a slope stability analysis or approved alternative is required for permanent slopes graded steeper than 2.5:1, per §7.4.601B1.
Who reviews Colorado Springs GEC permit applications?
The Stormwater Enterprise Manager reviews the application and approves, approves with conditions, or denies the GEC Permit or Associate GEC Permit based on compliance with Part 7.4.6 and the Engineering Criteria, per §7.5.506C2.
Can the City inspect my grading site without my permission?
Yes at reasonable times to check compliance and enforce Part 7.4.6, and if you refuse entry, the Stormwater Enterprise Manager can apply to Municipal Court for a warrant to inspect the property, per §7.4.603A–B.
Do hillside properties need extra approvals for grading?
Yes. In the Hillside Overlay (HS-O) or Streamside Overlay (SS-O) districts, you need an approved Hillside or Streamside Development Plan in addition to your GEC Permit before any covered grading activity can start, per §7.4.601C5–6.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Colorado Springs

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