Colorado Springs, CO Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Stormwater Criteria. The City of Colorado Springs stormwater criteria is written to fulfill the City's regulatory requirements, including the City of Colorado Springs Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit (COS000004), the stormwater Consent Decree (ECF #181, Case 1:16-cv-02745-JLK USA et al v. City of Colorado Springs), and the 2016 Intergovernmental Agreement with Pueblo County. The criteria is also set forth to protect public safety, ensure the long-term viability of stormwater infrastructure, and manage the City's natural stormwater resources in a sustainable manner. The City's stormwater criteria is detailed in the following documents: Drainage Criteria Manual (DCM). The DCM contains criteria and processes related to public and private stormwater infrastructure including open channels, underground conveyance infrastructure, and Permanent Control Measures for water quality treatment and detention. Stormwater Construction Manual (SCM). The SCM contains criteria and processes related to grading, sediment control, and erosion control during construction. The SCM contains all criteria related to Grading and Erosion Control permitting. Policy Clarifications. Clarifications and minor modifications to criteria are documented in Policy Clarifications. Where conflicts or differences between Policy Clarifications and the DCM or SCM exist, the Policy Clarifications shall apply. DCM Volume I Contents: Preface (Acknowledgements, Overview/Purpose, Versions/Updates, Disclaimer); General Provisions; Drainage Principles; Drainage Policies; Submittals; Floodplain Management; Hydrology; Street Drainage; Inlets; Storm Sewers; Conduit Outlet Structures; Culverts and Bridges; Open Channels; Storage; Revegetation. Green infrastructure requirements will be implemented: May 1, 2022 for all new Final Drainage Reports submitted for review; November 1, 2022 for all Final Drainage Report approvals.