Denver requires erosion and sediment control for all construction and ground-disturbing activities under DRMC Chapter 56 and the Denver Building Code. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) administers erosion control through stormwater permit requirements. Projects must implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) before any grading begins.
All construction sites disturbing the ground must have an approved Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. Sites disturbing one acre or more must obtain coverage under the Colorado CDPS Construction General Permit. Required BMPs include silt fences, sediment basins, vehicle tracking pads, inlet protection, and dust control. Plans must address temporary and permanent stabilization. Denver's semi-arid climate means wind erosion controls are particularly emphasized alongside water erosion measures.
Failure to implement required erosion controls can result in stop-work orders from Denver building inspectors. Sediment discharge to the storm sewer system violates DRMC §56-90 and carries penalties up to $999 per day. The Colorado DPHE may impose additional penalties for CDPS permit violations. Contractors may be barred from future permits for repeated non-compliance.
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See how Denver's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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