El Paso County, CO Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- disturbance over 1 acre
- Permit
- ESQCP + grading plan
- Slope limit
- 4:1 must be terraced
- Design flood
- 100-year storm protection
Summary
El Paso County bars clearing, grading, excavation, or filling on land disturbances over one acre until the county approves a grading plan and an erosion and sediment control plan, and issues an ESQCP.
No clearing, grading, excavation, filling, or other land-disturbing activities covered under this Section and Chapter 3 of the ECM shall be allowed until approval of the grading plan and erosion and sediment control plan is received, and an ESQCP is approved.
CD6:66 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 6.3.5
(4) Relationship to ECM. The technical standards for the preparation of grading and erosion control plans, issuance of the construction permit and ESQCP, and design standards for construction are con- tained with the ECM.
(B) Grading Standards. Grading shall meet the following standards. Subdivision grading shall also be designed in conformance with the requirements in Chapter 8.
(1) No Severe Changes in Grade. Grading adjacent to existing development shall not result in severe changes in grade.
(2) Utility and Drainage Easements Established and Modified. In association with grading, utility and drainage easements shall be established or modified to produce a usable and desirable transition between developments.
(3) Steep Lots or Parcels Terraced. Beyond any easement area, lot and parcel grades in excess of 4:1 shall be terraced or otherwise permanently stabilized.
(4) Graded to Protect Structures.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Development Code: Supplement 3 | Drainage Criteria Manual: Publication | Engineering Criteria Manual: Supplement 3 | Ordinances: Reformat).
Full Breakdown
The Land Development Code's Grading and Erosion Control section applies whenever development disturbs more than one acre, or involves installing public improvements. No clearing, grading, excavation, filling, or other land-disturbing work covered by the section may begin until the county approves a grading plan and an erosion and sediment control plan and issues an Erosion, Sediment and Quality Control Permit (ESQCP). Grading standards also bar severe grade changes next to existing development, require lots graded beyond a 4:1 slope outside easements to be terraced, and require lots graded to protect structures from the 100-year storm.
Violations & Fines
Starting land-disturbing work without an approved grading plan and ESQCP violates the Land Development Code and can halt construction until the required plans, permits, and financial assurance for the site are in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grade land in unincorporated El Paso County?
What happens with steep grading over a 4:1 slope?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso County
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