Construction Site Stormwater Management Program
Municipal erosion and sediment control permit requirements for land disturbance activities equal to or greater than one acre, OR for land disturbance activities less than one acre that are part of a larger common development.
On January 2007, the Stormwater Ordinance which targets to improve water quality in our local waterways was adopted by City Council. The Stormwater Ordinance can be found under Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code. The adoption of this ordinance came as a requirement of the City's Stormwater Discharge Permit issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. As a designated Phase II municipality, one of the areas required to be overseen by the City is construction site stormwater management.
The adopted Stormwater Ordinance requires all developers and builders to obtain an Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Permit for all land disturbance activities equal to or greater than one acre, or for land disturbance activities less than one acre that are part of a larger common development. Failure to obtain ESC permits for applicable projects will result in delays in the issuance of grading, right of way, temporary use and/or building permits. It is the City's goal to implement the ESC permit issuance process without delaying the issuance of grading, right of way, temporary use and/or building permits. Developers and Builders should therefore plan ahead when preparing to pull permits that may require an associated ESC permit. Please refer to the documents below for information on the ESC permit application requirements.
- An ordinance,
- Requirements to implement erosion and sediment control BMPs,Requirements to control other waste at the construction site,
- Procedures for reviewing construction site plans,
- Procedures to receive and consider information submitted by the public, and
- Procedures for inspections and enforcement of stormwater requirements at construction sites.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AN ESC PERMIT
In order to obtain an ESC permit, contractors and developers will be required to complete the ESC Permit Application and Requirements and provide the City with a copy of the Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) for the site, as well as the Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) certification number associated with the State issued Stormwater Permit for the construction site. All sites one acre or greater, or part of a larger common development, will be required to obtain an ESC permit and provide the required information.
Residential home builders will be required to obtain a single permit for all lots owned and intended for construction in each development. A copy of the ESC permit covering the lot intended for construction will need to be presented with the application for each building permit. A master copy of the ESC permit will be maintained at the City's One Stop Permit Desk, however builders will be expected to prepare copies of the permit for submittal. Folders containing the copies can be maintained in builder information boxes in the One Stop office.
Developers and landowners intending to perform grading operations will be required to provide financial security (in a format acceptable to the City) for the estimated cost of all BMPs and soil stabilization proposed. Bonding will not be required for projects intended for single family and commercial construction not requiring the construction of public utilities, roadways or other public improvements.
WHY AN ESC PERMIT WILL BE REQUIRED
The intent of the new permit is to ensure that developers and builders are in compliance with State and Federal Stormwater Regulations for Construction Activities. The City's goal is to provide compliance assistance to its builders and developers and aid in preventing the potential for State and EPA enforcement and fines due to violations of stormwater regulations governing construction site operators.
It is the City's goal to implement the new permit program without delaying the issuance of grading or building permits. Developers and Builders should therefore plan ahead when planning to pull permits that may require an associated ESC permit.
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WHY?
The purpose of the CSN is to notify the general public, local, state, and federal Authorities about the location of the Storm Management Plan (SWMP). The SWMP is considered a report that shall be available to the public under Section 308(b) of the Clean Water Act. Additionally, the sign provides the contact information of the Stormwater Coordinator at the City so that public comment can be received regarding stormwater run-off and erosion and sediment control on the site.
WHEN?
The CSN must be posted prior the commencement of grading or any other construction activities, and must remain posted until the project is completed and final stabilization achieved.
WHERE?
The CSN should be posted at all times near the main entrance of the construction site, in an area so that it is visible, readable and accessible from the public right-of-way. Considering the characteristics of your project, you may need to move the posted CSN several times throughout construction, or post multiple signs as needed.
