UTILITIES COMMITTEE
The next utility meeting is set for September 21, 2023
The Utilities Committee meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 AM
CHAIR
Kevin Kofford,
Kimley-Horn
VICE-CHAIR
Brett Louk,
SMH CONSULTANTS
HBA MISSION
The Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs promotes policies that allow for the production of safe and attainable housing and enhances the environment for the housing and building industry in El Paso County.
COMMITTEE PURPOSE
Members meet with representatives from local utilities and municipalities to participate in discussions regarding development related issues – including codes, regulations, costs, material specifications, timing, etc.
Members meet with representatives from local utilities and municipalities to participate in discussions regarding development related issues – including codes, regulations, costs, material specifications, timing, etc.
ACTIVE COMMITTEE ITEMS
Gas, Electric, Water & Wastewater LESS
Colorado Springs Utilities’ line extension and service standards have been reviewed by HBA members – as well as going through the formal public comment period for all stakeholders. Effective date of January 1, 2023. New standards are published on CSU’s website.
CSU Water Resource Fee
Effective JULY 1, 2022 & July 1, 2023
Beginning July 1, 2022, a new Water Resource Fee (WRF) will be assessed in addition to the Water Development Charge (WDC) for all sizes of water lines, nonresidential, single-family, multi-family and mixed use. The WRF will be paying for the storage, expansion and acquisition of water needed to support new growth for projects identified in the Integrated Water Resources Plan.
Timeline and Fees
The Water Resource Fee is about $5,800 per newly constructed single-family residential home. It will be phased in over two years: July 1, 2022 – 50% July 1, 2023 – 100%
Click here for the updated Development Charges and Fees, effective July 1, for the WRF and WDC.
City of Colorado Springs Stormwater
Construction Manual
GRADING AND EROSION CONTROL PERMIT
A Grading and Erosion Control (GEC) Permit is required prior to clearing, grading, excavation, filling, and other land disturbing activities. GEC Plans and CSWMPs must be developed and approved prior to GEC Permit issuance.
REQUIREMENTS
Any private or public construction site with construction activities disturbing one or more acres, or construction activities that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that disturb one or more acres is required to obtain a City GEC Permit. Construction activities are defined in the definitions section in Chapter 1 of the Stormwater Construction Manual.
Construction activities involving the following will also trigger the requirement for a GEC Permit:
- Any grading or construction within an open drainage channel as determined by the review engineer.
- Any time a Permanent Control Measure is constructed or substantially modified, to be defined as involving non-maintenance related activities. Adjustments or modifications to the control structure plate will not trigger the requirement for a GEC Permit.
- On any site as deemed necessary and required by the SWENT Manager.
Sites meeting the above criteria must control erosion and prevent the transport of sediment onto adjacent properties, public rights-of-ways, streets, storm drainage facilities, channels or any other public or private facilities.
When there is a change in ownership for a parcel covered by an active GEC Permit (e.g. single family residential lot(s) or individual commercial lot(s) within a larger development), the new owner must accept responsibility for compliance with the original GEC Permit for their parcel(s). This is accomplished by obtaining an Associate GEC Permit. Associate GEC Permit applications must be submitted to the Stormwater Enterprise for approval prior to initiation of construction activities on such parcels.
Erosion Control Example for Individual House Sites
GEC PERMITTING FEES
| FEE TYPE | SIZE | FEE AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| GEC PERMIT | Less than 1 acre | $250 |
| GEC PERMIT | 1 acre to 5 acres | $1,000 |
| GEC PERMIT | Greater than 5 acres | $1,750 |
| GEC PERMIT - Start without passing initial inspection | Less than 1 acre | $500 |
| GEC PERMIT - Start without passing initial inspection | 1 acre to 5 acres | $2,000 |
| GEC PERMIT - Start without passing initial inspection | Greater than 5 acres | $3,500 |
| GEC PERMIT -
Start without approved GEC plan and CSWMP | Less than 1 acre | $750 |
| GEC PERMIT -
Start without approved GEC plan and CSWMP | 1 acre to 5 acres | $3,000 |
| GEC PERMIT -
Start without approved GEC plan and CSWMP | Greater than 5 acres | $5,250 |
| AGEC Permit | fee per lot | $100 |
| Permit Reinstatement Fee (after SWO) | $500 |
City of Colorado Springs & Colorado Springs Utilities Underground Damage Prevention Safety Program
The City has partnered with CSU to stand up a local enforcement program to oversee excavation activities and requirements. Contractors will still call for locates through the 811 program, however CSU will now be able to address complaints and infractions at a local level. A new Article 10 (Underground Damage Prevention Safety Program) of Chapter 12 (Utilities) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs has been approved – resulting in a change to City Code.
Colorado Springs Utilities – Water Wise Rules
When it comes to outdoor watering and new landscapes, one change in 2020 was the City’s new water-wise rules. These rules require an establishment permit when you install new landscaping that is watered with overhead irrigation.
Establishment permits for turfgrass and non-native grasses also require soil preparation with an approved soil amendment high in organic matter. This type of amendment is crucial to help retain soil moisture between watering days and ultimately saves water while helping to create a more resilient turf.
The online application is available here. If you have any feedback or questions, please email ESTP@csu.org.
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