Loveland, CO Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Loveland's grading and drainage rules sit at the intersection of three documents: LMC Title 18 Unified Development Code, which sets development standards and adopts the LSDC by reference; LMC Chapter 13.20 (Stormwater Quality), which governs the water-quality side of the same equation; and the City of Loveland Storm Drainage Criteria (LSDC), the engineering manual the Public Works Stormwater Utility Division and Development Review apply. The LSDC adopts the Mile High Flood District (formerly Urban Drainage and Flood Control District) USDCM Volumes 1-3 and overlays Loveland-specific criteria. New development must submit a Drainage Report showing existing and proposed runoff for the 2-, 10-, and 100-year storm events; on-site conveyance (curb-and-gutter, swales, pipes, channels) must safely pass the 100-year event without surcharging or overtopping; and historic runoff rates and patterns to adjacent properties cannot be increased. Detention is required to limit post-development discharge to historic rates for the 2- and 100-year events. Sites disturbing 1/2 acre or more must also install Permanent Stormwater Quality Control Measures sized to the city's water quality capture volume per LMC Chapter 13.20. Grading must maintain positive drainage away from foundations (5% for the first 10 feet typical), match approved finished floor elevations, and not concentrate runoff toward neighboring lots. Contact the Stormwater Utility at (970) 962-2774 for drainage review; submit permits through the Building Division.