Stormwater Criteria
*Please scroll down below to view stormwater criteria manuals*
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.
Engineers are encouraged to check the website often for updates to criteria. To sign up for notifications of updates to drainage criteria, please send an email to Stormwater Criteria.
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. The City is currently updating the DCM. Click below for more information.
Drainage Criteria Manual Update
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. All active Policy Clarifications are posted below.
Project specific questions related to Stormwater Criteria should be directed to the project Lead Reviewer. The Lead Reviewer for a project can be determined by opening the Public Works Stormwater -> SWENT Review Areas layer in SpringsView. Call (719) 385-5918 for additional information.
DCM Volume I
View / Download Volume I (Rev. January 2021)
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
DCM Volume II
View / Download Volume II (Rev. December 2020)
Contents
- List of Abbreviations and Definitions
- Stormwater Management and Planning
- BMP Selection
- Calculating the WQCV and Runoff Reduction
- Treatment BMPs
- Source Control BMPs
- BMP Maintenance
- Construction BMPs
Policy Clarifications
- 4-Step Process Exclusions
- Green Infrastructure
- Channel Development and Redevelopment
- Channel Stabilization
- Directional Drilling
- Drainage Memo
- Drain Time Requirements
- Erosion Control Assurances
- Infiltration vs. Percolation Testing
- On-Site Detention Requirements when Regional Detention is Provided (HTML Accessible Version)
- Parallel Pipes and pumps
- Portable Toilet Details for Construction Sites
- Public Permanent BMP Review
- Private System Review and Inspection
- Process for Using Alternative BMPs
- Roadway Development, Redevelopment and Maintenance
- Site Size vs. Disturbed Area
- Storm Sewer Video
- Stormwater Review Fees
- Swale Freeboard
- Temporary FSD Facilities
- Timing of Storm Sewer Variances
- Underground BMPs
- Underground Utility Projects
- Variance Requests
- Water Quality in State Waters
SCM
- Introduction
- Grading and Erosion Control Permitting Basics
- Design Phase Requirements
- Construction Phase Requirements
- Native Vegetation Requirements and Guidelines
- Inspection and Enforcement
- Permit Closeout
- A. Grading and Erosion Control Plan Checklist
- B. CSWMP Checklist
- C. Standard GEC Plan Notes
- D. GEC Plan / CSWMP Signature Blocks
- E. Construction Control Measure Details
GIM
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.
Printed copies can be purchased from the City Office Services Division, City Administration Building, 30 S. Nevada, Suite L01 (Garden Level), Colorado Springs, CO 80903, 719-385-5023.