El Paso County and Colorado Springs operate MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permits under CDPHE CDPS. The $460M 2016 Pueblo-Colorado Springs Intergovernmental Agreement settled stormwater litigation over Fountain Creek. New development requires Drainage Criteria Manual compliance and LID (Low-Impact Development) features.
Stormwater management in El Paso County is shaped by the 2016 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Colorado Springs and Pueblo County — a $460M, 20-year commitment resolving downstream flooding and water-quality litigation along Fountain Creek. The IGA drives aggressive stormwater investment and regulation. Colorado Springs operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit under CDPHE Regulation 61 (5 CCR 1002-61). New development and redevelopment over 1 acre disturbed area must comply with the Colorado Springs Drainage Criteria Manual (2024 edition) — stormwater detention, water-quality treatment, and Low-Impact Development (LID) features required. Rain gardens, permeable pavers, bioswales, and green roofs encouraged; some may be required in form-based downtown districts. Erosion and sediment control plans mandatory during construction. Post-construction BMPs maintained by property owners — ongoing inspections. Illicit discharge (non-stormwater flows to storm drains) prohibited under CSCC §3.7.201 — common violations include car-washing soap, pool water, and paint. Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District coordinates regional infrastructure. Waldo Canyon Fire (2012) and Black Forest Fire (2013) burn scars create accelerated runoff — post-fire burn-scar drainage plans required. The massive Camp Creek drainage project protects Manitou Springs from flooding.
Failure to implement stormwater plan: stop-work order, $500-$10,000 fine. Illicit discharge to storm drain: $1,000-$25,000 per day under CDPHE enforcement. Post-construction BMP failure: $250-$2,500 plus remediation cost.
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Manitou Springs, CO
Manitou Springs enacted a formal Noise Regulation Ordinance (No. 2817, adopted August 15, 2017), codified in Chapter 6.08 of the municipal code. The city is ...
Manitou Springs, CO
Manitou Springs Municipal Code Chapter 7.04.090 requires pet owners to prevent animals from disturbing neighbors with excessive barking or howling. Violation...
Manitou Springs, CO
Construction noise in Manitou Springs is regulated under Chapter 6.08 and the Colorado state noise framework (C.R.S. §25-12-103). Standard construction hours...
Manitou Springs, CO
Manitou Springs has a managed parking system due to its narrow canyon-town geography and high tourist traffic. Residential permit parking zones, paid parking...
Manitou Springs, CO
Manitou Springs requires vehicles on private property to be parked in compliant areas. Given the city's limited street space, driveway usage and on-property ...
Manitou Springs, CO
RV and large vehicle parking in Manitou Springs is limited to designated areas: Hiawatha Gardens Lot, the 300–400 blocks of Manitou Avenue, and Fields Park. ...
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