Greeley, CO Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 1 acre or more disturbed
- Also triggers
- Common development plan under 1 acre
- Enforcer
- Director of Public Works
- Authority
- Sec. 12-194, Greeley Municipal Code
Summary
Greeley requires a city grading permit for land-disturbing work of one acre or more, smaller sites that are part of a common development plan, or any site risking harm to stormwater systems.
(a)Grading permit. A city grading permit is required for any development involving land disturbing activity that is:(1)Equal to or greater than one acre;(2)Less than one acre if the construction activities are part of a common plan of development or sale within the city; or(3)An area of any size that, due to the nature of its topography or location, provides a potential for negative impact on the city's stormwater facilities, streets or receiving waters, and will have a detrimental effect upon the public welfare or upon the watershed. The director of public works shall identify such development sites and provide written notice to the property owner and/or developer with instructions to obtain a grading permit and prepare a CSESCP and SWMP prior to beginning or continuing grading activities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Greeley's Grading and Soil Erosion Control chapter, a city grading permit is mandatory before any land-disturbing construction activity equal to or greater than one acre, any smaller site that's part of a common plan of development or sale, or any site of any size that could harm the city's stormwater facilities, streets, or receiving waters. The director of public works flags qualifying sites and notifies the owner or developer to get the permit and prepare a construction site erosion and sediment control plan before grading begins. A separate state stormwater discharge permit from CDPHE may also be required.
Violations & Fines
Grading without a required permit, or failing to follow an approved erosion control plan, is an administrative code violation and can draw a stop-work order, permit revocation, or misdemeanor penalties under Title 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grade less than an acre in Greeley?
Who enforces Greeley's grading permit rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greeley
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