Albuquerque regulates grading and drainage through DPM Chapter 22 and the Integrated Development Ordinance. All new development must manage stormwater on-site and ensure drainage does not adversely affect neighboring properties. Grading permits are required for significant earth-moving activities. The city's semi-arid terrain and summer monsoons make proper grading and drainage critical.
Grading plans must be submitted with development applications and approved by the City Engineer. Projects must demonstrate that post-development runoff does not exceed pre-development levels. Detention and retention basins are commonly required. The city follows AMAFCA's Sediment and Erosion Design Guide for grading standards. Cut and fill slopes must be stabilized. Drainage easements must be maintained. Natural drainage patterns should be preserved where possible. The DPM establishes criteria for storm drain pipe sizing, channel design, and overland flow paths.
Grading without a permit or in violation of approved plans is subject to stop-work orders. Drainage that adversely affects neighboring properties can result in enforcement action and required remediation. Violations of the Development Process Manual carry fines and may delay future permit approvals.
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