Parker, CO Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 11.10, Grading and Earth Movement, states its purpose is to minimize soil erosion and sediment movement and protect water quality during and after construction (Section 11.10.010). Section 11.10.030 bars grading or earth movement without a permit from the Engineering Department, and no permit issues until the property has final site plan or subdivision plat approval under the Parker Land Development Ordinance. Plans must meet the Town's Storm Drainage and Environmental Criteria Manual standards (Section 11.10.040) and be reviewed within twenty working days (Section 11.10.070).

Permits run twenty-four months (Section 11.10.080) and require a nonrefundable fee set by Town Council resolution (Section 11.10.090). Section 11.10.100 requires revegetation security: $2,500 plus construction site runoff control costs for sites under one acre, and a $5,000 minimum, calculated at $2,000 per acre for developable land or $5,000 per acre for nondevelopable land, for larger sites. Security is not released until perennial vegetation reaches at least 70% of pre-disturbance density, erosion is insignificant, weeds are held under 50% of total vegetation, and all Construction Best Management Practices are removed.

A grading exception exists for disturbances under one acre that the Engineering Department finds will not significantly affect neighboring property, but not where the parcel is part of a larger common development plan (Section 11.10.060). Noncompliance can trigger a stop-work order and withholding of building permits and certificates of occupancy under Section 11.10.120.