HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 12/20/2011 - SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 174, 2011, AMENDINDATE: December 20, 2011
STAFF: Jon Haukaas, Ken Sampley,
Basil Hamden
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 12
SUBJECT
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 174, 2011, Amending Chapter 26 of the City Code to Adopt and Provide for
Technical Revision of the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Stormwater Repurposing effort was initiated at a City Council work session in October 2008. The intent of this
effort was to review the City’s stormwater program in its entirety, and explore new or reformed methods of water quality
and quantity management in each of the City’s stormwater basins. The program review was broken down into 14
categories, with one specifically identifying the need to update the Stormwater Criteria Manual. This Ordinance,
unanimously adopted on First Reading on December 6, 2011, adopts the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District
(UDFCD) Criteria Manual and will set the standard for the City of Fort Collins. Exception language that identifies key
aspects specific to the City will be adopted into the City Code concurrently with this action.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on Second Reading.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Copy of First Reading Agenda Item Summary - December 6, 2011
(w/o attachments)
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ATTACHMENT 1
DATE: December 6, 2011
STAFF: Jon Haukaas, Ken Sampley
Basil Hamden
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 22
SUBJECT
Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 174, 2011, Amending Chapter 26 of the City Code to Adopt and
Provide for Technical Revision of the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Stormwater Repurposing effort was initiated at a City Council work session in October 2008. The intent of this
effort was to review the City’s stormwater program in its entirety, and explore new or reformed methods of water quality
and quantity management in each of the City’s stormwater basins. The program review was broken down into 14
categories, with one specifically identifying the need to update the Stormwater Criteria Manual. Adoption of the Urban
Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD) Criteria Manual will set the standard for the City of Fort Collins.
Exception language that identifies key aspects specific to the City will be adopted into the City Code concurrently with
this action.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The “Fort Collins Stormwater Drainage Design Manual” was originally adopted in1984. It was updated in 1997 to
incorporate water quality criteria in conjunction with federal requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) program. The criteria were updated again in 1999 with the adoption of new rainfall
precipitation amounts. Since that time, engineering practice has evolved and new techniques have been developed,
especially in the area of water quality treatment regulations. These are commonly referred to as “Best Management
Practices” or BMPs.
The UDFCD was established by the Colorado legislature in 1969 for the purpose of assisting local governments in the
Denver metropolitan area with multi-jurisdictional drainage and flood control problems. The UDFCD includes Denver,
parts of 6 surrounding counties, and all or parts of 32 incorporated cities and towns. The UDFCD is nationally
recognized as a leader in stormwater management and the incorporation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). This
expertise in stormwater has been captured in the UDFCD Criteria manual, a 3-volume set that has been widely
adopted for use throughout the Denver metro area and other cities in Colorado. Volumes 1 and 2 (last updated 2001)
provide guidance for planning and design of drainageway channels and hydraulic structures. Volume 3 (updated 2010)
provides guidance for the selection and design of stormwater quality best management practices.
The Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual update aims to capitalize on these new technologies by adopting the
standards that were developed by the UDFCD, while maintaining hydrologic and hydraulic policies and criteria that
are specific to the City of Fort Collins. These specific policies and criteria form what has been identified as the “Fort
Collins Exceptions Manual” and are being referenced in the proposed City Code as Sections 26-549 and 26-550. The
purpose of the updated standards is to clarify existing criteria and regulations, improve consistency with neighboring
communities, facilitate infiltration of runoff, enhance stormwater quality, increase habitat value and plant conservation,
and increase the aesthetic appeal of stormwater facilities.
The entire text of the UDFCD criteria manual (volumes 1, 2 and 3) can be found online at:
http://www.udfcd.org/downloads/down_critmanual.htm
and is available in hard copy at the City Clerk’s Office as well as the Fort Collins Utility offices for review .
It is important to note that the new low impact development (LID) design criteria will be implemented on an incentive
basis and is not required for all new developments. It is City’s intent to update these standards on a regular basis as
proven technologies for LID design and construction emerge and as more is learned from the City’s in-progress LID
monitoring program, in cooperation with Colorado State University’s Urban Water Center.
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FINANCIAL / ECONOMIC IMPACTS
The economic implications will be mixed as some regulations will lead to slightly higher initial construction costs, but
through life-cycle analysis undertaken by the UDFCD, it was proven that lower long term replacement and
maintenance costs will offset these higher initial investment costs. Key financial considerations include:
1. More sustainable development regulations will reduce life-cycle costs of operating and maintaining detention
facilities, through lower watering and maintenance costs.
2. Less erosion and flooding damages incurred from smaller storms due to higher infiltration capacity of detention
ponds.
3. If not properly built and maintained, will lead to loss of installed vegetation, erosion threats and ultimately loss
of initial investment.
4. Higher initial investment costs for LID type design for new development projects could discourage
development.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Environmental benefits of adopting the provisions allowing LID technologies will be better stormwater quality in streams
and water bodies, improved riparian health, less stream degradation due to the reduction in sustained flows in urban
streams, and lower consumptive water use practices. Key benefits include:
1. Higher water quality in streams and water bodies receiving stormwater from detention ponds through
increased filtration of pollutants, increased evapotranspiration effects and reduced stream degradation and
erosion.
2. Less use of resources for irrigation, heating and cooling needs and land consumption.
3. Improved habitat value for flora and fauna.
4. If not properly designed, built or maintained, could lead to stagnant water conditions, nuisance odors, and
create a mosquito breeding area.
5. Improved aesthetics in public spaces due to the increased vegetation requirements and standards.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
At its October 20, 2011 meeting, the Water Board voted unanimously to recommended Council approve the proposed
“Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual“ and recommended incorporating the proposed Stormwater Criteria Manual
update into the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code and the City of Fort Collins Municipal Code, as appropriate.
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PUBLIC OUTREACH
The City undertook an extensive outreach program consisting of meeting with affected community members and
professionals, and presenting the new proposed regulations to community groups and professionals. The first focus
group consisted of representatives from affected City departments such as Planning, Natural Areas and Engineering.
A committee consisting of interested community members and design professionals was formed and tasked with
reviewing the proposed standards and providing comments. All expressed support for the new standards and provided
valuable input and comments aimed at improving the standards. Here is a brief listing of the public and stakeholder
meetings where the stormwater criteria manual update was presented and discussed:
Criteria Update Committee – June 22, 2011 and June 29, 20011
Public Meetings:
American Society of Civil Engineers – November 2010 (Northern Colorado Branch)
Planning and Zoning Work Session – July 15, 2011
Water Board – October 20, 2011
ATTACHMENTS
1. Criteria Manual Update Highlights
2. Water Board minutes, October 20, 2011
Note: The Fort Collins amendments to the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Manual are provided as Exhibit
A to the Ordinance.
ORDINANCE NO. 174, 2011
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 26 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
TO ADOPT AND PROVIDE FOR TECHNICAL REVISION OF
THE FORT COLLINS STORMWATER CRITERIA MANUAL
WHEREAS, in 1984, the City Council approved and adopted a manual entitled “Storm
Drainage Design Criteria and Construction Standards” (the “1984 Manual”), the purpose of which
was to set forth the technical criteria to be used in the analysis, design and construction of drainage
systems; and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved updates and amendments to the 1984 Manual in
1991, 1999, and 2010; and
WHEREAS, on April 6, 2010, the City Council adopted on second reading Ordinance No.
030, 2010, amending Section 26-492 of the City Code so as to update the stated purposes of the
Stormwater Utility to articulate the City Council’s intention to foster an integrated, sustainable
stormwater management program that reflects the community’s values of protecting and restoring
the City’s watersheds, and the Cache la Poudre River and its tributaries, for mutual economic, social
and environmental benefits; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recently adopted Ordinance No. 164, 2011, approving new
consolidated standard construction specifications for use by the City’s Water, Wastewater and
Stormwater Utilities in reviewing related improvements installed within new residential and
commercial developments within their respective service territories; and
WHEREAS, City staff from various departments has worked extensively with interested
community members and design professionals to develop and review updated stormwater design
criteria; and
WHEREAS, as a result of this intensive development process, staff has prepared and
proposed for City Council adoption a new set of technical criteria to govern the design and
performance of stormwater improvements and related practices, referred to as the “Fort Collins
Stormwater Criteria Manual”; and
WHEREAS, because the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual is substantially based
upon the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (“UDFCD”) Criteria Manual (the “Urban
Drainage Manual”), a widely applied and referenced set of stormwater-related standards, staff has
proposed that the Urban Drainage Manual be adopted by reference and incorporated as part of the
City Code; and
WHEREAS, to tailor the Urban Drainage Manual to meet the needs and desires of the City,
and to customize the standards, policies and practices for use in Fort Collins, staff has prepared
extensive exceptions and additions to the Urban Drainage Manual, to be adopted as part of the City
Code, attached as Exhibit A hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Fort Collins
Amendments”); and
WHEREAS, in light of the magnitude of the Fort Collins Amendments, the City Clerk has
determined that the Fort Collins Amendments, which together with the Urban Drainage Manual, as
more specifically described below, constitute the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual, will be
published as a separately bound document available on the same basis, but separate from, the main
City Code volume; and
WHEREAS, on October 20, 2011, the Water Board reviewed the proposed Fort Collins
Stormwater Criteria Manual and voted unanimously to recommended City Council approval; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual,
as proposed by City staff and set forth below; and
WHEREAS, in addition, in order to allow for the incorporation of updated technical and
good engineering techniques, equipment and industry practices, City Council desires to authorize
the administrative adoption of limited technical revisions to the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria
Manual, as set forth in the amended City Code language below.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That Section 26-1 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins, establishing the
definitions applicable in Chapter 26, is hereby amended to add the following definition:
Sec. 26-1. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Chapter, shall have
the meanings ascribed to them in this Section:
. . .
Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual or Stormwater Criteria Manual shall
mean the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual adopted pursuant to §26-500, and
applicable to stormwater infrastructure, and management, operation and maintenance
of stormwater improvements, together with any technical revisions thereto, as more
specifically described in § 26-500.
. . .
Section 2. That Article VII of Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins, is
hereby amended to add a new Section 26-500, to read as follows:
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Sec. 26-500. Stormwater Criteria Manual.
(a) Pursuant to the authority conferred by Article II, Section 7 of the
Charter, there is hereby adopted by reference as the stormwater design criteria of the
City, the Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual, 2001 Edition, published by the
Denver Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, as more specifically described
in subsection (b) of this Section, as amended by the City, which shall have the same
force and effect as though set forth herein which shall be referred to as the Fort
Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual. Said Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual
is enacted for the purposes of setting standards in the planning and design of
drainageway channels and hydraulic and other structures and for the purposes of
setting standards in the selection, design and implementation of stormwater quality
best management practices, all for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety
and general welfare.
(b) The following articles, sections, divisions, and subsections of the
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual, are deemed to constitute the Urban Storm
Drainage Criteria Manual, 2001 Edition, and to be adopted as part of the Fort Collins
Stormwater Criteria Manual:
(1) Volume 1, Preface, updated June 2001;
(2) Volume 1, Chapter 1, Drainage Policy, updated June, 2001;
(3) Volume 1, Chapter 3, Planning, updated June, 2001;
(4) Volume 1, Chapter 4, Rainfall, updated January, 2004;
(5) Volume 1, Chapter 5, Runoff, updated April, 2008;
(6) Volume 1, Chapter 6, Streets/Inlets/Storm Sewers, updated January, 2004;
(7) Volume 1, Chapter 7, Major Drainage, updated April, 2008;
(8) Volume 2, Chapter 8, Hydraulic Structures, updated April, 2008;
(9) Volume 2, Chapter 9, Culverts, updated July, 2001;
(10) Volume 2, Chapter 10, Storage, updated April, 2008;
(11) Volume 2, Chapter 12, Revegetation, updated June, 2001;
(12) Volume 3, Preface, November 2010;
(13) Volume 3, Chapter 1, Stormwater Management, and Planning, November
2010;
(14) Volume 3, Chapter 2, BMP Selection, November 2010;
(15) Volume 3, Chapter 3, Calculating the WQCV and Volume Reduction,
November 2010;
(16) Volume 3, Chapter 4, Treatment BMPs (including Fact Sheets), December,
2010;
(17) Volume 3, Chapter 5, Source Control BMPs (including Fact Sheets),
November 2010;
(18) Volume 3, Chapter 6, BMP Maintenance, November 2010;
(19) Volume 3, Chapter 7, Construction BMPs (including Fact Sheets), November
2010;
(20) Volume 3, Glossary, November 2010; and
(21) Volume 3, Bibliography, November 2010.
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(c) The Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual, 2001 Edition, as
described in Subsections (a) and (b), above, is hereby amended by the additions and
deletions as described in amendments adopted by the City Council and separately
codified as Fort Collins Amendments to Urban Drainage and Flood Control District
Criteria Manual.
(d) One (1) copy of each of the Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual
and the Fort Collins Amendments thereto, together referred to as the Fort Collins
Stormwater Criteria Manual, shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk and
available for public inspection during regular business hours.
(e) The Utilities Executive Director may adopt minor additions, revisions,
and corrections to the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual as may, in the
judgment of the Utilities Executive Director, be necessary to better conform to good
engineering and/or construction standards and practice. The Utilities Executive
Director shall approve only those proposed technical revisions that:
(1) are consistent with all existing policies relevant to the
revisions,
(2) do not result in any significant additional cost to
persons affected by the revision, and
(3) do not materially alter the standard or level of
service to be accomplished through the
specified infrastructure.
Upon adoption of any technical revisions pursuant to the authority of this Subsection
(e), the Utilities Executive Director shall provide to the City Clerk documentation
of such technical revisions specifying the date upon which they shall become
effective, and shall maintain said documentation on file in the permanent records of
the City Clerk and Utility Services and available for public inspection.
(f) The Utilities Executive Director is hereby authorized to make such
determinations, and approve such waivers and variances, in his or her discretion, as
set forth in, and in accordance with, the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual.
Section 3. That Section 26-544 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 26-544. Stormwater facilities required for subdivisions.
Prior to the final approval of the plat of any subdivision, or prior to
commencement of construction upon any lot or parcel of land for which a drainage
report and construction plan for the installation of stormwater facilities has not been
prepared and approved by the City, the owners of the property being subdivided or
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upon which construction is being commenced shall, at such owners' cost, prepare a
detailed drainage report and construction plans for the installation of all stormwater
facilities required for such subdivision or lot, including any off-site facilities required
to convey stormwater to existing drains, channels, streams, detention ponds or other
points, all in conformity with the master plan of the stormwater basins, the Fort
Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual adopted pursuant to § 26-500 , and the Water
Utilities Development Construction Standards adopted pursuant to § 26-29. The
Utilities Executive Director shall review such reports, plans and costs estimates; and
after approval of the same, the plat of the subdivision or the building permit, if
applicable, may be approved subject to the City's being furnished with acceptable
assurance that such facilities will be constructed and installed as indicated and
approved.
Section 4. That the Fort Collins Amendments to Urban Drainage and Flood Control
District Criteria Manual, attached hereto as Exhibit A, are hereby approved and adopted as part of
the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 6th day of December,
A.D. 2011, and to be presented for final passage on the 20th day of December, A.D. 2011.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 20th day of December, A.D. 2011.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
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Fort Collins Amendments
to the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Criteria Manual
Fort Collins Amendments to the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Criteria
Manual, adopted by the City Council of the City of Fort Collins, as referenced in Section
26-500 (c) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins, are as follows:
(A) Volume 1, Chapter 1 - Drainage Policy:
(1) Section 1.0 is amended to read as follows:
1.0 Policy
1.1 Drainage Policy
The requirements contained in the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Criteria
Manual (the “Urban Drainage Manual”), as adopted by the City Council of the City of
Fort Collins and as modified by these Fort Collins Amendments (together referred to as
the “Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual,” the “Stormwater Criteria Manual, or
“Manual’) are the basis for all stormwater management within the city of Fort Collins and
are to be used as guidelines in the design and evaluation of all storm drainage facilities.
In general, these requirements address five areas of concern: (1) overall storm drainage
planning and management; (2) the interface between urban development and irrigation
facilities such as dams, reservoirs and canals; (3) the treatment of historic drainageways
and natural channels; (4) the requirements and specifications for engineering design of
storm drainage facilities; and (5) the quality and extent of urban stormwater runoff and
erosion control.
1.2 Purpose and Scope
(a) The purpose of this Manual is to set forth the technical criteria to be utilized in the
analysis and design of drainage systems within the city limits of Fort Collins, Colorado
and its Growth Management Area.
(b) Any reference in the Urban Drainage Manual to a city, region or district is to the City
of Fort Collins (the “City”) or the Fort Collins area or region.
(c) This Manual applies to all land disturbing activities defined as development in the
Land Use Code of the City of Fort Collins (the “City Land Use Code”) or otherwise
regulated by the City, including activities on public or private lands, including but not
limited to activities on private land, public rights-of-way, easements dedicated for public
use, private roads and to all privately, publicly, and quasi-publicly owned and maintained
facilities.
(d) All planned public or private improvements, or any other proposed construction or
development activities regulated by the City must include an adequate plan for storm
drainage. This plan must be based on an analysis and design in compliance with all the
applicable regulations and specifications set forth in this Manual.
(e) Prior to commencement of any construction or development activities subject to the
requirements of this Stormwater Criteria Manual, formal approval must be obtained from
the Executive Director of the Utilities or his designee.
EXHIBIT A
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(f) Should a conflict arise between the Code of the City of Fort Collins (the “City
Code”), the City Land Use Code, or other City adopted standards and requirements,
including but not limited to these Fort Collins Amendments, and the Urban Drainage
Manual, the City Code, City Land Use Code or other City-adopted standards will govern.
(g) References to “standards” or “criteria” refer to those in effect on the date the
“Drainage Plans” for a site development or public improvements are approved.
1.3 Regional Master Planning
(a) In recognition that drainage boundaries are non-jurisdictional, the City has developed
regional basin-wide “Master Drainage Plans”. These Master Drainage Plans establish at
a watershed level what public improvements, if any, are needed in each basin and guide
or dictate requirements for new developments proposed in each basin.
(b) Where a Master Drainage Plan for a given area of the City is available, proposed
drainage systems design and construction must comply with all requirements set forth in
that Plan. In areas where a Master Drainage Plan is not available, drainage systems must
be planned and constructed in a manner that ensures continuity in flow quantity and
quality with existing flow conditions.
(c) Master Drainage Plans must be developed and, or updated in cooperation with
Larimer County, the appropriate affected irrigation companies and any other affected
governmental agencies within a given basin or basins. Such plans or updates to plans
will be adopted only after they have been reviewed by all affected entities, and after,
soliciting public input.
(d) Master Drainage Plans are available from the City at the Fort Collins Utilities offices.
1.4 Local Master Planning
(a) Local flood control facilities, as planned by the City or developers, are an integral
part of the total drainage system required to preserve and promote the general health,
welfare, and economic wellbeing of the area.
(b) Any facility that generates benefits exclusively to a development (or a group of
developments sharing a facility) and not designated by the City as a regional facility, is
considered a local facility, and as such is to be maintained by its private owner(s).
(c) The City requires the planning and construction of all private local stormwater
control and treatment facilities be performed in a manner that ensures that such facilities
are compatible with all regional drainage master plans including the City’s Master
Drainage Plans.
1.5 Storm Runoff Determination
(a) The runoff analysis for a particular area must be based on the proposed land use for
that area. Contributing runoff from upstream areas must be based on the existing land use
and the topographic characteristics of those areas.
(b) All runoff calculations, requirements and assumptions must be based on the Master
Drainage Plan for the area, if one is available.
(c) Natural topographic features are the basis of location for easements and future runoff
calculations. In developed and undeveloped areas, average land slopes may be utilized in
runoff computations. Wherever existing drainage patterns and slopes are defined, these
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must be used. The drainage facilities so designed must be able to handle the design flows
with virtually no erosion damage to the system.
(d) The City requires storm runoff to be determined by the use of either the “Rational
Method”, or the “Stormwater Management Model” (SWMM), within the limitations set
forth in this Manual.
1.6 Reasonable Use
The City’s management of drainage facilities is guided by the “Reasonable Use”
principle. This principle is defined as one that:
(a) Limits the rate of flow from developing properties to those release rates as defined in
the City’s Master Drainage Plans.
(b) Limits the rate of flow from developing properties to their “2-year pre-development
condition flow rate” during the 100-year storm event unless otherwise specified by the
relevant Master Drainage Plan.
(c) Allows a larger release rate than is existing at the time of development or
redevelopment if it can be demonstrated that downstream facilities at full watershed
development, and analyzed in accordance with the applicable Master Drainage Plan(s),
can accommodate a larger release rate to a master planned major drainageway.
(d) Causes no increase in downstream runoff rates after development from that under
existing conditions unless otherwise specified in the applicable Master Drainage Plan.
(e) Properly and orderly transitions flows from developing properties to their pre-
development paths on downstream properties unless the downstream property owners
agree to alterations of those changes by granting drainage easements for the new
drainage paths.
(f) Maintains flows, to the extent possible, in their natural and historic drainage paths.
In certain instances the transfer of drainage flows from one basin to another is a
permissible alternative if it is done in accordance with the approved Master Drainage
Plan for that basin and if it causes no undue burden or harm to any downstream property.
Basin transfers of drainage flows are subject to City review and may be approved, on a
case-by-case basis, subject to a showing of no undue burden or harm satisfactory to the
Utilities Executive Director, and a determination by the Utilities Executive Director that
the modification of this requirement is appropriate.
1.7 Water Rights
The City recognizes the potential effect of drainage facilities on existing water rights.
The City requires that the interrelation between the proposed facilities and water rights be
accounted for in planning, reviewing and designing drainage and subdrain systems or
facilities.
1.8 Drainage Planning and Required Space
(a) The stormwater drainage system is an integral part of the urbanization process; and
requires storm drainage planning for all developments to include the allocation of space
for drainage facilities’ construction and maintenance which may entail the dedication of
right-of-way and, or easements.
(b) Drainage facilities, such as channels, storm sewers, and detention facilities serve
conveyance, treatment as well as storage functions for water quantity and quality. When
space requirements are considered, the provision for adequate drainage becomes a
competing use for space. Therefore, adequate provision must be made in the land use
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plan for drainage space requirements. This may entail the dedication of adequate right-
of-way or easements, in order to minimize potential conflict with other land uses.
1.9 Use of Streets
The use of streets to convey storm runoff interferes with their primary function as
transportation corridors. However, streets are an important component of the storm
drainage system due to their large storm runoff carrying capacity obtained for little or no
drainage-related costs. In order to balance these two competing street uses, limits on the
street carrying capacity are required based on the classification of the street related to
emergency usage during flood events.
The City allows the use of streets for drainage within the limitations discussed in the
“Streets” section as described in Volume 1, Chapter 6 of this Manual, “Streets, Inlets,
Storm Sewers”. :
1.10 Nuisance Water
The City’s stormwater policies and requirements are primarily intended to address water
quantity and quality concerns as they relate to the health, safety and welfare of the
general public as well as the protection of the environment. This involves the control of
runoff during large rainfall or snow melt events on major public drainage systems that
could have flooding potential and the control and improvement of the water quality of
runoff that enters the City’s receiving waters.
Control of “nuisance” waters such as shallow ponding that occasionally concentrate on
flat lawns, landscaped, paved or other such areas is strictly the responsibility of the
property owner of the land where ponding occurs. Shallow ponding sometimes occurs in
street cross pans or flat sections of curb and gutter. These usually are not a major threat
to the health safety and welfare of the public.
The City will make reasonable efforts to minimize the occurrence of such nuisances
through its review and inspection authorities, but if such nuisances do occur, the City is
not responsible or obligated to correct or require any other party to correct such a
problem.
1.11 Retention Ponds and Pumping
1.11.1 Positive Outfall
The City requires that all drainage facilities be designed in a manner that provides a
gravity-driven positive outfall into a natural drainageway such as a river or creek, or a
component of or a tributary to the public storm drainage infrastructure system. Positive
outfall in this context refers to the provision that all sites must be designed to drain with a
gravity system to the public infrastructure system or natural drainageway(s).
1.11.2 Retention Ponds
Retention ponds are sometimes necessary to hold water until a permanent outfall is built.
The City may approve retention ponds as an interim solution until a permanent outfall is
built. If accepted, these ponds must be designed to hold twice the 100-year volume
generated by a two-hour storm and be evacuated within seventy-two (72) hours.
Permanent retention ponds are not allowed to serve as permanent water quantity or
quality control measures for any development within the city of Fort Collins.
1.11.3 Pumps in Detention Ponds
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Pumps in detention ponds may be allowed only when approved in writing in advance by
the Utilities Executive Director or his designee. A pump shall only be approved when a
satisfactory showing is made that the pump is needed as a back-up system to an
infiltration pond or as a designed temporary retention pond. Temporary in this context
means that a permanent gravity controlled outlet system is planned to be built within the
next 5 years. These must be designed and built with a sump pit as well as a back-up
pump. The pump must be of sufficient capacity to drain the retention pond in seventy-
two (72) hours or less.
1.11.4 Sump Pumps
(a) Discharge from foundation drains or sump pumps must comply with all applicable
State requirements and those set forth in Section 26-214 of the City Code, which
prohibits discharge across the sidewalk or into or upon any street, alley or gutter and of
Section 26-498, which prohibits connections to a storm drainage facility to convey flows
other than storm drainage flows and uncontaminated groundwater flows.
(b) Discharge from sump pumps must be tied to the City’s stormwater system upon
approval from the Utilities Executive Director. All tie-in points must be installed at
approved locations such as at a manhole or at an inlet. No direct tie-in to a storm drain
pipe will be allowed. Sump pump discharge flows can only be released into a stormwater
conveyance system (such as pipes, channels or ponds) specifically designed and approved
by the City to accept such discharge. Please refer to Section 26-214 of the City Code for
further guidance.
1.12 Conveyance or Detention on Private Single Family Lots
In designing drainage systems, the City requires that no undue burden be placed on the
owners of single family lots by the placement of large storm drainage conveyance or
detention facilities on their property. In order to prevent or minimize such occurrences
all storm drainage channels, pipes or detention facilities serving more than three (3)
properties must be located within tracts dedicated as drainage easements to the City.
1.13 Lot Grading
(a) The City requires that there be a positive grade away from all structures. More
specifically, the City requires that there be a minimum grade of five percent (5%) away
from a structure within the first five to ten feet adjacent to single family residences.
(b) Minimum grades required for different types of sheet flow drainage surfaces are as
follows:
Grass swales Two (2) percent
A one percent (1%) longitudinal slope grass swale may be allowed on single family lots
when the swale is draining the runoff from only two adjoining properties.
Asphalt One (1) percent
Concrete One half (0.5) percent
(c) The top of foundation elevation for a structure must be set a minimum of six (6)
inches above the highest grade surrounding the structure.
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1.14 Use of Criteria, Amendments, Technical Revisions and Administrative Modifications
of Standards
(a) All public or private storm drainage facilities regulated by the City must be planned
and designed in accordance with the standards and criteria set forth in this Stormwater
Criteria Manual.
(b) The Stormwater Criteria Manual may be periodically revised and amended, either by
approval of the City Council of the City or by Technical Revision approved by the
Utilities Executive Director in accordance with Section 26-500 of the City Code, as new
technology is developed and, as experience in gained in the use of the criteria.
(c) The purpose of this Manual is to promote the health, safety, welfare, and property of
the City and citizens through the proper control and treatment of stormwater, (whether
above or below surface); and, to ensure uniformity in performance with respect to design
and construction of all drainage facilities. Consequently, when the Utilities Executive
Director determines that an applicant has made a sufficient showing that an alternate
design, analysis or procedure would meet the purposes of a specific requirement of this
Manual in a manner and to an extent equal to or better than would compliance with the
specific requirement the Utilities Executive Director may authorize a modification of the
standard to allow for the use of the alternative design, analysis or procedure, as
applicable.
(2) Section 2.11 is amended to read as follows:
2.11 Historic Drainage and Easements
(a) Whether or not natural drainageways are dedicated, or otherwise formally
recognized, these are considered the most appropriate location of stormwater conveyance
systems. Historic and natural drainage paths and channels are recognized as easements
for storm drainage conveyance.
(b) Even when historic drainage is accomplished by means of sheet flow, it is reasonable
to assume that after site development, flows will be channelized and concentrated at a
point, and an easement for the concentrated flows still exists to the extent of its historic
use for the conveyance of stormwater.
(3) Section 2.12 is amended to read as follows:
2.12 Off-Site Flows
(a) The only way to maintain truly historic drainage flows is to prohibit all future
development. “Reasonable” development is allowed so long as any increase or change in
runoff does not injure downstream properties. The Master Drainage Plans, as adopted by
City Council, establish the most “reasonable” drainage system for the entire basin. All
proposed developments are required to be planned and constructed in conformance with
the approved Master Drainage Plan(s).
(b) Downstream properties have an obligation to accept off-site flows from upstream
properties. This obligation includes future developed flows provided they are the result
of “reasonable” development upstream in compliance with the applicable Master
Drainage Plan for the upstream property and do not result in any injury or have an
adverse impact on the downstream property.
(c) Drainage easements are needed on the downstream property when the upstream flows
entering that property are altered in quality, quantity, or character.
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(d) If stormwater is being imported from one basin to another, or if a completely
artificial drainage path is being created altering the historical flow patterns (in quality,
quantity or character) of an existing channel, a natural easement argument cannot be used
to justify directing any additional drainage into an existing drainage channel.
(e) New improvements that affect or have an impact upon existing drainage easements
must preserve and maintain those easements.
(4) A new Section 2.13 is added, to read as follows:
2.13 Watershed Approach to Stormwater Management
(a) The City has initiated a “Watershed Approach” to stormwater management. This
program includes three major watershed components and associated objectives:
(i) Land – The objectives of this component is pollution prevention, including
public education, regulation, and enforcement. This is accomplished through
implementation of the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
permit, as described in Section 4.1.7, “Water Quantity and Quality Integration” in
this chapter.
(ii) Tributaries – The objectives of this component are stormwater treatment and
pollutant load reduction and include the development of design criteria for “Best
Management Practices” (BMPs).
(iii) Receiving Waters – The objectives of this component are aimed at stream and
habitat protection and restoration and include the creation of buffer zones on creeks
and natural drainageways.
(b) The water quality protection regulations as specified in this Manual are primarily
directed at the Tributaries component of this approach. This includes BMPs for erosion
control during construction and post-construction controls for new development and re-
development. These BMPs are intended to be located on-site and therefore address runoff
from development or re-development sites or from any public improvements.
(c) Any public or private improvement that has an impact on receiving waters must be
constructed in accordance with the criteria specified in this Manual, the City’s Master
Drainage Plans, the City Land Use Code, and any other applicable State or Federal
regulations such as the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 404 permit
requirements.
(d) Runoff generated from any public or private improvement and directed into historic
and natural drainageways must be done in a manner that would promote the multi-
functional use of these drainageways, protect and restore their natural functions and
enhance their aesthetic value.
(e) Natural drainageways, creeks or streams are considered important community assets
that contribute to the aesthetic value and the livability of the urban environment. Their
function extends beyond that of conveying floodwater, to their use as trails and open
space corridors, for water quality protection and enhancement, and to preserve natural
vegetation and wildlife habitat to the greatest extent possible.
(f) Public or private improvements located in or near receiving waters, must not
adversely affect the natural character of the stream or water course. To that effect, the
following provisions must be met:
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(i) Pollutant reduction and treatment facilities must be located upstream of
streams and natural drainageways.
(ii) Natural drainageways must remain in as near a natural state as
practicable.
(iii) Any proposed modification, including any erosion mitigating measures,
must be designed and constructed in a manner that protects and enhances
the natural character of receiving waters. Such modification must be
addressed in the Drainage Report and clearly shown on the associated
Drainage Plans
(5) A new Section 2.14 is added, to read as follows:
2.14 Erosion and Sediment Control
The clearing and stripping of land for development can cause high, localized soil erosion
with subsequent deposition and damage to off-site properties and to receiving waters.
The City requires an “Erosion Control Plan”, be prepared and implemented for all public
improvement projects, private development projects and all redevelopment projects in
accordance with the criteria set forth in Volume 3, Chapter 7, “Construction BMPs”, of
this Manual. The terms “development” and “redevelopment” are as defined in the City
Land Use Code.
The purpose of implementing this policy is to minimize the impact of construction to an
acceptable level without placing undue burdens on any public or private infrastructure,
downstream drainageway(s), or the community in general.
(6) Section 3.1 is deleted in its entirety.
(7) Section 3.2 is deleted in its entirety.
(8) Section 3.3 is deleted in its entirety.
.
(9) Section 4.1.2 is deleted in its entirety
(10) A new Section 4.1.7 is added to read as follows:
4.1.7 Water Quantity and Quality Integration
(a) The public’s concerns with stormwater are not limited to flooding and public safety.
Stormwater runoff can have a significant and lasting impact on the City’s receiving
waters. This impact is reflected not only in the quality of streams and aquatic
ecosystems, but more generally in the quality of life in the community.
(b) Pursuant to federal law and regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(“EPA”) operators of small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in
urbanized areas are required to obtain permit coverage for their stormwater discharges.
In Colorado, the Water Quality Control Division of the Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment has primary enforcement authority over MS4 permits via the
Colorado Discharge Permit System. Pursuant to these requirements, as an operator of an
MS4 the City is required to implement stormwater management programs, which must
include the following program elements:
1. Public Education and Outreach – The city must implement a public education
program in an effort to promote behavior change by the public to reduce water
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quality impacts associated with pollutants in stormwater runoff and illicit
discharges.
2. Public Participation and Involvement – The city must provide a mechanism and
process to allow the public to review and provide input on the MS4 Stormwater
Management Program.
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination – The city must implement and
enforce a program to detect and eliminate illicit discharges (non-stormwater
discharges to the MS4), including procedures for tracing and removing the source
and training for municipal staff.
4. Construction Site Runoff Control – The city must develop and implement a
program to assure adequate design, implementation, and maintenance of BMPs at
construction sites within the MS4 to reduce pollutant discharges and protect
water quality.
5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management in new Development and
Redevelopment – The city must implement and enforce a program to address
stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment projects that
discharge into the MS4. The program must ensure that controls are properly
designed, installed, and maintained to prevent or minimize water quality impacts.
6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations – The city
must implement an operation and maintenance program to prevent or reduce
pollutants in stormwater runoff from municipal operations, including written
standard operating procedures for stormwater pollution prevention and training
of municipal staff.
(d) Requirements numbered 4 and 5 above are addressed primarily through this Manual,
reviewed through the City’s development review process, and implemented through the
City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (“MS4”) construction and post-
construction inspection and enforcement program.
(11) Section 4.3.4 is amended to read as follows:
4.3.4 Maintenance and Maintenance Access
(a) All drainage facilities must be designed to minimize the need for facility maintenance
and must provide for ease of maintenance access to all storm drainage facilities in order
to ensure the continuous operational function of the system.
(b) Maintenance access for all stormwater control and treatment facilities must be
adequate and must be clearly delineated on the Final Plat and on the Final Development
Plans for any development. Maintenance responsibility must be clearly described on the
Final Plats and on the Final Development Plans.
(c) Stormwater control and treatment facilities must be continually maintained to ensure
their long term operational effectiveness. Maintenance of storm drainage facilities
includes, but is not limited to the regular performance of the following activities:
(i) Sediment and debris must be periodically removed from channels, storm
sewers and stormwater treatment facilities.
(ii) Trash racks and street inlets must be cleared of debris.
(iii) Pipe inlets and outlets must be regularly flushed.
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(iv) Channel bank erosion or damage to drop structures must be repaired to avoid
reduced conveyance and treatment capability, unsightliness, and ultimate failure.
(d) The owner of the drainage facility is responsible for the maintenance of all
components of the drainage system located on their property; including inlets, pipes,
culverts, channels, ditches, hydraulic structures, detention basins or other such
appurtenances unless modified by the development agreement or as described in City
Code Section 26-547.
(e) Should the owner or responsible party fail to adequately maintain said facilities, the
City has the right to enter said property for the purpose of maintenance as described in
City Code Section 26-22. All such maintenance costs will be assessed to the property
owner in accordance with City Code Section 26-28.
. (f) Required minimum widths of drainage easements for common types of drainage
facilities are listed in Table-DP-4.
Table – DP-4
Required Maintenance Easements
DRAINAGE FACILITY MINIMUM EASEMENT WIDTH
Storm Sewer
(a) Storm Sewer Diameter < 36 inches
Depth to Invert less than5 feet
5 feet < Depth to Invert 10 feet
Depth to Invert greater than 10 feet
(b) Storm Sewer Diameter 36 inches
Depth to Invert less than 5 feet
5 feet < Depth to Invert 10 feet
Depth Invert greater than 10 feet
20 feet
30 feet
Minimum of 30 feet or Pipe I.D. + 6 + Depth*2 (in feet)
Minimum of 20 feet or Pipe I.D. + 7 + Depth*2 (in feet)
Minimum of 30 feet or Pipe I.D. + 7 + Depth*2 (in feet)
Pipe I.D. + 7 + Depth*2 (in feet)
Open Channel/Swales
100-Year Discharge less than 20 cfs
20 cfs 100 year Discharge < 100 cfs
100-Year discharge greater than 100 cfs
Minimum of 15 feet or Top Width of Channel With Freeboard + 10 feet
Minimum of 25 feet or Top Width of Channel With Freeboard + 10 feet
Minimum of 30 feet or Top Width of Channel With Freeboard + 10 feet
Detention Ponds As required to contain storage, freeboard, and associated facilities plus
adequate maintenance access around perimeter
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(g) Smaller drainage easements widths are allowed along residential lot lines (five feet to
ten feet on each side), when these are for swales or channels that carry a limited amount
of drainage, and drain at the most three residential lots.
(12) A new Section 4.3.5 is added, to read as follows:
4.3.5 Open Channels
(a) Developments in or near major runoff channels in and near developing areas must be
designed to maintain channel stability. Developments in and near major runoff channels
must adopt measures to ensure that excessive erosion does not occur under peak flood
flow conditions.
(b) Realignment of natural channels in urban areas is not encouraged and may only be
permitted if the City approves a design that maintains stream stability and aesthetics,
enhances or improves the ecological character of the natural channel and prevents failure
and erosion under peak flow conditions.
(c) The City prohibits the use of backyard swales on residential lots where these can be
physically avoided. Where these cannot be avoided due to physical or grade constraints,
they must be designed in a manner that will minimize the basin area contributing to the
backyard swale. Backyard swales must not receive runoff from more than three (3)
residences.
(d) Residential lots that include backyard swale(s) are subject to “Certification” as
defined in Section 7.1.12.3 of this chapter, “Certifications for Single Family
Developments” as well as fencing restrictions that would prohibit the impedance of
drainage flows from one residential lot to an adjacent one. Fencing restrictions must be
recorded on the development’s plat, and the appropriate deed restrictions on that plat
must be filed with Larimer County.
(e) The design of all open channels must comply with all the appropriate provisions set
forth in Section 4.0, “Open Channel Criteria”, Volume 1, Chapter 7 “Major Drainage”, of
this Manual.
(13) Section 4.5.4 is amended to read as follows:
4.5.4 Water Quantity Control
(a) Detention storage of stormwater runoff as directed by individual Master Drainage
Plans and a hydrologic routing analysis is required. In basins where a Master Drainage
Plan has not been approved, the City may require detention storage in accordance with
the criteria set forth in this Manual as well as when such storage is deemed necessary to
protect irrigation rights or structures or to protect downstream properties. More specific
information about detention storage criteria are described in Volume 2, Chapter 9,
“Storage” chapter of this Manual.
(b) Urban development is not permitted immediately downstream of existing or proposed
emergency spillways or in areas that may act as spillways for canals, dams, or
embankments impounding stormwater.
(c) On-site detention is required for all new development, expansion, and redevelopment.
The required minimum detention volume and maximum release rate(s) for the developed
condition 100-year recurrence interval storm must be determined in accordance with the
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conditions and regulations established in the appropriate Master Drainage Plan(s) for that
development and in accordance with the criteria set forth in this Manual.
(d) On-site detention requirements may be deemed met where the Utilities Executive
Director determines that an applicant has made a sufficient showing that existing regional
conveyance or detention facilities are sized with the capacity to accommodate flows from
a fully developed basin and are publicly owned and maintained, provided that any
requirements for cost sharing or reimbursement to the City have been met.
(14) Section 4.5.5 is amended to read as follows:
4.5.5 Water Quality Treatment
(a) Water quality treatment of stormwater runoff is required, at a minimum, for land
disturbing activities greater than or equal to one half an acre, including projects less than
one half an acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale.
(b) On-site water quality detention requirements may be deemed met where the Utilities
Executive Director determines that an applicant has made a sufficient showing that
existing regional water quality detention facilities are sized with the capacity to
accommodate flows from a fully developed basin and are publicly owned and
maintained, provided that any requirements for cost sharing or reimbursement to the City
have been met.
(c) Water quality control and treatment can be achieved through the use of an array of
methods and devices as described in Chapter 4, Volume 3, “Treatment BMPs” of this
Manual.
(d) Water quality treatment structures must be built in compliance with all applicable
City, State and Federal regulations.
(15) Section 5.1.1 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
5.1.1 Design Criteria
If a proposed development site is located within an area encompassed within a Master
Drainage Plan, the criteria specified in the appropriate Master Drainage Plan will hold
precedence over the criteria set forth in this Manual in the event these differ or conflict.
(16) Section 5.1.3 is amended to read as follows:
5.1.3 Use of Criteria
The City will make reasonable efforts to design and build storm drainage improvements
and to evaluate the design and construction of non-City drainage improvements, based on
the criteria, standards and specifications set forth in this Manual.
(17) Section 5.2.1 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
5.2.1 Design Storm Return Periods
(a) The 2-year drainage system, as a minimum, must be designed to transport the runoff
from the 2-year recurrence interval storm event with minimal disruption to the urban
environment. The 2-year storm runoff can be conveyed in the curb and gutter area of the
street or roadside ditch (subject to street classification and capacity), by a storm sewer, a
channel, or other conveyance facility.
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(b) The 100-year drainage system, as a minimum, must be designed to convey runoff
from the 100-year recurrence interval flood to minimize life hazards and health, damage
to structures, and interruption to traffic and services. Runoff from the 100-year storm can
be conveyed in the urban street system, channels, storm sewers and other facilities,
provided the conveyance is done within acceptable criteria as specified in this Manual.
(c) Storms with recurrence intervals greater than 100-year, must still be considered in the
drainage analysis, if only on a qualitative basis.
(d) All new public and private improvements must plan, design, and construct drainage
systems that account for the 2-year storm event as well as the 100-year storm.
(e) The 100-year storm event is the standard level of protection in the city of Fort Collins
unless otherwise specified by the applicable Master Drainage Plan.
(18) Section 5.4.1 is deleted in its entirety.
(19) Section 5.5.1 is amended to read as follows:
5.5.1 Use of Ditches
(a) Stormwater facilities and improvements must be designed to avoid discharge of
runoff from urban areas into irrigation facilities except as required by water rights or
where such discharge is in conformance with the approved Master Drainage Plan. Where
these conditions are present, the responsible party must submit to the Utilities Executive
Director and the affected ditch company or other affected parties documentation of the
relevant water rights-related constraint or Master Drainage Plan condition. The Utilities
Executive Director may approve a modification of this requirement upon a determination
that sufficient showing has been made that a discharge into irrigation facilities is
acceptable to the affected ditch company and is not expected to result in harm or interfere
with the operation of affected stormwater management plans or systems, and that the
requirements for a modification have been met. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever
irrigation ditches cross major drainage channels in developing areas, the responsible party
must separate stormwater runoff flows from normal ditch flows.
(b) Whenever development occurs where an irrigation ditch or facility is present, the
responsible party must provide adequate right-of-way for ditch maintenance as required
by the owners of the ditch or irrigation company.
(c) The City requires the appropriate ditch company’s approval wherever public or
private improvements cause any of the following:
(i.) Alteration of the existing patterns of drainage into irrigation ditches;
(ii.) Increased flow rates or volumes discharged into the ditch;
(iii.) Changes in the quality of runoff entering the ditch;
(iv.) Change in the historic point of discharge into the ditch;
(v.) Any proposed ditch crossing(s) or relocation(s);
(vi.) Any proposed grading within the ditch right-of-way;
(vii.) Access to the ditch right-of-way during construction activities.
This approval may be in the form of signature on the construction plans or documents. If
determined by the Utilities Executive Director to be sufficient, other formal legal
agreements may be substituted for an approval signature on the construction plans. The
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list above is not exhaustive and represents examples of circumstances when ditch
company approval is required. Early contact with affected irrigation companies may be
beneficial.
(d) In the rare instance where an irrigation ditch is allowed to serve as the outfall for a
stormwater facility the following provisions must be met:
(i) The ditch flow water surface elevation must be determined based on the
maximum amount of flow in the ditch.
(ii) The water surface elevation of the ditch must be obtained by combining the
maximum irrigation flow in the ditch with the 100-year stormwater flows in the
ditch.
(iii) The detention outlet must be designed such that backflow from the ditch
into the detention facility is prevented.
(iv) The backwater effects caused by the design of a detention outlet, if any,
must be reviewed and approved by both the City and the appropriate ditch
company.
(v) The outlet design must consider tailwater effects on the outlet pipe resulting
from the combination of the maximum irrigation flow and the 100-year storm
discharge within the ditch. The appropriate ditch or irrigation company, is the
determining authority in regards to the maximum irrigation flow in the ditch.
Written verification of the maximum irrigation flow from the ditch or irrigation
company must be submitted with the hydraulic analysis of the ditch water surface
elevation.
(vi) The 100-year water surface elevation of the ditch must be determined using
the appropriate Master Drainage Plan or if not available, additional studies may
be required from the party seeking to discharge into the ditch. For cases where
100-year discharges are not available, upstream restrictions can be considered for
determining ditch flows.
(e) If new developments are adjacent to irrigation facilities but no flows are being
directed into the ditch or canal, the ditch company must be notified of the proposed
development. In such cases, ditch company approval shall be required prior to any
approval by the City, unless the Utilities Executive Director determines that the
development will result in no impact on or to the ditch company, that there will be no
impact on stormwater flows or improvements from the adjacent irrigation facilities, and
that the conditions for a modification of this requirement have been met.
(f) The party seeking modifications to existing ditch conditions must to obtain the
appropriate ditch company approvals and signatures prior to seeking City approval for
such modifications.
(g) When privately owned and maintained irrigation facilities abut private property, it is
the responsibility of the private parties involved to develop and implement a policy
regarding safety.
(h) In summary, City requirements regarding the use of ditches are as follows:
(i) Drainage analysis must ensure that an irrigation ditch does not intercept the
storm runoff from the upstream basin and that the upstream basin is tributary to
the basin area downstream of the ditch.
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(ii.) Plans for the development must direct the storm runoff into historic and
natural drainageways and avoid discharging into an irrigation ditch except as
required by water rights.
(iii.) Whenever new development will alter patterns of the storm drainage into
irrigation ditches by increasing or decreasing flow rates, volumes, or changing
points of concentration, the written consent from the ditch company must be
submitted with the development applications. The discharge of runoff into the
irrigation ditch will be approved only if such discharge is consistent with an
adopted Master Drainage Plan and is in the best interest of the City.
(iv.) Whenever irrigation ditches cross major drainageways within the
developing area, the developer is required to design and construct the appropriate
structures needed to separate storm runoff from ditch flows subject to the
condition noted in item (ii.) above.
(v.) Whenever drainage that is less than the historic amount in quantity and rate
drains into an irrigation canal or ditch, such flow is allowed to freely discharge
into the irrigation canal or ditch.
(20) Section 6.0 is amended to read as follows:
6.0 Review Process
(a) As it relates to drainage, all development proposals must be processed and approved
through the City’s development review process in accordance with the City Land Use
Code.
(b) Building Permit Applications, Overall Development Plans (ODPs), Project
Development Plans (PDPs), and Final Plans (FPs), and all other development
applications submitted to the City under the City Land Use Code, must include storm
drainage, floodplain, floodway and erosion control information (in addition to any other
information required by applicable City Land Use Code or other related provisions) if the
development increases the impervious area in excess of 350 square feet.
(c) An analysis and review of floodplain modifications may be necessary if the
development proposes to modify the floodplain or floodway.
(d) In addition to the submittals mentioned above, a site certification must be submitted
to the City, as well as individual lot certifications as appropriate.
(21) Section 6.1 is amended to read as follows:
6.1 Conceptual Review
The Conceptual Review is an opportunity to discuss requirements, standards, and
procedures that apply to a development proposal. During the Conceptual Review, major
problems as they relate to drainage must be identified so that they can be resolved prior to
a formal application being submitted to the City. At that meeting, the applicant must
furnish at minimum a sketch showing the location of existing and proposed streets,
drainage courses, drainage facilities and any other significant natural features near the
proposed development.
(22) Section 6.2 is amended to read as follows:
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6.2 Overall Development Plan (ODP) Submittal Requirements
An ODP is required for any property that is proposed to be developed over time in at
least two separate project development plan submittals. The purpose of the ODP is to
establish general planning and development control parameters for these multi-phase
projects. The required drainage information presented in an ODP submittal does not
normally entail a detailed drainage analysis of the project but does require a general
presentation of the project’s features and effects on drainage. The drainage report for the
ODP must review at a conceptual level the feasibility and design characteristics of the
proposed development. The drainage report must be written in accordance with the
outline contained in Section 7.1.6 of this chapter listed below and must contain all the
applicable information as described in that section.
(23) Section 6.3 is amended to read as follows:
6.3 Drainage Plan Submittal and Review
All single family residences not in a previously approved subdivision, subdivisions
without a drainage plan, new multi-family developments, and commercial developments
with an increase in impervious area of 350 square feet or greater must submit Drainage
Reports and Plans to be approved by the City.
When an Overall Development Plan (ODP) is required an Overall Drainage Plan may
also be required. The detailed information contained in such Drainage Plan must be
consistent with the ODP. At a minimum, off-site runoff, conveyance locations, detention
ponds, outfall systems, and other drainage facilities must be shown on the Overall
Drainage Plan. Applicants are encouraged to prepare a plan with as much detail as
possible. Please contact the City Stormwater Department early in the process to
determine the detail level needed for that plan.
All 100-year storm floodplain boundaries must be shown on all preliminary and final
Drainage Plans and labeled in the NAVD 1988 and NGVD 1929 (unadjusted) vertical
datum for FEMA basins. City basin base flood elevations must be reported in NGVD
1929 only.
Review and acceptance by the City of Drainage Plans, studies, and construction drawings
are required in order to obtain a final drainage system that is consistent and integrated in
analysis, design, and level of protection to the City’s Master Drainage Plans.
Due to the dynamic nature of urbanization, the needs of the public will change with time,
requiring adjustment of design and construction requirements. Therefore, a time
limitation on the approved construction plans shall be as follows: construction of any
drainage facility not initiated within a three-year period from time of final plan approval
will be re-evaluated and be subject to a renewed approval by the City.
(24) Section 6.4 is amended to read as follows:
6.4 ODP Drainage Report Contents
Drainage report contents must contain at the minimum the following elements:
I. GENERAL LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
A. Location
1. City, County, State Highway and local streets within and
adjacent to the site, or the area to be served by the drainage
improvements.
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2. Township, range, section, ¼ section
3. Major drainageways and facilities
4. Names of surrounding developments
B. Description of Property
1. Area in acres
2. Ground cover (type of ground cover and vegetation)
3. Major drainageways
4. Existing major irrigation facilities such as ditches and
canals
5. Proposed land use
II. DRAINAGE BASINS AND SUB-BASINS
A. Major Basin Description
1. Reference to major drainageway planning studies such as
flood hazard delineation report, major drainageway
planning reports, and flood insurance rate maps
2. Major basin drainage characteristics, existing and planned
land uses within the basin, as defined by the Planning
Department
3. Identification of all nearby irrigation facilities within 150-
feet of the property boundary, which will influence or be
influenced by the local drainage
B. Sub-Basin Description
1. Discussion of historic drainage patterns of the property in
question
2. Discussion of offsite drainage flow patterns and impact on
development under existing and fully developed basin
conditions pursuant to zoning and land use plans adopted
by the City.
3. Soils information of the site shall be presented. The
discussion on soils shall include rainfall and wind
erodibility problems, limiting characteristics, groundwater
depths, and suitability of the soils for development.
Information shall be presented concerning conceptual
plans for controlling wind and rainfall erosion and the
effectiveness of establishing vegetation.
III. DRAINAGE FACILITY DESIGN
A. General Concept
1. Discussion of concept and typical drainage patterns
2. Discussion of compliance with offsite runoff
considerations
3. Discussion of anticipated and proposed drainage patterns
4. Discussion of the content of tables, charts, figures, plates,
or drawings presented in the report
5. Discussion of the need to provide offsite public
improvements for conveyance of minor or major flows to
the major drainageway.
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B. Specific Details (Optional Information)
1. Discussions of drainage problems encountered and
solutions at specific design points
2. Discussion of detention storage and outlet design
3. Discussion of maintenance and access aspects of the
design
4. Discussion of impacts of concentrating the flow on the
downstream properties
IV. REFERENCES
Reference all criteria, master plans, and technical information used in
support of the concept.
V. APPENDICES
A. On-site and off-site flow calculations
B. Preliminary sizing of detention ponds, storm sewers, and
channels.
(25) Section 6.5 is amended to read as follows:
6.5 ODP Drawing Contents
(a) General Location Map: All drawings must be 22" x 34" in size. A map
in sufficient detail to identify drainage flows entering and leaving the
development and general drainage patterns must be provided. The map
should show the path of all drainage from the upper end of any offsite
basins to the defined major drainageways. The map shall identify any
existing and proposed facilities from the property (i.e., development,
irrigation ditches, existing detention facilities, culverts, storm sewers)
along the flow path to the nearest major drainageway.
(b) Existing and Future Land Use: Existing and proposed vegetation and
landscaping must be shown to the extent that it is known at the ODP
level. Existing and proposed building footprints, parking lots,
sidewalks, and streets shall be submitted. If details of the proposed
information are unknown, the zoning as shown on the ODP diagram is
acceptable.
(c) Floodplain Information: All 100-year floodplain and floodway
boundaries, cross sections, and base flood elevation lines must be
shown. Base flood elevations must be reported in NAVD 1988 and
NGVD 1929 (unadjusted) vertical datum for all FEMA basins. City
basin base flood elevations must be reported in NGVD 1929 only. All
floodplain requirements as detailed in Chapter 10 of the City Code shall
apply.
(d) Drainage Plan: Map(s) of the proposed development at a scale of 1” =
20’ to 1” = 200’ on a 22" x 34" drawing must be included. The plan
must show the following:
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1. Existing topographic contours at 2-foot maximum intervals. In
terrain where the slope exceeds 15%, the maximum interval is
10 feet. The contours shall extend 50 feet beyond the property
lines or further, if necessary, to show the drainage relationship
with the adjacent property.
2. All existing drainage facilities.
3. Approximate flooding limits based on available information.
4. Conceptual major drainage facilities including detention basins,
storm sewers, streets, culverts, channels, swales, riprap, and
hydraulic structures in the detail consistent with the proposed
development plan.
5. All watercourses, rivers, wetlands, creeks, irrigation ditches or
laterals located within 150 feet of the property.
6. Major drainage boundaries and sub-boundaries.
7. Any offsite feature influencing development.
8. Proposed flow directions and, if available, proposed contours.
9. Legends to define map symbols.
10. All water quality on-site detention facilities required for every
new development and redevelopment must be designated on the
plans, including notes indicating the approximate surface area
and volume of the facilities.
(26) Section 6.6 is amended to read as follows:
6.6 Project Development Plan (PDP) and Building Permit Submittal Requirements
A PDP is needed after the ODP if the project will be completed in phases, or a PDP is
needed after the Conceptual Review if the project will be completed in only one phase.
The PDP submittal shall contain a general description of the existing and proposed land
uses and layout of the site. All Building Permit Process submittals have the same
requirements as the PDP requirements.
All analyses and designs of storm drainage systems within the City limits of Fort Collins
must be submitted to the City for review and must obtain the City's written approval
before any phase of construction. PDP submittals to the Stormwater Utility must consist
of two copies of a Drainage and Erosion Control Report with one set of engineering
drawings containing the necessary information.
The information and calculations contained within the Drainage Report and Erosion
Control Report must be presented in a neat and orderly fashion to facilitate review.
All reports must be stamped and signed by a Colorado licensed professional engineer and
must include, at the minimum:
a cover letter indicating the date
the name of the project or subdivision
a vicinity map
the name of the engineer(s) designing the site
a statement of compliance with the this Manual.
Detailed engineering drawings must be included in the Drainage Report supporting the
information and calculations provided in the report.
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All PDP submittals must indicate whether any portion of the development site is located
within or is directly adjacent to a FEMA or City designated floodplain. In the event
where any portion of the development site meets that condition, then the proposed
development plan must comply with all applicable floodplain regulations as specified in
Chapter 10 of City Code, “Flood Prevention and Protection”.
(27) Section 6.7 is amended to read as follows:
6.7 PDP Drainage Report
6.7.1 Report Contents
The Report must be formatted in accordance with the following outline and must contain
all the applicable information listed below and meet the requirements of Vol. 3, Chapter
7, “Construction BMPs.”
I. GENERAL LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
A. Location
1. Vicinity Map: A map showing the project location within
the City. The project area shall be shaded, major arterial
streets labeled, the major water courses and water bodies
shall be labeled, and the City’s drainage basin that the site
is located in shall be labeled. The map shall be a minimum
size of 6 inches by 6 inches with a scale ranging from 1” =
1000’ to 1” = 3000’. The vicinity map shall be located
directly after the table of contents of the drainage report.
2. Township, range, section, ¼ section
3. Local streets within and adjacent to the subdivision with
ROW width shown.
4. Major drainageways, facilities, and easements within or
adjacent to the site.
5. Names of surrounding developments
B. Description of Property
1. Area in acres
2. Ground cover (type of trees, shrubs, vegetation, general
soil conditions, topography, and slope)
3. Major drainageways
4. General project description
5. Irrigation facilities
6. Proposed land use
C. Floodplain Submittal Requirements
1. “City of Fort Collins Floodplain Review Checklist for 50%
Submittals”
II. DRAINAGE BASINS AND SUB-BASINS
A. Major Basin Description
1. Reference to major drainageway planning studies such as
flood hazard delineation reports, major drainageway
planning reports, and flood insurance rate maps
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2. Major basin drainage characteristics, existing and planned
land uses
3. Identification of all irrigation facilities within the basin,
which will influence or be influenced by the local drainage
design
B. Sub-Basin Description
1. Discussion of historic and proposed drainage patterns of
the property in question
2. Discussion of offsite drainage flow patterns and impact on
development under existing and fully developed basin
conditions
III. DRAINAGE DESIGN CRITERIA
A. Regulations: Discussion of the optional provisions selected or
the deviation from the criteria, if any, and its justification.
B. Discussion on how the Directly Connected Impervious Area
(DCIA) is being minimized and or disconnected and discussion
on how compliance with the “Four Step Process” is being
implemented.
C. Development Criteria Reference and Constraints
1. Discussion of previous drainage studies (i.e., project
master plans) for the site in question that influence or are
influenced by the drainage design and how the plan will
affect drainage design for the site.
2. Discussion of the effects of adjacent drainage studies.
3. Discussion of the drainage impact of site constraints such
as streets, utilities, rapid transit, existing structures, and
development or site plan.
C. Hydrological Criteria
1. Identify design rainfall
2. Identify runoff calculation method
3. Identify detention discharge and storage calculation
method
4. Identify design storm recurrence intervals
5. Discussion and justification of other assumptions or
calculation methods used that are not referenced by the
criteria.
D. Hydraulic Criteria
1. Identify various capacity references
2. Discussion of other drainage facility design criteria used
that are not referenced in the criteria
3. If there are proposed modifications to areas within the
100-year floodplain or floodway, a “Floodplain Modeling
Report” must be submitted
4. If there are proposed modifications to a natural
drainageway where a 100-year floodplain has not been
designated, a “Floodplain Modeling Study” must be
submitted
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E. Floodplain Regulations Compliance
1. Complete a “City of Fort Collins Floodplain Review
Checklist for 50% Submittals” that clearly states the
intent to comply with all applicable City of Fort Collins
floodplain regulations as specified in Chapter 10 of the
City Code.
F. Modifications of Criteria
1. Identify provisions by section number for which a
modification is requested
2. Provide justification for each modification requested
IV. DRAINAGE FACILITY DESIGN
A. General Concept
1. Discussion of concept and typical drainage patterns
2. Discussion of compliance with off-site runoff
considerations
3. Discussion of the content of tables, charts, figures, plates,
or drawings presented in the report
4. Discussion of anticipated and proposed drainage patterns
B. Specific Details
1. Discussion of drainage problems encountered and
solutions at specific design points
2. Discussion of detention storage and outlet design
3. A summary table for each detention storage pond on the
site to include:
Stage-Storage Curve
Stage-Discharge Curve
Detention Pond Volume Required
Detention Pond Volume Provided
Water Quality Capture Volume (WQCV)
Water Quality Elevation
Spillway Elevation
Pond Freeboard
Outlet(s) size(s)
4. Discussion of maintenance access
5. Discussion of easements and tracts for drainage purposes,
including the conditions and limitations for use
6. Discussion of the facilities needed offsite for the
conveyance of minor and major flows to the major
drainageway
V. CONCLUSIONS
A. Compliance with Standards
1. Compliance with Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual
2. Compliance with the City’s Master Drainage Plan(s)
3. Compliance with the City’s floodplain regulations
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4. Compliance with all State and Federal regulations
B. Drainage Concept
1. Effectiveness of drainage design to control damage from
storm runoff
2. Influence of proposed development on the Master
Drainage Plan recommendation(s)
VI. REFERENCES
Reference all criteria and technical information used
VII. APPENDICES
A. Hydrologic Computations
1. Land use assumptions regarding adjacent properties
2. Initial and major storm runoff at specific design points
3. Historic and fully developed runoff computations at
specific design points
4. Hydrographs at critical design points
5. Time of concentration and runoff coefficients for each
basin
B. Hydraulic Computations
1. Culvert capacities
2. Storm sewer capacity. Allowable models include
StormCAD, UDSewer, FlowMaster, and Extran. Other
models will be accepted on a case by case basis upon prior
approval from the City
3. Street flow calculations for the 2-year and 100-year events
regarding street encroachment, theoretical capacity, and
allowable gutter flow
4. Storm inlet capacity including inlet control rating at
connection(s) to storm sewer system
5. Open channel design
6. Check dam and/or channel drop design
7. Detention facility design including area/volume capacity,
outlet capacity, soil analysis, and ground water table
elevations
8. Downstream/outfall system capacity to the major
drainageway system
9. Design of erosion protection measures for culverts, and
storm sewer outlets.
C. Letters of intent to acquire all necessary off-site easements
D. Water quality design calculations
E. Printed copies of input and output files for all computer models
used in the analysis and design
F. Digital copies of input and output files for all computer models
used in the analysis and design
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6.7.2 PDP Engineering Drawings for Drainage Reports
The drawings must contain all the applicable information listed below and meet the
requirements of Vol. 3, Chapter 7, “Construction BMPs.” All drawings shall be prepared
by a Colorado licensed civil engineer and must be on a reproducible medium of one or
more sheets with an outer dimension of twenty-four by thirty-four (22x34) inches. Please
note that if feasible and legible the Grading Plan and Erosion Control Plan can be
combined.
The plan set should include the following sheets:
a) Vicinity Map
b) Drainage Plan
c) Floodplain Plan
d) Grading Plan
e) Erosion Control Plan
The Drainage and Erosion Control Report and associated drawings must include the
following information in aggregate:
a) The name of the subdivision or project.
b) The date of preparation, the scale, and symbol designating true north.
c) The boundary lines of the subdivision or project, right-of-way lines of streets,
easements and other rights of way, irrigation ditches, detention ponds,
watercourses, and lot lines, with accurate bearings and distances.
d) Designations of all streets and other rights of way, including dimensions and
names of such streets.
e) The location and dimensions of any easements.
f) All required floodplain information and studies as specified in the City of Fort
Collins Floodplain Review Checklist for 50% Development Review Submittals.
g) Existing and proposed contours at two foot intervals. Spot elevations or one foot
contours where two foot contours do not show on the property or where needed
to depict the grading. Spot elevations may be needed in critical areas, especially
adjacent to existing developed property.
h) The location, size, and type of all storm sewers.
i) The location, size, and type of all inlets, cross pans, manholes, and other storm
sewer appurtenances.
j) Profile views for all subsurface drainage facilities showing their size, slope,
lengths, design storm hydraulic grade lines (2-year and 100-year), cover, details
of structures or City Standard details, and relationship with existing utilities.
k) The location, size, and type of all culverts, including box culverts.
l) The location, size, and type of all open channels, including irrigation ditches with
profile views where applicable.
m) The location, size, and type of all existing utilities.
n) Cross-sectional views of all open channels, including irrigation ditches, trickle
channels, spillway structures, etc. These views must include applicable
easement/right-of-way boundaries and water surface elevations such as the 100-
year storm depth, 2-year storm depth, major storm freeboard, and operating
irrigation level.
o) Capacity, discharge, outlet structure, spillways, permanent pool water level (if
any), and 100-year high water level for all detention ponds, including both the
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water quality and water quantity elevations. Cross-hatching of the area inundated
by the 100-year water surface elevation is recommended.
p) Water surface profiles for all major open channels, or as required.
q) Show the lowest floor elevation (the basement floor elevation or the bottom of
the crawl space) and grade at foundation elevations of all buildings. Grading
away from the foundation within the first 5 feet adjacent to the building shall be a
minimum of 5%. In residential developments, also provide lot corner elevations
and any grade break elevations critical to the grading concept. The minimum
opening elevations are also required for all lots that are adjacent to a major
drainage channel, a detention pond, or a water body, or located in or adjacent to a
floodplain.
r) Spot elevations critical to describe drainage features and their function (e.g.,
inlets, cross pans, spillways, inlets/outlets of manholes, culverts, and storm
sewers).
s) Drainage sub-basin boundaries and concentration points for the developed site
clearly delineated and labeled.
t) A summary table of site hydrology, including offsite flows entering the site for
the 2-year and 100-year design storms, basin numbers, basin areas, runoff
coefficients, and onsite flows for the 2-year and 100-year design storms at the
concentration points.
u) A summary table for each detention pond on the site to include:
Stage-Storage Curve
Stage-Discharge Curve
Detention pond volume required
Detention pond volume provided
Water Quality Capture Volume (WQCV)
Water Quality Elevation
Spillway Elevation
Pond Freeboard
Outlet(s) size(s)
v) A vicinity map showing the project location within the city. The project area
shall be shaded, and major arterial streets labeled. The map shall be a minimum
size of 6" x 6", with a scale ranging from 1"=1000' to 1"=3000’.
w) Letters of intent to acquire all necessary offsite easements shall be included with
the submittal
x) If SWMM modeling is used, a sub-basin map and a SWMM schematic diagram
are required to depict the sub-basins and conveyance elements represented in the
model.
y) General notes relating to the design of the drainage features of the development
are required on the utility plan cover sheet. (Additional notes are required by
other departments, such as Engineering and Water/Wastewater.) The required
drainage notes are as follows:
1) All street, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water construction shall
conform to City Standards and Specifications current at date of execution
of the Development Agreement pertaining to this development. Any
construction occurring three years after the execution of the development
agreement shall require re-examination of the plans by the Director who
may require that they be made to conform to standards and specifications
current at that time.
26
2) The type, size, location, and number of all known underground utilities
are approximate as shown on the drawings. It shall be the responsibility
of the contractor to verify the existence and location of all underground
utilities along the route of the work. Before commencing new
construction, the contractor shall be responsible for locating unknown
underground utilities.
3) These plans have been reviewed by the City for concept only. The
review does not imply responsibility by the reviewing department, the
City Engineer, or the City for accuracy or correctness of the calculations.
Furthermore, the review does not imply that the quantities of the items
on the plans are the final quantities required. The review shall not be
construed in any reason as acceptance of financial responsibility by the
City for additional quantities of items shown that may be required during
the construction phase.
4) Prior to the commencement of any construction, the contractor must give
the City Engineering Department (970-221-6605) and the Erosion
Control Inspector (970-221-6700) twenty-four (24) hours advance-
notice. Initial erosion control measures must be installed and a site
inspection by the Erosion Control Inspector is required before
commencing construction activities.
5) Maintenance of onsite drainage facilities shall be the responsibility of the
property owners.
6) All recommendations of the final drainage and erosion control study for
this development by (Engineering Firm) must be met.
7) Prior to final inspection and acceptance by the City, certification of the
drainage facilities by a Colorado registered professional engineer must
be submitted to and approved by the City Stormwater Department.
(including the applicable note as set forth below)
For commercial and multi-family developments, certification of all
drainage facilities shall be submitted to the City Stormwater
Department at least two weeks prior to the release of a certificate of
occupancy. Individual lot certification, elevation certification, or
floodproofing certification, as specified in the development
agreement, must be submitted to the City Stormwater Department at
least two weeks prior to the release of a certificate of occupancy for
such lot.
For single family developments, certification of all drainage facilities
must be submitted to the City Stormwater Department in accordance
with all conditions as prescribed by the development agreement
associated with this development. Individual lot certification,
elevation certification, or floodproofing certification, as specified in
the development agreement, must be submitted to the City
Stormwater Department at least one week prior to the release of a
certificate of occupancy for such lot.
8) If dewatering is used to install utilities, and discharge will be into the
street, gutter, storm sewer, channel, irrigation ditch, or any waters of the
State a State Construction Dewatering Industrial Wastewater Discharge
Permit is required.
9) All land disturbing activities greater than or equal to one acre must
comply with the State of Colorado permitting process for Stormwater
27
Discharges Associated with Construction Activity. For more information
contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment,
Water Quality Control Division, at 303-692-3500 or refer to the web site
at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/PermitsUnit/ .
10) Benchmark: City of Fort Collins Vertical Control located at the Elevation
= ______feet, City of Fort Collins Datum.
11) If fill or dredged material is discharged into waters of the United States, a
USACE 404 permit is required.
12) If construction affects any Colorado Highway, a Colorado Department of
Transportation right-of-way permit is required.
(28) A new Section 6.8 is added to read as follows:
6.8 PDP Erosion Control Report and Plan
An Erosion Control Report and an Erosion Control Plan must be prepared for all land
disturbing activity subject to this Manual for areas that are greater than or equal to ten
thousand (10,000) square feet in area and less than four to one (4:1) slopes except
emergency work or where construction activities are within fifty (50) feet of the outer
limits of sensitive areas. This includes but is not limited to floodplains, slopes, riparian
corridors, wetlands, lakes, or irrigation ditches. Said report and plan must be prepared in
accordance with the specifications set forth in Volume 3, Chapter 7, “Construction
BMPs”, of this Manual. Land disturbing activity refers to any activity that results in a
change in the existing soil cover (both vegetative and non-vegetative) and/or the existing
soil topography including but not limited to, clearing, grading, excavation, demolition,
installation of new or improved haul roads and access roads, staging areas, stockpiling of
fill materials, and borrow areas. It does not include routine maintenance to maintain
original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, or the original purpose of the facility.
(29) A new Section 6.9 is added to read as follows:
6.9 Final Plan (FP) Submittal Requirements
After the PDP submittal has been approved, the applicant can present the FP submittal to
the City. The FP is the site-specific development plan, which describes and establishes
the type and intensity of use for a specific development.
The FP submittal shall contain one set of the following:
a) A statement of compliance to the approved PDP.
b) All easements in final form (except City signatures) must be submitted with
the FP submittal.
c) Any necessary revisions to the PDP Drainage Report and drawings and to the
Erosion Control Report and drawings.
d) Final construction drawings.
e) A statement of compliance with all floodplain requirements specified in
chapter 10 of the City Code as well as the completion “City of Fort Collins
Floodplain Review Checklist for 100% Development Review Submittals”
Upon approval of the Final Plan, three final Drainage and Erosion Control Reports and
one complete set of construction drawings must be sent to the City Stormwater
Department. The Engineering Department will require additional copies for other
28
departments. One copy of the report must include digital copies of the input and output
files for all computer models used for the analysis and design. In addition, one copy of
the Erosion Control Plan with details must be submitted to the Erosion Control Inspector.
(30) A new Section 6.10 is added, to read as follows:
6.10 Floodplain Modeling Reports
All guidelines and requirements as specified in Chapter 10 of the City Code must be
satisfied. All requirements identified in the document titled “Guidelines for Submitting
Floodplain Modeling Reports” must be completed and submitted.
(31) A new Section 6.11 is added, to read as follows:
6.11 Drainage Certification
All new developments are required to submit for review and approval, an overall site
certification of the constructed drainage facilities. The overall site certification must
specify the proposed and the as-built conditions of the site’s drainage facilities. Any
variation from the approved plans must be noted and proven to function properly within
the standards in this Manual. Supporting calculations to justify any variation from the
approved plans shall be provided, including but not limited to, detention volumes,
detention discharge rates, pipe capacities, channel capacities, water surface and lowest
opening elevations, and swale capacities.
The City will review the certified record drawing information with the construction
drawings. A Certification will only be accepted if:
1. The record drawing information demonstrates that the construction complies with
the design intent.
2. The record drawings are certified by both a registered professional land surveyor
and a registered professional engineer in the state of Colorado.
3. There is a compliance statement by the professional engineer.
4. Any discrepancies between the original drainage plan and the constructed system
need to be discussed and shown to function within the criteria set forth in this
Manual. If the construction does not comply with the criteria, the design
engineer must redesign the drainage facilities and plan and revise the
construction plan mylars to correct the deficiencies.
5. All Floodplain certifications required by the City’s Floodplain Administrator
must also be included. These may include FEMA Elevation or Floodproofing
Certifications and No-Rise Certifications and or other documents as specified in
Chapter 10 of the City Code.
6.11.1 Overall Site Certifications
This type of certification is for the overall site drainage facilities shown on the
construction plan drawings. The construction plans together with the development
agreement identify when and what facilities must be certified and how many building
permits and/or Certificates of Occupancy (“Cos”) are allowed prior to certifying the
facilities. Twenty-five percent of the building permits can be issued prior to acceptance
of an overall site certification. In multi-family building projects the overall site
certification must be accepted before or at the same time as the release of the first
certificate of occupancy in that phase.
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6.11.2 Certifications for Commercial and Multi-Family Developments
Individual lot or building certification is required before the release of a Certificate of
Occupancy (“CO”). Certification of all drainage facilities must be submitted to the City
at least two weeks before the release of a CO.
6.11.3 Certifications for Single Family Developments
Certification of all drainage facilities must be submitted to the City at least one week
before the release of additional building permits to those allowed by the development
agreement. The development agreement for single-family developments usually allows
for the release of 25% of the total building permit. An overall site drainage certificate
shall be submitted and approved by the City before the release of any remaining building
permits in the development as specified in the development agreement. Individual lot
certifications are required prior to the release of a Certificate of Occupancy (“CO”) for
any lot.
6.11.4 Individual Lot Certifications
Certification may be required for individual lots to ensure lot grading was completed
according to the approved grading plan. Lots requiring certification will be specified in
the development agreement. A lot certification must show the proposed and the “as-built”
conditions of the lot grading, including corner lot elevations, high points, side-lot swales,
drainage patterns, and minimum building opening elevations.
It must include separate discussions of the intent of the grading on the previously
approved grading plan as well as the final grading being certified. If the final grading
matches the approved plan there must be a statement of compliance or if not an
explanation of what is different and why. In the latter case, the changes must be justified
or explained in order to obtain City approval and the release of the Certificate of
Occupancy (“CO”).
For properties within floodplains, a flood-proofing or elevation certificate is required for
all structures prior to the release of the CO.
(32) A new Section 6.12 is added, to read as follows:
6.12 Final Close-Out Inspection
A Final Close-Out Inspection is required for all new developments and redevelopments.
This inspection must be scheduled at the conclusion of all construction activities on the
site and prior to transferring ownership and maintenance responsibilities of the site to a
subsequent entity such as a Home Owners’ Association.
The Owner must request the Final Close-Out Inspection from the City. The Final Close-
Out Inspection must be scheduled with the City following a minimum two-week advance
notice.
At the time of the Close-Out Inspection the Owner must provide to the City contact
information for the entity that will be assuming ownership and maintenance
responsibilities and a plan for funding and carrying out these responsibilities.
During the Final Close-Out Inspection, the Owner must demonstrate to the satisfaction of
the City that:
a) All permanent drainage facilities and BMPs have been constructed in compliance with
the approved final plan documents and are functioning as designed.
30
b) All revegetation measures are complete and all soil surfaces are stable.
c) All drainage facilities and appurtenances have been cleared of any debris and
sediment.
d) All temporary BMPs have been removed from the development site.
(33) Section 7.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(34) Section 7.1 is deleted in its entirety.
(35) Section 7.2 is deleted in its entirety.
(36) Section 7.3 is deleted in its entirety.
(37) Section 7.4 is deleted in its entirety.
(38) Table DP-1 is deleted in its entirety.
(39) Table DP-2 is deleted in its entirety.
(40) Table DP-3 is deleted in its entirety.
(41) Table DP-4 “Required Maintenance Easements” is added.
(42) Figure DP-1 is deleted in its entirety.
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(B) Volume 1, Chapter 4 - Rainfall:
(1) Section 1.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(2) A new Section 1.1 is added, to read as follows:
1.1 General Design Storms
All drainage system design and construction must take into consideration three separate
and distinct drainage problems.
The first is the eightieth (80th) percentile storm event or the rain event for which 80% of
all rain events have an equal or smaller depth of rain. This storm event is used to design
water quality features. The second is the “Minor” or “Initial Storm”, which is the 2-year
storm in the city of Fort Collins. This is the storm that has a probability of occurring, on
the average, once every two (2) years (or one that has a fifty percent chance probability
of exceedance every year). The third is the “Major Storm”, which is the 100-year storm
in the city of Fort Collins. This is the storm that has a probability of occurring, on the
average, once every one hundred (100) years (or one that has a one percent probability of
exceedance every year). In some instances the 100-year storm routing of runoff will not
be the same as that for the 2-year storm.
(3) A new Section 1.2 is added, to read as follows:
1.2 Minor (2-Year) Storm Provisions
The objectives of such drainage system planning are to minimize inconvenience, to
protect against recurring minor damage and to reduce maintenance costs in order to
create an orderly drainage system at a reasonable cost. The 2-year storm drainage system
may include such facilities as curb and gutter, storm sewer, open channels, drainageways,
ponds, rivers, streams, and detention facilities.
(4) A new Section 1.3 is added, to read as follows:
1.3 Major (100-Year) Storm Provisions
The objectives of the 100-year storm drainage system planning are to eliminate
substantial loss of life or property damage. Major drainage systems may include storm
sewers, open channels, drainageways, ponds, rivers, streams, and detention facilities.
The correlation between the minor and major storm system must be analyzed to ensure
that a well coordinated drainage system is designed and constructed.
(5) Section 2.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(6) Section 2.1 is deleted in its entirety.
(7) Section 2.2 is deleted in its entirety.
(8) Section 3.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(9) Section 3.1 is deleted in its entirety.
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(10) Section 3.2 is deleted in its entirety.
33
(11) Section 4.0 is amended to read as follows:
4.0 Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves for Rational Method:
The one-hour rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency tables for use the Rational Method
of runoff analysis are provided in Table RA-7 and in Table RA-8.
Table RA-7 -- City of Fort Collins
Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Table
for Use with the Rational Method
(5 minutes to 30 minutes)
2-Year 10-Year 100-Year
Duration
(min)
Intensity
(in/hr)
Intensity
(in/hr)
Intensity
(in/hr)
5 2.85 4.87 9.95
6 2.67 4.56 9.31
7 2.52 4.31 8.8
8 2.4 4.1 8.38
9 2.3 3.93 8.03
10 2.21 3.78 7.72
11 2.13 3.63 7.42
12 2.05 3.5 7.16
13 1.98 3.39 6.92
14 1.92 3.29 6.71
15 1.87 3.19 6.52
16 1.81 3.08 6.3
17 1.75 2.99 6.1
18 1.7 2.9 5.92
19 1.65 2.82 5.75
20 1.61 2.74 5.6
21 1.56 2.67 5.46
22 1.53 2.61 5.32
23 1.49 2.55 5.2
24 1.46 2.49 5.09
25 1.43 2.44 4.98
26 1.4 2.39 4.87
27 1.37 2.34 4.78
28 1.34 2.29 4.69
29 1.32 2.25 4.6
30 1.3 2.21 4.52
34
Table RA-8 -- City of Fort Collins
Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Table
for Use with the Rational Method
(31 minutes to 60 minutes)
2-Year 10-Year 100-Year
Duration
(min)
Intensity
(in/hr)
Intensity
(in/hr)
Intensity
(in/hr)
31 1.27 2.16 4.42
32 1.24 2.12 4.33
33 1.22 2.08 4.24
34 1.19 2.04 4.16
35 1.17 2.0 4.08
36 1.15 1.96 4.01
37 1.16 1.93 3.93
38 1.11 1.89 3.87
39 1.09 1.86 3.8
40 1.07 1.83 3.74
41 1.05 1.8 3.68
42 1.04 1.77 3.62
43 1.02 1.74 3.56
44 1.01 1.72 3.51
45 0.99 1.69 3.46
46 0.98 1.67 3.41
47 0.96 1.64 3.36
48 0.95 1.62 3.31
49 0.94 1.6 3.27
50 0.92 1.58 3.23
51 0.91 1.56 3.18
52 0.9 1.54 3.14
53 0.89 1.52 3.1
54 0.88 1.5 3.07
55 0.87 1.48 3.03
56 0.86 1.47 2.99
57 0.85 1.45 2.96
58 0.84 1.43 2.96
59 0.83 1.42 2.89
60 0.82 1.4 2.86
35
(12) A new Section 4.1 is added, to read as follows:
4.1 Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves for SWMM:
The hyetograph input option must be selected when creating SWMM input files.
Hyetographs for the 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year City of Fort Collins rainfall events
are provided in Table RA-9.
Table RA-9 – City of Fort Collins
Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Table
for Use with SWMM
2-Year 5-Year 10-Year 25-Year 50-Year 100-Year
Duration
(min)
Intensity
(in/hr)
Intensity
(in/hr)
Intensity
(in/hr)
Intensity
(in/hr)
Intensity
(in/hr)
Intensity
(in/hr)
5 0.29 0.40 0.49 0.63 0.79 1.00
10 0.33 0.45 0.56 0.72 0.90 1.14
15 0.38 0.53 0.65 0.84 1.05 1.33
20 0.64 0.89 1.09 1.41 1.77 2.23
25 0.81 1.13 1.39 1.80 2.25 2.84
30 1.57 2.19 2.69 3.48 4.36 5.49
35 2.85 3.97 4.87 6.30 7.90 9.95
40 1.18 1.64 2.02 2.61 3.27 4.12
45 0.71 0.99 1.21 1.57 1.97 2.48
50 0.42 0.58 0.71 0.92 1.16 1.46
55 0.35 0.49 0.60 0.77 0.97 1.22
60 0.30 0.42 0.52 0.67 0.84 1.06
65 0.20 0.28 0.39 0.62 0.79 1.00
70 0.19 0.27 0.37 0.59 0.75 0.95
75 0.18 0.25 0.35 0.56 0.72 0.91
80 0.17 0.24 0.34 0.54 0.69 0.87
85 0.17 0.23 0.32 0.52 0.66 0.84
90 0.16 0.22 0.31 0.50 0.64 0.81
95 0.15 0.21 0.30 0.48 0.62 0.78
100 0.15 0.20 0.29 0.47 0.60 0.75
105 0.14 0.19 0.28 0.45 0.58 0.73
110 0.14 0.19 0.27 0.44 0.56 0.71
115 0.13 0.18 0.26 0.42 0.54 0.69
120 0.13 0.18 0.25 0.41 0.53 0.67
36
RAINFALL INTENSITY-DURATION-FREQUENCY CURVE
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00
10.00
0.00 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00 60.00
STORM DURATION (minutes)
RAINFALL INTENSITY (inches/hour)
2-Year Storm 10-Year Storm 100-Year Storm
Figure RA-16 City of Fort Collins Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves
(13) Section 5.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(14) Section 6.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(15) Section 7.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(16) Section 7.1 is deleted in its entirety.
(17) Section 7.2 is deleted in its entirety.
(18) Section 7.3 is deleted in its entirety.
(19) Section 8.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(20) Table RA-1 is deleted in its entirety.
37
(21) Table RA-2 is deleted in its entirety.
(22) Table RA-3 is deleted in its entirety.
(23) Table RA-4 is deleted in its entirety.
(24) Table RA-5 is deleted in its entirety.
(25) Table RA-6 is deleted in its entirety.
(26) Table RA-7—City of Fort Collins Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Table for use
with the Rational Method (5minutes to 30 minutes) is added.
(27) Table RA-8—City of Fort Collins Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Table for use
with the Rational Method (31 minutes to 60 minutes) is added.
(28) Table RA-9—City of Fort Collins Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Table for use
with SWMM is added.
(29) Figure RA-1 is deleted in its entirety.
(30) Figure RA-2 is deleted in its entirety.
(31) Figure RA-3 is deleted in its entirety.
(32) Figure RA-4 is deleted in its entirety.
(33) Figure RA-5 is deleted in its entirety.
(34) Figure RA-6 is deleted in its entirety.
(35) Figure RA-7 is deleted in its entirety.
(36) Figure RA-8 is deleted in its entirety.
(37) Figure RA-9 is deleted in its entirety.
(38) Figure RA-10 is deleted in its entirety.
(39) Figure RA-11 is deleted in its entirety.
(40) Figure RA-12 is deleted in its entirety.
(41) Figure RA-13 is deleted in its entirety.
(42) Figure RA-14 is deleted in its entirety.
38
(43) Figure RA-15 is deleted in its entirety.
(44) Figure RA-16 is added
Figure RA-16—City of Fort Collins Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves.
39
(C) Volume 1, Chapter 5 - Runoff:
(1) Section 1.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(2) A new Section 1.1 is added, to read as follows:
1.1 Runoff Methodologies
(a) There are two runoff determination methodologies that are approved by the City, the
Rational Method and the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM). The City is the
determining authority with respect to the appropriate methodology to use under different
circumstances. Early contact with the City is encouraged for the timely determination of
the appropriate runoff methodology to use.
(b) The Rational Method may only be used to determine the runoff from drainage basins
that are less than ninety (90) acres in size. The Stormwater Management Model (SWMM)
must be used to model drainage basin areas of ninety (90) acres or more.
(c) All runoff calculations made in the design of both 2-year and 100-year drainage
systems must be included with the Storm Drainage Report and all storm drainage
facilities designed must be shown on Storm Drainage Plans.
(3) A new Section 2.8 is added, to read as follows:
2.8 Rational Method Runoff Coefficients
(a) The runoff coefficients to be used in the Rational Method can be determined based on
either zoning classifications or the types of surfaces on the drainage area. Zoning
classifications may be used to estimate flow rates and volumes for an Overall Drainage
Plan (ODP) submittal, if the types of surfaces are not known. Table RO-10 lists the
runoff coefficients for common types of zoning classifications in the city of Fort Collins.
(b) For a Project Plan or Final Plan submittal, runoff coefficients based on the proposed
land surface types must be used. Since the actual runoff coefficients may be different
from those specified in Table RO-10, Table RO-11 lists coefficients for the different
types of land surfaces. The runoff coefficient used for design must be based on the actual
conditions of the proposed site.
40
Table RO-10
Rational Method Minor Storm Runoff Coefficients for Zoning Classifications
Description of Area or Zoning Coefficient
R-F 0.3
U-E 0.3
L-M-In 0.55
R-L, N-C-L 0.6
M-M-N, N-C-M 0.65
N-C-B 0.7
Business:
C-C-N, C-C-R, C-N, N-C, C-S 0.95
R-D-R, C-C, C-L 0.95
D, C 0.95
H-C 0.95
C-S 0.95
Industrial:
E 0.85
I 0.95
Undeveloped:
R-C, T 0.2
P-O-L 0.25
For guidance regarding zoning districts and classifications of such districts please refer to
Article Four of the City Land Use Code, as amended.
41
Table RO-11
Rational Method Runoff Coefficients for Composite Analysis
Character of Surface Runoff Coefficient
Streets, Parking Lots,
Drives:
Asphalt 0.95
Concrete 0.95
Gravel 0.5
Roofs 0.95
Recycled Asphalt 0.8
Lawns, Sandy Soil:
Flat <2% 0.1
Average 2 to 7% 0.15
Steep >7% 0.2
Lawns, Heavy Soil:
Flat <2% 0.2
Average 2 to 7% 0.25
Steep >7% 0.35
(4) A new Section 2.9 is added, to read as follows:
2.9 Composite Runoff Coefficient
Drainage sub-basins are frequently composed of land that has multiple surfaces or zoning
classifications. In such cases a composite runoff coefficient must be calculated for any
given drainage sub-basin.
The composite runoff coefficient is obtained using the following formula:
t
n
i
i i
A
C A
C
1
*
(RO-8)
Where: C = Composite Runoff Coefficient
Ci = Runoff Coefficient for Specific Area (Ai)
Ai = Area of Surface with Runoff Coefficient of Ci, acres or feet2
n = Number of different surfaces to be considered
At = Total Area over which C is applicable, acres or feet2
(5) A new Section 2.10 is added, to read as follows:
42
2.10 Runoff Coefficient Adjustment for Infrequent Storms
The runoff coefficients provided in tables RO-10 and RO-11 are appropriate for use with
the 2-year storm event. For storms with higher intensities, an adjustment of the runoff
coefficient is required due to the lessening amount of infiltration, depression retention,
evapo-transpiration and other losses that have a proportionally smaller effect on storm
runoff. This adjustment is applied to the composite runoff coefficient.
These frequency adjustment factors are found in Table RO-12.
Table RO-12
Rational Method Runoff Coefficients for Composite Analysis
Storm Return Period
(years)
Frequency Factor
Cf
2 to 10
11 to 25
26 to 50
51 to 100
1.00
1.10
1.20
1.25
Note: The product of C times Cf cannot exceed the value of 1, in the cases where it does a value of
1 must be used
(6) Section 3.1 is deleted in its entirety.
(7) Section 3.2 is deleted in its entirety.
(8) Section 3.3 is deleted in its entirety.
(9) A new Section 4.3 is added, to read as follows:
4.3 Computer Modeling Practices
(a) For circumstances requiring computer modeling, the design storm hydrographs must
be determined using the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM). Basin and
conveyance element parameters must be computed based on the physical characteristics
of the site.
(b) Refer to the SWMM Users’ Manual for appropriate modeling methodology, practices
and development. The Users’ Manual can be found on the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) website (http://www.epa.gov/ednnrmrl/models/swmm/index.htm).
(c) It is the responsibility of the design engineer to verify that all of the models used in
the design meet all current City criteria and regulations.
4.3.1 Surface Storage, Resistance Factors, and Infiltration
Table RO-13 provides values for surface storage for pervious and impervious surfaces
and the infiltration rates to be used with SWMM. Table RO-13 also lists the appropriate
infiltration decay rate, zero detention depth and resistance factors, or Manning’s “n”
values, for pervious and impervious surfaces to be used for SWMM modeling in the city
of Fort Collins.
43
Table RO-13
SWMM Input Parameters
Depth of Storage on Impervious Areas 0.1 inches
Depth of Storage on Pervious Areas 0.3 inches
Maximum Infiltration Rate 0.51 inches/hour
Minimum Infiltration Rate 0.50 inches/hour
Decay Rate 0.0018 inches/sec
Zero Detention Depth 1%
Manning’s n Value for Pervious Surfaces 0.025
Manning’s n Value for Impervious Surfaces 0.016
4.3.2 Pervious-Impervious Area
Table RO-14 should be used to determine preliminary percentages of impervious land
cover for a given land-use or zoning. The final design must be based on the actual
physical design conditions of the site.
Table RO-14
Percent Imperviousness Relationship to Land Use*
LAND USE OR ZONING
PERCENT IMPERVIOUS
(%)
Business:
T
CCN, CCR, CN
E, RDR, CC, LC
C, NC, I, D, HC, CS
20
70
80
90
Residential:
RF,UE
RL, NCL
LMN,NCM
MMN, NCB
30
45
50
70
Open Space:
Open Space and Parks (POL)
Open Space along foothills ridge
(POL,RF)
RC
10
20
20
*For updated zoning designations and definitions, please refer to Article Four of the City Land
Use Code, as amended
44
4.3.3 Conveyance Element Methodology
Embedded conveyance elements must begin at the midpoint of the sub-basin in order to
appropriately represent the basin based on its actual physical characteristics.
4.3.4 Basin Width
Basin width must be calculated as the area of the basin divided by the length of the basin.
The basin length is defined as the length of the concentrated flow.
4.3.5 Dynamic Flow Analysis
Conditions may arise where a steady flow hydraulic analysis may not provide sufficient
information on the operation of drainage facilities. This is especially of concern when
analyzing detention ponds inter-connected by culverts or storm sewers and where release
rates and pond volumes may be affected. In such cases, if the Utilities Executive Director
determines that additional analysis is required for an adequate evaluation of proposed
drainage facilities, an unsteady flow hydraulic analysis using hydrographs generated from
SWMM and the EXTRAN block of SWMM may be required.
(10) Section 5.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(11) Section 5.1 is deleted in its entirety.
(12) APPENDIX A is deleted in its entirety.
(13) Table RO-1 is deleted in its entirety.
(14) Table RO-6 is deleted in its entirety.
(15) Table RO-7 is deleted in its entirety.
(16) Table RO-8 is deleted in its entirety.
(17) Table RO-9 is deleted in its entirety.
(18) Table RO-A1 is deleted in its entirety.
(19) Table RO-10 Rational Method Minor Storm Runoff Coefficients for Zoning
Classifications is added.
(20) A new Table RO-11 Rational Method Runoff Coefficients for Composite Analysis is
added.
(21) A new Table RO-12 Rational Method Frequency Adjustment Factors is added.
(22) A new Table RO-13 SWMM Input Parameters is added.
(23) A new Table RO-14 Land Use Versus percent Imperviousness is added.
(24) Figure RO-9 is deleted in its entirety.
(25) Figure RO-10 is deleted in its entirety.
45
(26) Figure RO-A1 is deleted in its entirety.
(27) Figure RO-A2 is deleted in its entirety.
(28) Figure RO-A3 is deleted in its entirety.
(29) Figure RO-A4 is deleted in its entirety.
(30) Figure RO-A5 is deleted in its entirety.
(31) Figure RO-A6 is deleted in its entirety.
(32) Figure RO-A7 is deleted in its entirety.
(33) Figure RO-A8 is deleted in its entirety.
(34) Figure RO-A9 is deleted in its entirety.
(35) Figure RO-A11 is deleted in its entirety.
46
(D) Volume1, Chapter 6 - Streets/Inlets/Storm Sewers:
(1) Section 2.2 is amended to read as follows:
2.2 Design Requirements
(a) The Minor (or Initial) Storm is designated as the 2-year storm. The Major Storm is
designated as the 100-year storm.
(b) The encroachment of gutter flow on the street for the 2-year storm runoff must not
exceed the criteria set forth in Table ST-2. A storm drainage system must begin where the
encroachment reaches the limits found in this table.
Table ST-2
Pavement Encroachment Standards for the Minor (i.e., 2-Year) Storm
Street Classification Maximum Encroachment* **
Local (includes places, courts, and alleys) No curb-topping. Flow may spread to crown of
street.
Collector and Arterial (Without Median) No curb-topping. Maximum six (6) inch flow depth
at the gutter. Flow spread must leave at least a six
(6) foot wide clear travel lane on the one-half street
section
Arterial (with Median) No curb-topping. Maximum six (6) inch flow depth
at the gutter. Flow spread must leave at least a
twelve (12) feet wide clear travel lane in each
direction
*Where no curbing exists, encroachment must not extend over property lines.
** These criteria apply only to City streets where no floodplain has been designated. For areas
with designated floodplains, please refer to Chapter 10 of the City Code for further guidance.
(c) Standards for the Major Storm and cross-street flows are also required. The Major
Storm needs to be assessed to determine the potential for flooding and public safety.
Cross-street flows also need to be regulated for traffic flow and public safety reasons.
The City has established street inundation standards during the Major Storm event and
allowable cross-street flow standards for the Minor (2-year) Storm and the Major (100-
year) Storm.
(d) Table ST-3 sets forth the allowable street encroachment for the 100-year storm
runoff.
47
Table ST-3
Street Inundation Standards for the Major (i.e., 100-Year) Storm
Street Classification Maximum Encroachment **
Local, Collector and Arterial (without Median) The depth of water at the street crown shall not exceed six (6)
inches to allow operation of emergency vehicles, the depth of
water over the gutter flow line shall not exceed twelve (12)
inches, and the flow must be contained within the right-of-way
or easements paralleling the right-of-way. The most restrictive
of the three criteria shall govern.
Arterial (with Median) The depth of water must not exceed the bottom of the gutter at
the median to allow operation of emergency vehicles, the depth
of water over the gutter flow line shall not exceed twelve (12)
inches, and the flow must be contained within the right-of-way
or easements paralleling the right-of-way. The most restrictive
of the three criteria shall govern.
** These criteria apply only to City streets where no floodplain has been designated. For areas
with designated floodplains, please refer to Chapter 10 of the City Code for further guidance.
(e) Table ST-4 sets forth the allowable cross-street flow for the Minor (2-Year) and the
Major (100-Year) Storm events.
Table ST-4
Allowable Cross-Street Flow
Street Classification Minor (2-Year) Storm Flow Major (100-Year) Storm Flow
Local
Six (6) inches of depth in
cross pan.
Eighteen (18) inches of depth above
gutter flow line.
Collector Where cross pans are allowed,
depth of flow should not
exceed six (6) inches in cross
pan
Twelve (12) inches of depth above
gutter flow line.
Arterial None. No cross flow. Maximum depth at
upstream gutter on road edge of twelve
(12) inches.
(f) Once an allowable spread (pavement encroachment) has been established for the
Minor Storm, the placement of inlets can be determined. The inlets will remove some or
all of the excess stormwater and thus reduce the spread. The placement of inlets is
covered in Section 3.0 of this chapter. It should be noted that proper drainage design
utilizes the full allowable capacity of the street gutter in order to limit the cost of inlets
and storm sewers.
(g) Another important design consideration is the frequency of occurrence of the Minor
Storm. In other words, the design engineer must factor into his design how often the
spread of stormwater will reach or exceed the maximum encroachment limit. This is
addressed by assigning a frequency (or recurrence interval) for the Minor Storm for
48
various street classifications. The selection of a design frequency is based on many
factors including street function, traffic load and vehicle speed. In the city of Fort
Collins, the Minor Storm recurrence interval is the 2-year storm for all street
classifications.
(h) For street sump locations, provisions must be included to carry the 100-year runoff in
a pipe or an overflow channel to an acceptable outfall while the maximum water surface
depth criteria as designated in Table ST-2 and in Table ST-3 are not violated.
(i) An access and maintenance easement for the overflow drainage facility must be
provided if that facility is not contained within the public right-of-way.
(j) Two additional design considerations of importance in street drainage are gutter
(channel) shape and street slope. Most urban streets contain curb and gutter sections.
Various types exist including spill shapes, catch shapes, curb heads, and roll gutters. The
shape is chosen for functional, economic, or aesthetic reasons and does not dramatically
affect the hydraulic capacity. Swales are common along some urban and semi-urban
streets, and roadside ditches are common along rural streets. Their shapes are important
in determining hydraulic capacity and are covered in the next chapter.
(2) Table ST-2 Pavement Encroachment Standards for the Minor (i.e., 2-Year) Storm is
amended
(3) Table ST-3 Street Inundation Standards for the Major (i.e., 100-Year) Storm is amended
(4) Table ST-4 Allowable Cross-Street Flow is amended
(5) A new Section 3.5 is added, to read follows:
3.5 Inlet Design and Construction Standards
(a) Storm inlets must be designed and installed where sump (low-spot) conditions exist
or when allowable street capacities are exceeded. The outlet pipe of the storm inlet must
be sized on the basis of the theoretical capacity of the inlet, with a minimum diameter of
fifteen (15) inches, or a minimum dimension of twelve (12) inches if elliptical or arch
pipe is used.
(b) All curb openings must be installed with the opening at least two (2) inches below
the flow line elevation. The minimum transition length allowed is five (5) feet
(c) Any curb opening greater than six (6) inches in height must have a metal bar welded
horizontally across the inlet for public safety purposes such that no opening height is
greater than six (6) inches.
(d) All inlet covers must be stenciled or stamped with the following designation: NO
DUMPING - DRAINS TO POUDRE RIVER
(6) A new Section 4.5 is added, to read as follows:
4.5 Storm Sewer System Construction Standards
Construction of all stormwater facilities must be built in accordance the approved Water Utilities
Development Construction Standards or the Water Utilities Capital Construction Standards as
appropriate.
49
(E) Volume 1, Chapter 7- Major Drainage:
(1) Section 3.2.8 is amended to read as follows:
3.2.8 Open Channel Design
The minimum design criteria requirements listed below must be satisfied.
3.2.8.1 Natural Channels (Open Floodplain Design)
For development sites located out of the 100-year floodplain, the following open channel
requirements must be met:
1. If the total flow of the channel and floodplain is confined to an incised channel and
erosion can be expected to endanger adjacent structures, 100-year check structures
are required to control erosion and degradation of the channel area. See Volume 2,
Chapter 8, “Hydraulic Structures”, of this Manual for more information. In addition,
sufficient right-of-way must be reserved to install the equivalent of a trapezoidal
grass-lined channel that satisfies the velocity criteria specified in Table MD-2. Extra
width must be reserved where drop structures are needed, in which locations a twenty
(20) foot-wide maintenance access bench must be provided along one side of the
channel.
2. If the floodplain is wide and the low-flow channel represents a small portion of the
floodplain area, low-flow check structures are usually required, unless it can be
demonstrated that the channel will remain stable as the watershed urbanizes.
3. Consult the applicable City’s Master Drainage Plan document for guidance on the
design event and stable stream or waterway longitudinal slope.
4. For either of the above cases, a maintenance access trail must be provided. It should
be designed according to the guidelines for grass-lined channels in Section 3.2.8.3,
below.
3.2.8.2 Open Floodway Design (Natural Channel with Floodplain Encroachment)
Although floodplain preservation is preferable, when the development involves
preserving the floodway while filling and building on the fringe area, the open channel
design must meet the all the requirements in listed Section 3.2.8.1 of this chapter, as well
as the following requirements listed below for fill.
The fill slopes must be adequately protected against erosion with:
1. Fill slopes of four to one (4H:1V) or flatter that are vegetated in accordance with the
criteria listed in the “Revegetation” chapter of this Manual (Volume 2, Chapter 12).
2. Fill slopes must be protected by rock (not broken concrete or asphalt) riprap meeting
City criteria with up to two and a half to one (2.5H:1V) slopes.\
3. Retaining walls must not be not taller than three and a half (3.5) feet, with adequate
foundation protection.
3.2.8.3 Grass-Lined Channel Design
The design for a grass-lined channel must meet the following criteria:
50
1. Side slopes must be four to one (4H:1V) or flatter.
2. Continuous maintenance access, such as with a trail, must be provided. The
stabilized trail surface must be at least eight (8) feet wide with a clear width
of twelve (12) feet. It must be located above the minor (2-year) event water
surface elevation, but never less than two (2) feet (three feet for streams with
perennial flow) above that elevation. Trail profiles need to be shown for all
critical facilities such as roadway crossings, stream crossings and drop
structures. All access trails shall connect to public streets. Maintenance trails
need not be paved, but must be of all-weather construction such as aggregate
base course, crusher fines, recycled concrete course or Aggregate Turf
Reinforced Grass Pavement (RGP) described in Volume 3 of this Manual
and capable of sustaining loads associated with large maintenance
equipment. Paved trails are encouraged to allow for recreational use of the
trails. When paved, pavement should be five (5) inches minimum thickness
of concrete (not asphalt). Maximum longitudinal slope for maintenance-only
trails is ten percent (10%), but less than five percent (5%) when used as
multi-purpose recreational trails to meet the requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act. The Utilities Executive Director may accept adjacent
public local streets or parking lots as maintenance access in lieu of a trail, if
he or she determines that a modification of this requirement is appropriate.
3. A low-flow or trickle channel is desirable. See Section 4.1.5 of this chapter
for criteria.
4. Wetland bottom and bioengineered channels are acceptable when designed
according to City wetland bottom channel criteria in Section 4.2 of this
chapter.
5. The channel bottom minimum cross slope for dry bottom channels shall be
one percent (1%).
6. Tributary inflow points shall be protected all the way to the low-flow
channel or trickle channel to prevent erosion. Inflow facilities to wetland
bottom channels shall have their inverts at least two (2) feet above the
channel bottom to allow for the deposition of sediment and shall be protected
with energy dissipaters.
7. All roadway crossings of wetland bottom channels shall incorporate a
minimum of a stabilized two (2) foot drop from the outlet to the bottom of
the downstream channel in order to preserve hydraulic capacity as sediment
deposition occurs over time in the channel.
8. All drop structures must be designed in accordance with the “Hydraulic
Structures” chapter of this Manual. Underdrain and storm sewer outlets
located below the stilling basin’s end-sills are not acceptable. Construction
plans must utilize City standard details.
9. Storm sewer outlets must be designed in accordance with the criteria in
Sections 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0 of this chapter. Alternatively, conduit outlet
structures, including low tailwater riprap basins design described in Section
3.0 of the “Hydraulic Structures” chapter of this Manual must be used when
appropriate.
51
10. Grouted boulder rundowns and similar features must be designed in
accordance with Section 7.0 of the “Hydraulic Structures” chapter of this
Manual.
11. Grass seeding specifications provided by the City (see the “Revegetation”
chapter of this Manual) are recommended unless irrigated blue grass is used.
The City will not maintain irrigated blue grass..
(2) Section 3.3.3 is amended to read as follows:
3.3.3 Environmental Permitting Issues
Environmental permitting, in particular wetland permitting, must be considered in
selection of the type of major drainage channel. To assist with the selection of type of
channel or drainageway improvements to be used, a flow chart is presented in Figure
MD-4. The flow chart contains a series of questions to be considered in light of the
requirements in this Manual and the requirements of the Clean Water Act, Section 404
(dredge and fill in jurisdictional wetlands and “Waters of the United States”).
Following along with the chart, the first step is to determine whether channelization is
needed or desired. In many cases, a well-established natural drainageway and its
associated floodplain can be preserved and protected from erosion damage. Therefore,
before deciding to channelize, assess whether the value of reclaimed lands will justify the
cost of channelization and whether a new channel will provide greater community and
environmental benefits than the existing drainageway.
If the decision is to neither channelize nor re-channelize an existing drainageway,
investigate the stability of the natural drainageway and its banks, design measures to
stabilize the longitudinal grade and banks, if needed, and obtain any necessary, Section
404 permits and other approvals for these improvements.
If the decision is to channelize, then determine whether the existing natural drainageway
has a perennial flow, evidence of wetland vegetation, or is a well-established ephemeral
channel. This will often require the assistance of a biologist with wetland training. If any
of these conditions exist, then the project is likely to be subject to individual or
nationwide Section 404 permitting requirements. Regardless, it is suggested that the
designer check with the local United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) office
early to determine which permit will be needed. Keep in mind that it is the responsibility
of the proponent to comply with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations.
Approvals by the City do not supersede or waive compliance with these laws.
(3) Section 3.3.4 is amended to read as follows:
3.3.4 Maintenance
(a) All major drainage channels in urban areas will require maintenance to ensure that
they are capable of conveying their design flow, such as the 100-year flow (as well as
more frequently occurring flows) and to ensure that channels do not become a public
nuisance and eyesore. Routine maintenance (i.e., mowing for weed control or annual or
seasonal clean-outs), unscheduled maintenance (i.e., inspection and clean-out after large
events) and restorative maintenance after some years of operation should be expected.
(b) Native tall grasses may require mowing three to six times a year or on a less frequent
schedule, depending on the type of channel and setting. Mowing cuts down the presence
of standing dead grasses and places them on the ground where decomposition can take
52
place. Often mowing of dry-land native grasses during the growing season may not be
necessary, except for weed control.
(c) A maintenance access platform with a minimum passage width of twelve (12) feet
shall be provided along the entire length of all major drainageways except at drop
structures, where a twenty (20) foot maintenance platform is needed
(d) When public or private drainage channels and associated facilities abut private
property, it is the responsibility of the parties involved, whether they are public or
private, to develop and implement a policy regarding fencing and safety.
(4) Section 4.1.1.5 is amended to read as follows:
4.1.1.5 Design Discharge Freeboard
All open channels shall be designed with a freeboard. Freeboard for major channels
(defined as those with capacity in excess of one hundred (100) cfs) must be a minimum
of one foot of extra depth. Freeboard for minor channels (defined as those carrying less
than one hundred (100) cfs design flow) must be designed to handle a minimum of an
additional 33 percent of runoff, over and above the 100-year design flow.
(5) Table MD-2 is adopted with the following modification:
The minimum riprap Manning’s-n value used to check for stability is 0.07.
(6) Table MD-3 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “District Maintenance Eligibility” shall be deleted.
(7) Table MD-4 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “District Maintenance Eligibility” shall be deleted.
(8) Section 4.3.6 is deleted in its entirety.
(9) Table MD-6 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “District Maintenance Eligibility” shall be deleted.
(10) Table MD-7 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to Type VL and Type L riprap designations shall be deleted.
(11) Table MD-10 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to Type VL and Type L riprap designations shall be deleted.
(12) Table MD-12 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to Type VL and Type L riprap designations shall be deleted.
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(13) A new section 4.4.4.3 is added, to read as follows:
4.4.4.3 Riprap Specifications and Applicability
(a) Riprap applications must be designed by a professional engineer familiar with the
design of stormwater conveyance systems and structures.
(b) The minimum mean particle size (intermediate dimension) by weight for riprap,
commonly known as the D50, is twelve (12) inches.
(c) All riprap must be angular in shape and clean; no round shaped rocks are allowed.
(d) Riprap coloring must be specified to blend with the existing soil and environment
where it will be placed in a manner that will present the smallest amount of visual
contrast.
(e) Riprap shall only be used when other methods of protection or stabilization are not
appropriate or possible. Riprap alternates with the exception of gabions are
recommended whenever practical. Manufactured channel lining or revetment treatments
such as Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs), erosion control matting, geotextiles,
Articulating Concrete Blocks (ACBs), partially-grouted riprap, and other flexible linings
are encouraged in lieu of standard riprap applications. These alternates will be
considered by the City on a case-by-case basis in order to determine the most appropriate
material that should be specified under particular conditions and for different
applications.
(14) Table MD-13 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “District Maintenance Eligibility” shall be deleted.
(15) Section 10.0 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “Rosgen, D., 1996, “Applied River Morphology” shall be deleted.
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(F) Volume 2, Chapter 8 - Hydraulic Structures:
(1) Section 2.4.4 is deleted in its entirety.
(2) Section 2.8.3 is deleted in its entirety.
(3) Section 3.4.3.2 is adopted with the following modifications:
a. Equation (HS-17) is amended to read as follows:
T= 2D50 (HS-17)
And:
b. All references to Type L riprap shall be deleted from Table HS-9
(4) Section 4.1.2 is deleted in its entirety.
(5) Section 8.1 is amended to read as follows:
8.1 General
Maintenance of hydraulic structures includes removing debris, excessive vegetation and
excessive sediment. Replacing or realigning erosion protection, stones, repairing grout
and concrete, and replacing warning signs are items of maintenance that must be
performed regularly under normal conditions. Other maintenance activities that can be
reasonably expected for specific structures must also be performed on a regular basis.
(6) Table HS-6 is deleted in its entirety.
(7) Table HS-9 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to Type L riprap shall be deleted
(8) Figure HS-9 is deleted in its entirety.
(9) Figure HS-10 is deleted in its entirety.
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(G) Volume 2, Chapter 9 - Culverts:
(1) Section 3.5.3 is amended to read as follows:
3.5.3 Culvert Diameter
(a) The diameter of pipe that will meet the headwater requirements must be determined
after the invert elevations have been assumed, using the design computation forms (e.g.,
Figure CU-8), the capacity charts (e.g., Figure CU-7), and the nomographs.
(b) To help prevent plugging of small diameter pipes, the minimum allowable culvert
diameter is fifteen (15) inches for round pipe. The minimum inside dimension will be no
less than twelve (12) inches for elliptical and arch pipe. .
(2) A new Section 3.5.5 is added, to read as follows:
3.5.5 Culvert Materials
All culvert design and construction must comply with the same material and
construction requirements as those specified in Volume 1, Chapter 6, Section 4.5,
“Storm Sewer System Construction Standards”, of this Manual and with the approved
City Water Utilities Standard Construction Specifications.
(3) A new Section 8.3 is added, to read as follows:
8.3 Grate Specifications
(a) Where a structure presents a safety hazard such as when a siphon, a significant drop
in elevation adjacent to a sidewalk or road, a long pipe with one or more manholes, or at
pipes near playgrounds, parks and residential areas, a grate may be required. For most
culverts through embankments and crossing streets, grates will not be required. The grate
open area must be at least four times the open area of the pipe.
(b) When called for, grates must meet the following requirements:
1. Grating must be constructed of smooth steel bars with a minimum diameter of five
eighth of an inch. Reinforcing bars shall not be used.
2. Welded connections must be a quarter inch thick at the minimum.
3. Spacing between bars must normally be five (5) inch unless site conditions are
prohibitive.
4. All exposed steel must be galvanized in accordance with AASHTO M 111.
5. Welded joints must be galvanized with a rust preventive paint.
6. Grates must be secured to the headwall or end section by removable devices such as
bolts or hinges to allow maintenance access, prevent vandalism, and prohibit entrance
by children.
7. Locks for hinged grates will be provided by the City.
8. Trash racks must be set at angles that are no steeper than three to one (3:1 H:V).
(4) Photograph CU-6 is deleted in its entirety
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(H) Volume 2, Chapter 10 - Storage:
(1) Section 3.1.1 is amended to read as follows:
3.1.1 Use of Simplified On-Site Detention Sizing Procedures
(a) There are two methodologies approved by the City for sizing detention storage
basins, the Rational Formula-based Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) procedure
and the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM). The City is the determining authority
regarding the appropriate methodology to use under different circumstances. Early
contact with the City is encouraged for the timely determination of the appropriate
detention storage sizing methodology.
(b) In general, the Rational Formula-based FAA procedure may only be used in the
design of detention storage facilities with tributary areas that are less than five (5) acres
in size. The Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) must be used to model and size
stormwater detention storage facilities with tributary areas of twenty (20) acres or more.
Preliminary sizing of detention storage volume may be performed for site planning
purposes using the Rational Formula-based FAA procedure in conjunction with a twenty
(20) percent upward adjustment to account for the larger resulting storage volume that
would be obtained from SWMM modeling.
(c) For tributary areas between five and twenty (20) acres in size, either SWMM or the
Rational Formula-based FAA procedure may be used to calculate detention storage
volume. However, if the Rational Formula-based FAA procedure is chosen as the
preferred method, the resulting storage volume must be increased by a factor of twenty
(20) percent to better match the result that would be obtained from SWMM modeling.
(2) Section 3.1.2 is amended to read as follows:
3.1.2 Detention Pond Hydrograph Sizing Procedure
(a) Whenever the area limits described above in Section 3.1.1 are exceeded (for tributary
catchments larger than twenty acres for the FAA Procedure) the City requires the use of
hydrograph flood routing procedures (e.g., using SWMM reservoir routing calculations).
In addition, if there are upstream detention facilities in the watershed that catch and route
runoff for portions of the upstream tributary area, hydrograph routing methods must be
employed.
(b) If off-site tributary areas contribute runoff to an on-site detention storage facility, the
total tributary area at existing development rate must be accounted for in the design of the
storage facility by routing the flows generated by that off-site area around the proposed
storage facility or, by fully accounting for these flows in the design of the spillway
system for that storage facility.
(3) Section 3.1.3 is amended to read as follows:
3.1.3 Water Quality Capture Volume in Sizing Detention Storage
When detention storage volume is sized for a site that also incorporates a water quality
capture volume (WQCV) defined in Volume 3 of this Manual, the 100-year volume
required for quantity detention must be added to the entire WQCV. The WQCV must
also be added in its entirety to the required 5- or 10-year volume.
(4) Section 3.2.1 is deleted in its entirety.
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(5) Section 3.2.2 is deleted in its entirety.
(6) Section 3.2.3 is amended to read as follows:
3.2.3 Rational Formula-Based Modified FAA Procedure
The Rational Formula-based Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (1966) detention
sizing method (sometimes referred to as the “FAA Procedure”), as modified by Guo
(1999a), provides a reasonable estimate of storage volume requirements for on-site
detention facilities. This method provides sizing for one level of peak control only and
not for multi-stage control facilities.
The input required for this Rational Formula-based FAA volume calculation procedure
includes:
A = area of the catchment tributary to the storage facility (acres)
C = runoff coefficient
Qpo = allowable maximum release rate from the detention facility
Tc = time of concentration for the tributary catchment (minutes) (see the Runoff chapter)
Pi = 2-hour design rainfall depth (inches) at the site taken from the Rainfall chapter for
the relevant return frequency storms
The calculations are best set up in a tabular (spreadsheet) form with each 5-minute
increment in duration being entered in rows and the following variables being entered, or
calculated, in each column:
1. Storm Duration Time, T (minutes), up to 180 minutes.
2. Rainfall Intensity, I (inches per hour).
3. Inflow volume, Vi (cubic feet), calculated as the cumulative volume at the given
storm duration using the equation:
Vi = CIA (60T) (SO-6)
4. Outflow adjustment factor m (Guo 1999a):
m = 1/2 (1+ Tc/T) 0.5 ≤ m ≤ 1 and T ≥ Tc (SO-7)
5. Calculated average outflow rate, Qav (cfs), over the duration T:
Qav v = m Qpo (SO-8)
6. Calculated outflow volume, Vo, (cubic feet), during the given duration and the
adjustment factor at that duration calculated using the equation:
Vo= Qav (60 T) (SO-9)
7. Required storage volume, Vs (cubic feet), calculated using the equation:
Vs = Vi – Vo (SO-10)
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The value of Vs increases with time, reaches a maximum value, and then starts to
decrease. The maximum value of Vs is the required storage volume for the detention
facility. Sample calculations using this procedure are presented in Design Example 6.2.
The modified FAA Worksheet of the UD-Detention Spreadsheet performs these
calculations.
(7) Section 3.2.4 is deleted in its entirety.
(8) Section 3.2.5 is deleted in its entirety.
(9) Section 3.2.6 is deleted in its entirety.
(10) Section 3.2.7 is deleted in its entirety.
(11) Section 3.3.3 is amended to read as follows:
3.3.3 Spillway Sizing and Design
(a) The overflow spillway of a storage facility must be designed to pass flows in excess
of the design flow of the outlet works. When the storage facility falls under the
jurisdiction of the Colorado State Engineer’s Office (SEO), the spillway’s design storm is
prescribed by the SEO. If the storage facility is not a jurisdictional structure, the size of
the spillway design storm must be based upon analysis of the risk and consequences of a
facility failure. Generally, embankments should be fortified against and/or have spillways
that, at a minimum, are capable of conveying the total not-routed peak 100-year storm
discharge from a fully developed total tributary catchment, including all off-site areas, if
any. However, detailed analysis, of downstream hazards must be performed and may
indicate that the embankment protection and, or spillway design needs to be sized for
events much larger than the 100-year design storm.
(b) The detention pond spillway crest must be set at the 100-year water surface elevation
in the pond and the spillway shall be designed such that any spills shall be no more than
six (6) inches in depth at the crest during the 100-year storm. The detention pond top of
embankment shall be set at all points a minimum of one foot above the spillway crest
elevation.
(c) Emergency spillways must be protected from catastrophic erosion failure through the
use of bank protection procedures downhill from the spillway to the toe of slope. The
slope protection for spillway embankments shall be designed in accordance with all the
specifications set forth in Volume 1, Chapter 7, Major Drainage, Section 4.4.4.3, “Riprap
Specifications and Applicability”, of this Manual.
(d) A concrete cutoff wall eight inches in thickness, three feet deep, extending five feet
into the embankment beyond the spillway opening is required on private detention ponds
larger than one acre-foot in volume and are also required on all publicly-owned regional
detention ponds larger than that size. The emergency spillway crest elevation must be
tied back to the top of the pond embankment at a maximum slope of four to one.
(12) Section 3.3.4 is amended to read as follows:
3.3.4 Retention Facilities
(a) A retention facility (a basin with a zero release rate or a very slow release rate) is
used on a temporary basis when there is no available formal downstream drainageway, or
one that is grossly inadequate. When designing a retention facility, the hydrologic basis
of design is difficult to describe because of the stochastic nature of rainfall events. Thus,
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sizing for a given set of assumptions does not ensure that another scenario produced by
nature (e.g., a series of small storms that add up to large volumes over a week or two)
will not overwhelm the intended design. For this reason, retention basins are not
permissible as a permanent solution for drainage problems. When used, they can become
a major nuisance due to problems that may include mosquito breeding, safety concerns,
odors, etc.
(b) When temporary use of a retention basin is proposed as a solution, the City requires
that it be sized to capture, at a minimum, the runoff equal to two times the two hour, 100-
year storm plus one foot of freeboard. The facility must be situated and designed so that
when it overtops, no human-occupied or critical structures (e.g., electrical vaults, homes,
etc.) will be flooded, and no catastrophic failure at the facility (e.g., loss of dam
embankment) will occur. It is also required that retention facilities be as shallow as
possible to encourage infiltration and other losses of the captured urban runoff. When a
trickle outflow can be accepted downstream or a small conduit can be built, it shall be
provided and sized in accordance with the locally approved release rates, and be
preferably capable of emptying the full volume in seventy-two (72) hours or less.
(c) All retention ponds must be built with a pump back-up system and with a concrete
hard surface at the bottom of the pond that is capable of evacuating the full volume in
seventy-two (72) hours or less.
(d) All retention ponds must be built and operated in accordance with all applicable State
and Federal laws and must respect all established water rights.
(13) Section 3.4 is amended to read as follows:
3.4 Reservoir Routing of Storm Hydrographs for Sizing of Storage Volumes
The reservoir routing procedure for the sizing of detention storage volumes is more
complex and time consuming than the use the FAA procedure. Its use requires the
designer to develop an inflow hydrograph for the facility. This is generally accomplished
using SWMM computer models as described in the RUNOFF chapter of this Manual.
The hydrograph routing sizing method is an iterative procedure that follows the steps
detailed below (Guo 1999b).
1. Select Location: The detention facility’s location must be based upon criteria
developed for the specific project. Regional storage facilities are normally placed where
they provide the greatest overall benefit. Multi-use objectives (e.g. use of the detention
facility as a park or for open space, preserving or providing wetlands and/or wildlife
habitat, or others uses and community needs) influence the location, geometry, and nature
of these facilities.
2. Determine Hydrology: Determine the inflow hydrograph to the storage basin and the
allowable peak discharge from the basin for the design storm events. The hydrograph
may be available in City’s published Master Drainage Plans or other basin-wide studies.
The allowable peak discharge is limited by the local criteria or by the requirements
spelled out in the City-approved Master Drainage Plan.
3. Initial Storage Volume Sizing: It is recommended that the initial size of the detention
storage volume be estimated using the modified FAA method described in Section 3.2.3
or the hydrograph volumetric method detailed in Section 3.4.1.
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4. Initial Shaping of the Facility: The initial shape of the facility must be based upon site
constraints and other goals for its use discussed under item 1, above. This initial shaping
is needed to develop a stage-storage-discharge relationship for the facility. The design
spreadsheets of this Manual are useful for initial sizing.
5. Outlet Works Preliminary Design: The initial design of the outlet works entails
balancing the initial geometry of the facility against the allowable release rates and
available volumes for each stage of hydrologic control. This step requires the sizing of
outlet elements such as a perforated plate for controlling the releases of the WQCV,
orifices, weirs, outlet pipe, spillways, etc.
6. Preliminary Design: A preliminary design of the overall detention storage facility
must be completed using the results of steps 3, 4 and 5, above. The preliminary design
phase is an iterative procedure where the size and shape of the basin and the outlet works
are checked using a reservoir routing procedure and then modified as needed to meet the
design goals. The modified design is then checked again using the reservoir routing and
further modified if needed. Though termed “preliminary design,” the storage volume and
nature and sizes of the outlet works are essentially in final form after completing this
stage of the design. They may be modified, if necessary, during the final design phase.
7. Final Design: The final design phase of the storage facility is completed after the
hydraulic design has been finalized. This phase includes structural design of the outlet
structure, embankment design, site grading, a vegetation plan, accounting for public
safety, spillway sizing and assessment of dam safety issues, etc.
(14) Section 4.3 is amended to read as follows:
4.3 Geometry of Storage Facilities
(a) The geometry of a storage facility depends on specific site conditions such as
adjoining land uses, topography, geology, preserving or creating wildlife habitat, volume
requirements, etc. Several key features must be incorporated in all storage facilities
located within the City (see Figure SO-6). These include:
i. Four to one (4H : 1V) or flatter side slopes of all banks.
ii. Low-flow or trickle-flow channel unless a permanent pool takes its place or the pond
is designed to handle low flows through infiltration.
iii. Forebay.
iv. Pond bottom sloped at least one percent to drain toward the low-flow or trickle-flow
channel or the outlet.
v. Emergency spillway or fortification of the embankment to prevent catastrophic
failure when overtopped, spillway shall be designed to safely convey the 100-year
overtopping discharge for the entire area tributary to the storage facility.
vi. The micro pool surface elevation must be set at an elevation equal to the invert of
the pond which results in the value of DMP being set at 0 (DMP = 0) as shown in
Figure SO-6 of this Manual.
(b) For safety as well as maintenance considerations, the maximum allowable ponding
depth of water in a detention storage facility during the 100-year, 2-hour storm event is
ten (10) feet.
(c) Detention storage facilities must be located at least twenty (20) feet away from an
irrigation canal or ditch. Whenever a detention pond parallels a canal no more than
twenty percent (20%) of the detention pond perimeter can be parallel to the irrigation
canal.
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(d) In ponds that contain a littoral zone, the littoral zone should be very flat (i.e. 40H:1V
or flatter) with the depth ranging from six (6) inches near the shore and extending to no
more than twelve (12) inches at the furthest point from the shore.
(e) For more detailed guidance regarding pond shaping and geometry please refer to the
document titled “Detention Pond Landscape Standards and Guidelines” dated November
2009 included as an addendum to this Manual.
(15) Section 4.8 is amended to read as follows:
4.8 Trash Racks
Trash racks must be of sufficient size such that they do not interfere with the hydraulic
capacity of the outlet. See Figure SO-7 for minimum trash rack sizes. Trash racks must
be designed in accordance with the specifications set forth in Volume 2, Chapter 9,
Culverts, Section 8.3, “Grate Specifications” and with the City’s Water Utilities
Development Construction Standards.
(16) Section 4.9 is amended to read as follows:
4.9 Landscaping
Detention storage facilities must be landscaped to provide a water quality benefit as well
as an aesthetically pleasing amenity. Landscaping should be accomplished with native
vegetation whenever possible to reduce the amount of irrigation required after
establishment. All detention ponds must be designed and constructed in accordance with
the “Detention Pond Landscaping Standards and Guidelines” dated November 2009
included as an addendum to this Manual.
(17) Section 4.10 is amended to read as follows:
4.10 Operation and Maintenance
The performance and reliability of detention storage facilities can be reduced by natural
and man-made debris, as well as natural and man-induced sedimentation. These can,
over a period of time, reduce the storage capacity of a detention basin and thereby reduce
the degree of flood protection provided. The obstruction of outflow conduits by debris
and sediment can reduce outlet capacity and cause the premature filling of the detention
basin with stormwater, again reducing the flood protection provided by the structure.
Consequently, adequate care must be exercised in design to provide for protection of the
outlet works from debris and for the control and regular removal of sedimentation in the
basin.
Maintenance requirements during design include the following:
1. Use of flat side slopes along the banks and the installation of landscaping (thick,
thorny shrubs) that will discourage entry along the periphery near the outlets and
steeper embankment sections are advisable. Use of a safety railing at vertical or
steeper than four to one structural faces is required to promote public safety. If
the impoundment is situated at a lower grade than, and adjacent to a highway,
installation of a guardrail is in order. Providing features to discourage public
access to the inlet and outlet areas of the facility must be considered.
2. The facility must be accessible to maintenance equipment for removal of silt and
debris and for repair of damages that may occur over time. Easements and/or
rights-of-way are required to allow access to the impoundment by the owner or
agency responsible for maintenance.
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3. Bank slopes, bank protection needs, and vegetation types are important design
elements for site aesthetics and maintainability.
4. Permanent ponds must have provisions for complete drainage for sediment
removal or other maintenance. The frequency of sediment removal will vary
among facilities, depending on the original volume set aside for sediment, the
rate of accumulation, rate of growth of vegetation, drainage area erosion control
measures, and the desired aesthetic appearance of the pond.
5. For facilities designed for multipurpose use, especially those intended for active
recreation, the play area might need special consideration during design to
minimize the frequency and periods of inundation and wet conditions. It may be
advisable to provide an underground tile drainage system if active recreation is
contemplated.
6. Adequate dissolved oxygen supply in ponds (to minimize odors and other
nuisances) can be maintained by artificial aeration. Use of fertilizer and EPA
approved pesticides and herbicides adjacent to the permanent pool pond and
within the detention basin must comply with all State and Federal regulations.
7. Secondary uses that would be incompatible with sediment deposits should not be
planned unless a high level of maintenance will be provided.
8. French drains or the equivalent are almost impossible to maintain, and should be
used with discretion where sediment loads are apt to be high.
9. Underground tanks or conduits designed for detention should be sized and
designed to permit pumping or multiple entrance points to remove accumulated
sediment and trash.
10. All detention facilities should be designed with sufficient depth to allow
accumulation of sediment for several years prior to its removal.
11. Permanent pools should be of sufficient depth to discourage excessive aquatic
vegetation on the bottom of the basin, unless specifically provided for water
quality purposes.
12. Often designers use trash racks and/or fences to minimize hazards. These may
become trap debris, impede flows, hinder maintenance, and, consequently, fail to
prevent access to the outlet. On the other hand, desirable conditions can be
achieved through careful design and positioning of the structure, as well as
through landscaping that will discourage access (e.g., positioning the outlet away
from the embankment when the permanent pool is present, etc.). Creative
designs, integrated with innovative landscaping, can be safe and can also enhance
the appearance of the outlet and pond. Such designs often are less expensive
initially.
13. To reduce maintenance and avoid operational problems, outlet structures should
be designed with no moving parts (i.e., use only pipes, orifices, and weirs).
Manually and/or electrically operated gates should be avoided. To reduce
maintenance, outlets should be designed with openings as large as possible,
compatible with the depth-discharge relationships desired and with water quality,
safety, and aesthetic objectives in mind. One way of doing this is to use a larger
outlet pipe and to construct orifice(s) in the headwall to reduce outflow rates.
Outlets should be robustly designed to lessen the chances of damage from debris
or vandalism. Avoid the use of thin steel plates as sharp-crested weirs to help
prevent potential accidents, especially with children. Trash/safety racks must
protect all outlets.
14. Clean out all forebays and sediment traps on a regular basis or when routine
inspection shows them to be a quarter to half full.
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15. For all landscaped storage facilities the minimum amount of biodegradable,
nontoxic fertilizers and herbicides needed shall be used to maintain the facility.
All landscape debris must be collected and disposed of off-site.
16. All detention facilities must be designed to minimize required maintenance and
to allow access by equipment and workers to perform maintenance. The City will
generally maintain regional facilities and facilities on public lands. Maintenance
responsibility for facilities located on private land shall be the responsibility of
the property owner.
17. The entire detention basin including all appurtenances necessary for the operation
and maintenance of the detention facility and the area within the required
freeboard for the detention storage must be within a dedicated drainage easement.
18. All detention ponds with a water ponding depth of over four (4) feet must have a
water depth gauge. The depth gauge must be referenced to the deepest point in
the pond. The numbers on the gauge shall be visible from the detention pond
access point or the nearest street.
See Volume 3 of this Manual for additional requirements regarding operation and
maintenance of water quality-related facilities, some of which also apply to detention
facilities designed to meet other objectives.
(18) Section 4.11 is amended to read as follows:
4.11 Access
(a) An all-weather stable maintenance access must be provided to the bottom of
detention ponds. The surface of this maintenance access shall constitute a solid driving
surface of gravel, rock, concrete, or gravel-stabilized turf and should allow maintenance
access to the inflow forebay, and the outlet works areas. Maximum grades for equipment
access shall be no steeper than ten percent. For ponds less than one acre-foot in volume,
access may be allowed from an adjacent drivable surface that is not within the detention
pond area as long as equipment can safely reach and maintain all of the facility’s features
and appurtenances.
(b) When detention storage facilities abut private property, it is the responsibility of the
parties involved to develop and implement a policy regarding fencing and safety.
(19) A new Section 4.14 is added, to read as follows:
4.14 Trickle Channels in Storage Facilities
(a) Measures must be taken to control standing water and to control nuisance flows.
Detention basin bottoms are recommended to have a minimum cross slope (measured
perpendicular to the trickle channel) of two percent for grassed surfaces and one percent
for pavement surfaces where possible. For cross slopes less than these please refer to the
detailed guidance provided regarding the appropriateness of the use of trickle channels in
the addendum to this Manual titled “Detention Pond Landscape Standards and
Guidelines” dated November 2009.
(b) Whenever trickle channels are called for these must be designed to carry
approximately one percent of the 100-year design flow with a minimum longitudinal
slope of half a percent.
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(20) A new Section 4.15 is added, to read as follows:
4.15 Detention Ponds in Parking Areas
(a) The maximum permissible detention pond depth within parking areas is twelve (12)
inches.
(b) For commercial properties an exception may be granted by the Utilities Executive
Director or his designee for ponding depths of up to eighteen (18) inches, if the
percentage of spaces with ponding depths of greater than twelve (12) inches is less than
twenty-five percent (25%) of the total parking spaces provided.
(c) In all circumstances, one foot of freeboard must be provided between the high water
elevation and the minimum opening elevations of adjacent buildings.
(d) If a water quality detention is included in a parking lot detention pond, the water
quality portion of the total detention volume must be located in vegetated areas not on
pavement.
(21) A new Section 4.16 added, to read as follows:
4.16 Underground Detention
The use of underground detention is generally discouraged. Underground BMPs should
not be considered for detention storage when surface-based systems are practicable. For
most areas of new urban development or significant redevelopment, it is feasible and
desirable to provide the required storage on the surface. The responsible party must
demonstrate that surface-based detention or other BMPs have been thoroughly evaluated
and found to be infeasible before an underground system is proposed. In the event where
an underground storage system is proposed, a written request for approval of such a
system must be submitted by the Owner describing the system in detailing. The Utilities
Executive Director may approval such a system upon a determination that the
requirements of this provision have been met and that no adverse impacts are expected to
result from the proposed system. For any underground detention, runoff must flow
through a pre-treatment facility before it enters the underground detention facility. A
standard operating procedures manual must be submitted and approved by the City for all
underground facilities. A final copy of the approved standard operating procedures
manual must be provided to City and must be maintained on-site by the entity responsible
for the facility maintenance. Annual reports must also be prepared and submitted to the
City discussing the results of the maintenance program (i.e. inspection dates, inspection
frequency, volume loss due to sedimentation, corrective actions taken, etc.).
(22) A new Section 4.16 is added, to read as follows:
4.17 Rooftop Detention
The use of rooftop detention is prohibited.
(23) A new Section 4.18 is added, to read as follows:
4.18 On-Stream Storage Facilities
The use of on-stream detention is strongly discouraged. Off-stream detention is the
preferred detention storage method in the City. On-stream detention locates the detention
facility on a drainageway that collects runoff from the upstream watershed and flows
through the proposed development site. The on-stream facility will treat runoff from the
proposed development site and runoff generated further upstream from off-site areas. An
off-stream storage facility collects and treats runoff from the proposed development site
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before entering the drainageway. Off-site flow is conveyed by the drainageway through
the proposed development site without treatment.
(24) A new Section 4.19 is added, to read as follows:
4.19 Spill Control for Gas Stations and Vehicle Maintenance Facilities
Spill control structures are required for all new and redeveloping gas stations and vehicle
maintenance facilities. In addition to emergency spill response procedures, such as the
use of absorbent booms, structural spill controls must be used to protect creeks and
tributaries from petroleum products and other pollutants that are stored and handled at
gas stations and vehicle maintenance facilities. The spill control structure must have a
minimum capacity of 150 gallons.
(25) Section 5.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(26) Section 6.1 is deleted in its entirety.
(27) Table SO-1 is deleted in its entirety.
(28) Figure SO-8 is deleted in its entirety.
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(I) Volume 2, Chapter 12 - Revegetation:
(1) A new Section 3.1.1 is added, to read as follows:
3.1.1 Cattail Plantings
Cattail plantings are generally not recommended for use as wetland plantings in the city
of Fort Collins. These may be allowed as part of an overall wetlands mitigation plan,
when they are part of a more diversified ecological system upon review and approval by
the City.
(2) Section 3.3 is amended to read as follows:
3.3 Seeding and Planting
(a) Seed mixtures must be sown at the proper time of year specified for
the mixture.
(b) Recommended seeding rates specified as “pounds pure live seed per
acre” (lbs PLS/acre) should be used.
(c) Seed should be drill seeded, whenever possible.
(d) Broadcast seeding or hydro-seeding may be substituted on slopes
steeper than 3(H):1(V) or on other areas not practical to drill seed.
(e) Seeding rates must be doubled for broadcast seeding or increased by
50% if using a Brillion drill or hydro-seeding.
(f) Broadcast seed must be lightly hand raked into the soil.
(g) Seed depth must be ⅓ to ½ inch for most mixtures.
(h) All seeded areas must be mulched, and the mulch should be adequately crimped and
or tackified.
(i) If hydro-seeding is conducted, mulching must be conducted as a separate, second
operation.
(j) All containerized nursery stock must be kept in a live and healthy condition prior to
installation.
(k) Containerized trees and shrubs must be installed according to the planting details
provided in Section 4.4 of this chapter.
(l) Live stakes, poles and willow bundles must be installed when dormant (late winter
and early spring) according to the planting details in Section 4.7.
(m) Beaver protection must be provided for trees and shrubs for species known to be
attractive to beavers if beavers are known to be in the area (see Figure RV-6).
(3) Section 3.3 is amended to read as follows:
3.4 Maintenance
(a) Sites must be routinely inspected following planting to implement
follow-up measures to increase success. Immediate attention to a
problem (e.g., weed infestation, failure of seed to germinate) can
prevent total failure later.
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(b) Areas that have been planted or seeded must be monitored at least
one spring and one fall season to ensure that physical evidence
growth has been adequately established. Physical evidence of
growth shall include no more than 6 inches of bare spots and a
minimum of seventy percent of vegetative cover over the entire
seeded or planted area. If these minimums are not attained after one
fall and one spring season, planted areas shall be re-seeded
appropriately as soon as practical.
(c) Access to and grazing on recently re-vegetated areas should be
limited with temporary fencing and signage while plants are
becoming established (normally the first year).
(d) Weed infestations should be managed using appropriate physical,
chemical, or biological methods as soon as possible. See Vol. 2, Ch.
12, Sec. 6.0, “References” for more detail on weed management
options.)
(e) Stakes and guy wires for trees should be maintained and dead or
damaged growth should be pruned.
(f) Beaver protection cages should be used around tree plantings.
(g) Mulch should be maintained by adding additional mulch and
redistributing mulch, as necessary.
(h) Areas of excessive erosion should be repaired and stabilized.
(i) Planted trees and shrubs should be watered monthly or as needed
from April through September until established.
(4) Section 4.2 is amended to read as follows:
4.2 Soil Amendments
Soil amendments must comply with all requirements set forth in sections 12-130, 12-131
and 12-132 of the City Code as well as Section 3.8.21 of the City Land Use Code or other
related provisions.
When soil is amended the following provisions must be complied with:
(a) The soil in such areas must be thoroughly loosened to a depth of not less than eight
(8) inches.
(b) Soil amendments must be thoroughly incorporated into the soil of such areas to a
depth of at least six (6) inches by tilling, disking or other suitable method, at a rate of
at least three (3) cubic yards of soil amendment per one thousand (1,000) square feet
of area to be planted, unless at least four (4) inches of loose top soil has been placed
on the area after completion of construction activity on top of not less than four (4)
inches of loosened sub grade soils.
(5) Section 4.5 is amended to read as follows:
4.5 Mulching
All planted areas must be mulched within twenty-four (24) hours after planting. Mulch
conserves water and reduces erosion. The most common type of mulch used is hay or
grass that is crimped into the soil to hold it. However, crimping may not be practical on
slopes steeper than three to one (3H: 1V).
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The following guidelines must be followed when mulching:
(a) Only weed-free and seed-free straw mulch may be used (grass hay often contains
weedy exotic species). Mulch should be applied at two (2) tons per acre and
adequately secured by crimping, tackifier, netting, or blankets.
(b) Crimping is appropriate on slopes of three to one (3H : 1V) or flatter and must be
done so as to tuck mulch fibers into the soil three to four inches deep.
(c) Tackifier or netting and blankets anchored with staples must be used on slopes
steeper than three to one (3H : 1V)
(d) Hydraulic mulching may also be used on steep slopes or where access is limited. In
these circumstances, wood cellulose fibers mixed with water at two thousands to two
thousands five hundreds to pounds per acre and organic tackifier at one hundred
(100) pounds per acre to four hundred (400) pounds per acre, depending on slope,
must be applied with a hydraulic mulcher.
(e) Wood chip mulch must be applied to planted trees and shrubs, as shown in Figures
RV-2 and RV-3.
Additional details on mulching can be found in Volume 3 of this Manual.
(6) Table RV-1 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to wildflowers are deleted.
(7) Table RV-2 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to wildflowers are deleted.
(8) Table RV-3 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to wildflowers are deleted.
(9) Table RV-4 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to wildflowers are deleted.
(10) Table RV-5 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to wildflowers are deleted.
(11) Table RV-6 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to wildflowers are deleted.
(12) Table RV-7 is deleted in its entirety.
(13) A new Section 5.1 is added, to read as follows:
5.1 Land Disturbing Activity and Security
(a) No land disturbing activity subject to this Stormwater Criteria Manual is
permitted to commence until an Erosion Control Plan has been approved
by the City and the responsible party has provided security designated to
ensure the rehabilitation of the disturbed land. Land disturbing activity
refers to any activity that results in a change in the existing soil cover
(both vegetative and non-vegetative) and/or the existing soil topography
including but not limited to, clearing, grading, excavation, demolition,
installation of new or improved haul roads and access roads, staging
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areas, stockpiling of fill materials, and borrow areas. It does not include
routine maintenance to maintain original line and grade, hydraulic
capacity, or original purpose of the facility. A performance bond,
irrevocable letter of credit, or cash escrow, acceptable to the Utilities
Executive Director, and naming the City as the protected party, is
required. Such performance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or cash
escrow shall further guarantee the continued maintenance and
replacement of any installed erosion control measures shown on the
approved plan.
(b) The amount of the security must be based on one and one-half times the
estimate of the cost to install the approved measures, or one and one-half
times the cost to re-vegetate the disturbed land to dry land grasses based
upon unit cost determined by the City's Annual Revegetation and
Stabilization Bid, whichever is greater. In no instance, will the amount of
security be less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) for
residential development or three thousand dollars ($3,000) for
commercial development.
(c) If the requirements of an approved Erosion Control Plan are not be
complied with, the City may apply such portion of the security deposit(s)
as may be necessary to pay all costs incurred by the City in undertaking
the administration, construction, and, or the installation of the erosion
control measures required by any plan and these criteria. In addition, the
City shall have the option to pursue any other legal remedy available to it
under any development agreement or as it deems necessary in order to
ensure that the required erosion control measures are implemented.
(d) In the event that the City exercises its rights under the security or pursues
any other legal remedy, the City is not thereafter obligated to routinely
administer the construction of the measures shown on the Erosion Control
or SWMP Plan. However, the City reserves the right to enter upon the
land and take whatever actions are necessary to stabilize and re-vegetate
all disturbed areas, or to have the plan constructed and to make repairs as
necessary.
(e) Upon acceptance by the City of the initial installation of all erosion
control and sediment transport measures, the security may, at the request
of the owner, be reduced to twenty-five percent (25%) of the original
amount. This remaining amount will be retained by the City until erosion
control and sediment transport measures on the project are no longer
necessary (when all permanent erosion control measures are complete
and/or all required re-vegetation measures installed and established
through two growing seasons). If the City determines after completion of
the Close-Out Inspection as defined in Section 6.12, Volume 1, Chapter 1,
that the responsible party has met all of the applicable requirements and
the security will be released.
(14) A new Section 5.2 is added, to read as follows:
5.2 Warranty
(a) The responsible party must warrant that the measures shown on the approved
Erosion Control Plan are properly constructed, installed, and are free from
defective materials and/or workmanship, with said warranty to continue for
the terms set forth below.
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(b) The responsible party must warrant and maintain all vegetative measures for
two growing seasons after installation or until seventy percent (70%)
vegetative cover has been established. Any acceptance of installed measures
shall not be construed to relieve the responsible party of the duty to warrant
and maintain the installed vegetative measures as aforesaid.
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(J) Volume 3, Chapter 2 - BMP Selection:
(1) Section 1.1 is amended to read as follows:
1.1 Physical Site Characteristics
The first step in BMP selection is identification of physical characteristics of a site including
topography, soils, contributing drainage area, groundwater, base flows, wetlands, existing
drainageways, and development conditions in the tributary watershed (e.g., construction activity).
A fundamental concept of Low Impact Development (“LID”) is preservation and protection of
site features including wetlands, drainageways, soils that are conducive to infiltration, tree
canopy, etc., that provide water quality and other benefits. LID stormwater treatment systems are
also designed to take advantage of these natural resources. For example, if a portion of a site is
known to have soils with high permeability, this area may be well-suited for rain gardens or
permeable pavement. Areas of existing wetlands, which would be difficult to develop from a
Section 404 permitting perspective, could be considered for polishing of runoff following BMP
treatment, providing additional water quality treatment for the site, while at the same time
enhancing the existing wetlands with additional water supply in the form of treated runoff. Some
physical site characteristics that provide opportunities for BMPs or constrain BMP selection
include:
(a) Soils: Soils with good permeability, most typically associated with Hydrologic Soil
Groups (“HSGs”) A and B provide opportunities for infiltration of runoff and are well-
suited for infiltration-based BMPs such as rain gardens, permeable pavement systems,
sand filter, grass swales, and buffers, often without the need for an underdrain system.
Even when soil permeability is low, these types of BMPs may be feasible if soils are
amended to increase permeability or if an underdrain system is used. In some cases,
however, soils restrict the use of infiltration based BMPs. When soils with moderate to
high swell potential are present, infiltration should be avoided to minimize damage to
adjacent structures due to water-induced swelling. In some cases, infiltration based
designs can still be used if an impermeable liner and underdrain system are included in
the design; however, when the risk of damage to adjacent infrastructure is high,
infiltration based BMPs may not be appropriate. In all cases, consult with a geotechnical
engineer when designing infiltration BMPs near structures. Consultation with a
geotechnical engineer is necessary for evaluating the suitability of soils for different BMP
types and establishing minimum distances between infiltration BMPs and structures.
(b) Watershed Size: The contributing drainage area is an important consideration both on
the site level and at the regional level. On the site level, there is a practical minimum size
for certain BMPs, largely related to the ability to drain the WQCV over the required drain
time. For example, it is technically possible to size the WQCV for an extended detention
basin for a half-acre site; however, designing a functional outlet to release the WQCV
over a 40-hour drain time is practically impossible due to the very small orifices that
would be required. For this size watershed, a filtering BMP, such as a rain garden, would
be more appropriate. At the other end of the spectrum, there must be a limit on the
maximum drainage area for a regional facility to assure adequate treatment of rainfall
events that may produce runoff from only a portion of the area draining to the BMP. If
the overall drainage area is too large, events that produce runoff from only a portion of
the contributing area will pass through the BMP outlet (sized for the full drainage area)
without adequate residence time in the BMP. As a practical limit, the maximum drainage
area contributing to a water quality facility should be no larger than one square mile.
For treatment facilities serving tributary areas that are larger than one (1) acre in size, an
extended water quality detention basin is the preferred and recommended water quality
treatment device.
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(c) Groundwater: Shallow groundwater on a site presents challenges for BMPs that rely
on infiltration and for BMPs that are intended to be dry between storm events. Shallow
groundwater may limit the ability to infiltrate runoff or result in unwanted groundwater
storage in areas intended for storage of the WQCV (e.g., porous sub-base of a permeable
pavement system or in the bottom of an otherwise dry facility such as an extended
detention basin). Conversely, for some types of BMPs such as wetland channels or
constructed wetland basins, groundwater can be beneficial by providing saturation of the
root zone and/or a source of baseflow. Groundwater quality protection is an issue that
should be considered for infiltration-based BMPs. Infiltration BMPs may not be
appropriate for land uses that involve storage or use of materials that have the potential to
contaminate groundwater underlying a site (i.e., "hot spot" runoff from fueling stations,
materials storage areas, etc.). If groundwater or soil contamination exists on a site and it
will not be remediated or removed as a part of construction, separation from the
groundwater must be provided. As an example, it may be necessary to use a durable liner
to prevent infiltration into contaminated areas.
(d) Base Flows: Base flows are necessary for the success of some BMPs such as
constructed wetlands ponds, retention ponds and wetland channels. Without base flows,
these BMPs will become dry and unable to support wetland vegetation. For these BMPs,
a hydrologic budget should be evaluated. Generally, water rights are also required for
these types of BMPs in Colorado. Constructed wetland ponds are allowed provided
adequate documentation is submitted to establish the presence of a sufficient and
sustained flow of water to support the proposed vegetation in the planned constructed
wetlands. Hydrologic documentation must be supplied to the City during the initial
planning phase. The City must also receive adequate documentation to establish that the
responsible party has secured the required water rights to sustain the proposed
constructed wetlands ponds. The City is the final determining authority regarding
whether the amount of water flow is deemed sufficient to support the wetlands. For some
BMPs such as sand filters, base flows are not desirable since they may lead to bio-fouling
and failure. If base flows are present, care should be taken to treat the runoff with an
appropriate type of BMP that can better handle such conditions.
(e) Watershed Development Activities (or otherwise erosive conditions): When
development in the watershed is phased or when erosive conditions such as steep slopes,
sparse vegetation, and sandy soils exist in the watershed, a treatment train approach may
be appropriate. BMPs that utilize filtration should follow other measures to collect
sediment loads (e.g., a forebay). For phased developments, these measures must be in
place until the watershed is completely stabilized. When naturally erosive conditions
exist in the watershed, these measures should be permanent. The designer should
consider existing, interim and future conditions to select the most appropriate BMPs.
(2) Section 1.9 is amended to read as follows:
1.9 Integration with Flood Control
In addition to water quality, most projects will require detention for flood control, whether on-
site, or in a sub-regional or regional facility. In many cases, it is efficient to combine facilities
since the land requirements for a combined facility are lower than those for two separate
facilities. Wherever possible, it is recommended WQCV facilities be incorporated into flood
control detention facilities
The City requires the following approach be followed, as applicable:
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(a) Water Quality: The full WQCV is to be provided according to the design procedures
documented in this Manual for water quality facilities.
(b) Minor Storm: The full WQCV, plus the full minor storm detention volume, is to be
provided for facilities designed for flows associated with minor storm events.
(c) 100-Year Storm: The full WQCV plus the full 100-year storm event volume must be
provided for volumes obtained using the FAA Method or any hydrograph routing
methods including SWMM for facilities designed for flows associated with 100-year
storm events. When the analysis is done using hydrograph routing methods, each level of
control needs to be accounted for and the resultant 100-year flood control volume in
addition to the full WQCV should be used in final design.
Finally, designers should also be aware that water quality BMPs, especially those that promote
infiltration, could result in volume reductions for flood storage. These volume reductions are
most pronounced for frequently occurring events, but even in the major event, some reduction in
detention storage volume can be achieved if volume-reduction BMPs are widely used on a site.
Additional discussion on volume reduction benefits, including a methodology for quantifying
their effects on detention storage volumes, is provided in Volume 3, Chapter 3 of this Manual,
“Calculating the WQCV and Volume Reduction”.
1.9.1 Sedimentation BMPs
Combination outlets are relatively straightforward for most BMPs in this Manual. For
BMPs that utilize sedimentation (e.g. EDBs, constructed wetland ponds, and retention
ponds) see BMP Fact Sheet T-12. This Fact Sheet shows examples and details for
combined quality and quantity outlet structures.
1.9.2 Infiltration/Filtration BMPs
For other types of BMPs (e.g. rain gardens, sand filters, permeable pavement systems,
and other BMPs utilizing processes other than sedimentation), design of a combination
outlet structure generally consists of multiple orifices to provide controlled release of
WQCV as well as the minor and major storm event. Incorporation of full spectrum
detention into these structures requires reservoir routing. The UD-Detention worksheet
available at www.udfcd.org can be used for this design. When incorporating flood control
into permeable pavement systems, the design can be simplified when a near 0% slope on
the pavement surface can be achieved. The flatter the pavement the fewer structures
required. This includes lateral barriers as well as outlet controls since each pavement cell
typically requires its own outlet structure. When incorporating flood control into a rain
garden, the flood control volume can be placed on top of or downstream of the rain
garden. Locating the flood control volume downstream can reduce the total depth of the
rain garden, which will result in a more attractive BMP, and also benefit the vegetation in
the flood control area because inundation and associated sedimentation will be less
frequent, limited to events exceeding the WQCV.
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(3) Section 1.10 is amended to read as follows:
1.10 Land Use, Compatibility with Surroundings, and Safety
Stormwater quality areas can add interest and diversity to a site, serving a multitude of purposes
in addition to providing water quality functions. Gardens, plazas, rooftops, and even parking lots
can become amenities and provide visual interest while performing stormwater quality functions
and reinforcing urban design goals for the neighborhood and community. The integration of
BMPs and associated landforms, walls, landscape, and materials can reflect the standards and
patterns of a neighborhood and help to create lively, safe, and pedestrian-oriented districts. The
quality and appearance of stormwater quality facilities should reflect the surrounding land use
type, the immediate context, and the proximity of the site to important civic spaces. Aesthetics
will be a more critical factor in highly visible urban commercial and office areas than at a heavy
industrial site. The standard of design and construction should maintain and enhance property
values without compromising function. Public access to BMPs should be considered from a
safety perspective. The highest priority of the City is to protect public health, safety, and welfare
of the citizens of Fort Collins. Stormwater quality facilities must be designed and maintained in a
manner that does not pose health or safety hazards to the public. As an example, steeply sloped
and/or walled ponds should be avoided. Where this is not possible, emergency egress, lighting
and other safety considerations should be incorporated. Facilities should be designed to reduce
the likelihood and extent of shallow standing water that can result in mosquito breeding, which
can be a nuisance and a public health concern (e.g., West Nile virus). The potential for nuisances,
odors and prolonged soggy conditions should be evaluated for BMPs, especially in areas with
high pedestrian traffic or visibility.
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(K) Volume 3, Chapter-3 - Calculating the WQCV and Volume Reduction:
(1) Section 1.0 is amended to read as follows:
1.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the hydrologic basis and calculations for the Water Quality Capture Volume
(“WQCV”) and discusses the benefits of attenuating this volume. This chapter also describes
various methods for quantifying volume reduction when using LID practices. Use of these
methods should begin during the planning phase for preliminary sizing and development of the
site layout. The calculations and procedures in this chapter allow the engineer to determine
effective impervious area, calculate the WQCV, and more accurately quantify potential volume
reduction benefits of BMPs.
(2) Section 2.4 is deleted in its entirety.
(3) Section 4.2 is amended to read as follows:
4.2 Watershed-Level Volume Reduction MethodFor a given value of total
imperviousness, and depending on overall site imperviousness and typical development patterns
there are two levels of LID implementation:
(a) Level 1: The primary intent is to direct the runoff from impervious surfaces to flow
over grass-covered areas and/or permeable pavement, and to provide sufficient travel
time to facilitate the removal of suspended solids before runoff leaves the site, enters a
curb and gutter system, or enters another stormwater collection system. Thus, at Level 1,
to the extent practical, impervious surfaces are designed to drain over grass buffer strips
or other pervious surfaces before reaching a stormwater conveyance system.
(b) Level 2: As an enhancement to Level 1, Level 2 replaces solid street curb and gutter
systems with no curb or slotted curbing, low-velocity grass-lined swales and pervious
street shoulders, including pervious rock-lined swales. Conveyance systems and storm
sewer inlets will still be needed to collect runoff at downstream intersections and
crossings where stormwater flow rates exceed the capacity of the swales. Small culverts
will be needed at street crossings and at individual driveways until inlets are provided to
convey the flow to storm sewer. The primary difference between Levels 1 and 2 is that
for Level 2, a pervious conveyance system (i.e., swales) is provided rather than storm
sewer. Disconnection of roof drains and other lot-level impervious areas is essentially the
same for both Levels 1 and 2.
Figure 3-7 and Figure 3-8 can be used to estimate effective imperviousness for Level 1
and Level 2. Because rainfall intensity varies with return interval, the effective
imperviousness also varies, as demonstrated by the separate curves for the 2-, 10- and
100-year return intervals (see Figure 3-7 and Figure 3-8). The effective imperviousness
determined from Figure 3-7 and Figure 3-8 can be used as input for calculation of the
WQCV, as the basis for looking up runoff coefficients based on imperviousness in the
Runoff chapter in Volume 1. Figure 3-7 and Figure 3-8 are intended for use at the
planning level when specifics of the development patterns are not yet well established.
It is notable that the reductions in effective imperviousness shown in Figure 3-7 and
Figure 3-8 are relatively modest, ranging from little to no benefit for large events up to
approximately 12% for Level 2 for a total imperviousness of roughly 50% (reduced to
about 38% for the 2-year event)., When site-specific disconnected areas, receiving
pervious areas, flow paths, and other design details are available, the site-level methods
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in Section 4.3 can be used to better quantify volume reduction, and results will typically
show greater reductions in effective imperviousness for aggressive LID implementation.
Even so, it is unlikely that conveyance-based BMPs alone will provide adequate pollutant
removal and volume reduction for most project sites, and a storage-based BMP (i.e.,
WQCV) will also be required.
(4) Section 4.3.1 is amended to read as follows:
4.3.1 SWMM Modeling Using Cascading Planes
Because of complexities of modeling LID and other BMPs using SWMM, the cascading
planes alternative for site-level volume reduction analysis is recommended only for
experienced users. The following guidance for conveyance- and storage-based modeling
must be followed:
(a) Each sub-watershed should be conceptualized as shown in Figure 3-6. Two
approaches can be used in SWMM to achieve this:
Create two SWMM sub-catchments for each sub-watershed, one with UIA
100% routed to RPA and the other with DCIA and SPA independently routed
to the outlet, or
Use a single SWMM sub-catchment to represent the sub-watershed and use
the SWMM internal routing option to differentiate between DCIA and UIA.
This option should only be used when a large portion of the pervious area on
a site is RPA and there is very little SPA since the internal routing does not
have the ability to differentiate between SPA and RPA (i.e., the UIA is
routed to the entire pervious area, potentially overestimating infiltration
losses).
(b) Once the sub-watershed is set up to represent UIA, DCIA, RPA and SPA in SWMM,
the rainfall distribution should be directly input to SWMM.
(c) Parameters for infiltration, depression storage and other input parameters must be
selected in accordance with the guidance in the Runoff Chapter ,Volume 1 - Chapter 5, of
this Manual.
(d) For storage-based BMPs, there are two options for representing the WQCV:
i. The pervious area depression storage value for the RPA can be increased to
represent the WQCV. This approach is generally applicable to storage-based BMPs
that promote infiltration such as rain gardens, permeable pavement systems with
storage or sand filters. This adjustment should not be used when a storage-based
BMP has a well-defined outlet and a stage-storage-discharge relationship that can
be entered into SWMM.
ii. The WQCV can be modeled as a storage unit with an outlet in SWMM. This
option is preferred for storage-based BMPs with well defined stage-storage-
discharge relationships such as extended detention basins.
These guidelines are applicable for EPA SWMM Version 5.0.018 and earlier versions
going back to EPA SWMM Version 5.0. EPA is currently developing a version of EPA
SWMM with enhanced LID modeling capabilities. This Manual will be updated as
newer SWMM modeling capabilities are developed and adopted.
(5) Section 4.4 is deleted in its entirety.
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(L) Volume 3, Chapter 4- Treatment BMPs:
(1) Fact Sheet T-5 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “Excess Urban Runoff Volume or (EURV)” and “Full Spectrum Detention” are
deleted.
(2) Figure EDB-3 is adopted with the following modification:
“Micropool” Depth = 0
(3) Table EDB-4 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “Micropools” are deleted.
(4) Fact Sheet T-7 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “Retention Pond” are replaced with the term “Wet Pond”.
(5) Fact Sheet T-11 is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
Description
Underground stormwater BMPs include proprietary and non-proprietary devices installed
below ground that provide stormwater quality treatment via sedimentation, screening,
filtration, hydrodynamic separation, and other physical and chemical processes.
Conceptually, underground BMPs can be categorized based on their fundamental
treatment approach and dominant unit processes. Some underground BMPs combine
multiple unit processes to act as a treatment train.
Historically, underground stormwater quality treatment devices have not been
recommended based on City policies and criteria. This is due to several factors including
problems with unmaintained or poorly maintained devices, remobilization by wash-out
(scour) of accumulated pollutants during larger events, lack of performance data for
underground devices in the region, and other issues discussed in this Fact Sheet. While
underground flood-control detention is still discouraged, this section provides criteria for
determining when the use of underground BMPs may be considered for water quality.
When surface BMPs are found to be infeasible, underground BMPs may be the only
available strategy for satisfying regulatory water quality requirements, especially in
highly built-up urban areas where water quality measures must be implemented as a part
of a retrofit to meet regulatory requirements.
Underground BMPs should not be considered for standalone treatment when
surface-based BMPs are practicable. For most areas of new urban development or
significant redevelopment, it is feasible and desirable to provide the required WQCV on
the surface. It is incumbent on the design engineer to demonstrate that surface-based
BMPs such as permeable pavements, rain gardens, extended detention basins and others
have been thoroughly evaluated and found to be infeasible before an underground system
is proposed. Surface-based BMPs provide numerous environmental benefits including
infiltration, evapotranspiration, groundwater recharge, aquatic habitat, mitigation of "heat
island effect", and other benefits associated with vegetation for those that are planted.
Additionally surface-based BMPs are much easier to monitor and maintain.
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Site Selection
The most common sites for underground BMPs are "ultra urban" environments with
significant space constraints. These could include downtown lot-line-to-lot-line
development projects, transportation corridors, or small (less than 0.5 acre)
redevelopment sites in urban areas. Important site features that must be considered
include the following:
Depth to Groundwater: Due to the potentially large displacement caused by an
underground vault, if there is seasonally high groundwater, buoyancy can be a problem.
Vaults can be sealed to prevent infiltration of groundwater into the underground system
and these systems can be anchored to resist uplift. If seasonally high groundwater is
expected near the bottom of an underground system, the engineer should evaluate the
potential for infiltration of groundwater and uplift forces and adjust the design
accordingly.
Proximity to Public Spaces: As material accumulates in an underground system, there is
potential for anoxic conditions and associated odor problems.
Gravity versus Pumped Discharge: The ability to drain to the receiving storm drainage
system via gravity is an important consideration. In the city of Fort Collins a gravity
outfall system is required for all underground BMPs.
Access: Equipment must be able to access all portions of the underground BMP, typically
at multiple locations, to perform maintenance. As the size of the underground system
increases, so must the number of access points.
Traffic Loading: Due to space constraints, in some situations, underground BMPs may
be located in a right-of-way or other location where there may be traffic loadings. Many
underground BMPs are or can be constructed for HS-20 traffic loading. Take additional
measures when necessary to ensure that the BMP is designed for the anticipated loading.
Potential for Flooding of Adjacent Structures or Property: For underground BMPs, it
is important that the hydraulic grade line be analyzed to evaluate the potential for
backwater in the storm sewer system. In addition, some types of underground BMPs,
such as catch basin inserts, have the potential to clog and cause flooding if not frequently
maintained.
Designing for Maintenance
All underground BMPs must be sized so that routine maintenance is not required more
than once per year. The only exception to this is inlet inserts which may need to be
cleaned as frequently as following each runoff producing event. Because underground
BMPs are generally less visible and more difficult to access than surface-based
BMPs, regular maintenance and early detection of performance issues can be a
challenge.
When developing a design for an underground BMP, the engineer should ensure that all
portions of the underground facility can be accessed with maintenance equipment. For
multi-chambered systems, access should be provided to each chamber, and openings
should be of sufficient size to accommodate the equipment recommended by the
manufacturer or designer for maintenance.
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Underground BMPs are generally considered confined spaces and OSHA confined space
training typically will be required if a person must enter the underground BMP to
perform maintenance. In all cases, a maintenance plan should be developed at the time
that the underground BMP is designed. The maintenance plan should specify, at a
minimum, quarterly inspections with maintenance performed as needed based on
inspections. The required inspection frequency may be reduced to biannually if, after two
or more years, the quarterly regimen demonstrates that this will provide adequate
maintenance. Owners of underground BMPs must provide written inspection and
maintenance documentation to the City to ensure that required inspection and
maintenance activities are taking place. All maintenance records must be kept on file by
the owner and must be provided to the City promptly upon request. Owner must
demonstrate that maintenance activities are occurring on an annual basis or on other
frequencies as specifically required.
Design Procedure and Criteria
Two primary options are available for underground BMPs:
1. Underground BMPs Based on a Surface BMP design: BMPs that satisfy the
requirements for capture and slow release of the WQCV and that are based on and
designed in substantial conformance with the criteria for surface-based BMPs described
in this Manual.
2. Underground Proprietary BMPs: Proprietary BMPs that satisfy the requirements for
capture and slow release of the WQCV. The owner needs to demonstrate that the BMP
will at a minimum treat the design storms flow rates and volumes as stated in this Manual
as well as the slow release of the WQCV and provide a level of treatment for targeted
pollutants that is comparable to that of the surface-based BMPs provided in this Manual.
1. Underground BMPs Based on a Surface BMP Design
This class of underground BMP includes sand filter basins and retention facilities
designed for below grade installation. The design must provide the WQCV and empty it
over a time period of 12 hours or more. Not all of the surface-based BMPs that provide
the WQCV can be adapted for underground use. For example, the vegetative components
of a constructed wetland pond render it unsuitable for underground use. Underground
extended detention basins are also problematic due to historical problems with
remobilization of collected sediment. The most commonly used underground BMP to
date in the City is the underground sand filter.
In addition to the criteria for an above ground sand filter, underground sand filters should
meet the following criteria:
a) A pretreatment chamber for removal of coarse sediments with a volume equivalent to
0.10 times the WQCV should be provided. The pretreatment chamber must be separated
from the underground BMP sand filter chamber by baffles, and serves as the sediment
forebay to reduce the frequency of maintenance required in sand filter. Also consider
incorporating a vertical baffle to trap oil and grease. This can be easily incorporated into
the forebay and should be included where oil and grease are target constituents.
Absorbent mats or booms could also be used for this purpose.
b) For flows in excess of the water quality design event, a diversion must be sized so that
excess flows bypass the sand filter chamber and the sand filter is not surcharged (in terms
of depth or hydraulic grade line) beyond the WQCV maximum elevation.
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c) Maintenance access must be provided to each chamber. Access must be sufficient to
allow complete removal and replacement of the filter material. Allow for at least 6 feet of
headroom (from the surface of the filter) to facilitate maintenance. All areas need to be
designed to facilitate human access.
2. Underground Proprietary BMPs
In some situations, the use of an underground manufactured or proprietary BMP may be
the only practicable solution due to site or engineering constraints. In such cases the use
of a proprietary BMP may be appropriate. There are numerous proprietary BMPs with
wide variability in performance, design flow rates, unit processes, and volume of storage
provided (if any). Sizing methodologies for proprietary devices vary from device to
device—some are flow based, some are volume based, some consider surface/filter
hydraulic loading, etc. As a result, this Manual does not seek to provide a one-size-fits-all
sizing methodology for proprietary BMPs. Instead, this Manual provides criteria for
determining what type of proprietary BMP should be used and whether a specific
proprietary BMP is acceptable for use.
Once it has been determined that use of this BMP category is warranted due to site or
engineering constraints, the proprietary BMP must meet the following requirements:
a) Technology Verification: The proprietary BMP must be verified for use by a
nationally recognized technology verification program.
For the two main categories of proprietary BMPs, these programs are:
For hydrodynamic separators:
The New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology (NJCAT) Technology
Verification Program (http://www.njcat.o0rg/verification/protocol.cfm) Tier II (Field
Testing) verification is required.
For filters or other technologies receiving standalone treatment designation:
The NJCAT Tier II (Field Testing) verification or completion and approval by the
Washington State Department of Ecology (2002) TAPE protocol and General Use Level
Designation for TSS are required. Reference: Guidance for Evaluating Emerging
Stormwater Treatment Technologies, Technology Assessment Protocol – Ecology
(TAPE), October 2002 (Revised June 2004), Publication Number 02-10-037.
(http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0210037.html).
Verification by both programs is preferred. If the specific design flow rates for the filters
differ, then the most conservative flow rate should be used since sediment loads within
the Fort Collins region tend to be fine.
To receive an approval for use by the City, the manufacturer must also provide final
verification statements for the technology in consideration.
b) Performance Standards:
Once accepted for use, the sizing of the BMP must be done in accordance with the
verification and also achieve the treatment level required by the City. In general, the
proprietary BMP approved for standalone treatment should be capable, on an annual
basis, of producing an effluent quality with a median TSS concentration of no more than
thirty (30) mg/L, Event Mean Concentration (EMC), for the WQCV within a twelve (12)
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hour drawdown time for influent TSS concentrations of one hundred forty (140) mg/l or
less. This level of treatment is comparable to the long-term effluent median
concentrations from the International Stormwater BMP Database for surface-based
BMPs. For influent TSS concentrations of one hundred forty (140) mg/l or more an
eighty (80) percent load removal rate by the proprietary BMP is required.
Depending on long-term median effluent concentrations and whether or not the BMP
provides the required WQCV, a proprietary underground BMP will fall into one of three
categories:
1. Not recommended: This category is for underground BMPs that have not
demonstrated the ability to capture the required WQCV or meet the performance
expectation of thirty (30) mg/l TSS effluent for influent TSS concentrations that are less
than one forty (140) mg/l or an eighty (80) percent removal rate for influent TSS
concentrations of one forty (140) mg/l or more. Even for underground BMPs that meet
these conditions, these are not recommended if they are deemed by the City to be too
difficult and, or too expensive to maintain compared to a surface BMP alternative. The
City is the final determining authority regarding whether these are considered too
difficult or too expensive to maintain over the long term.
2. Pretreatment: This category is for underground BMPs that generally provide little, if
any, surcharge storage WQCV. BMPs in this category may be useful as an initial step in a
treatment train approach to water quality. A BMP meeting these criteria could be used in
conjunction with a downstream BMP that provides slow release of the WQCV. For
pretreatment applications, verification programs remain the same however since the
volume storage and fine fraction of the TSS are addressed through separate unit
processes, the primary design criteria are that the BMP be sized to meet the peak
hydraulic flow association with the entire treatment train.
To avoid washout, the peak treatment flow will be the same as verified by NJCAT
associated with the eighty (80) percent removal rate of the NJCAT PSD. Flows in
excess of the water quality design event Flows in excess of the water quality design event
need to be bypassed to avoid re-suspension and washout of accumulated sediments.
3. Standalone: This category is for underground BMPs that demonstrate the ability to
meet the performance expectation of thirty (30) mg/l TSS EMC effluent for influent
concentrations that are less than one forty (140) mg/l or an eighty (80) percent removal
rate for influent TSS concentrations of one forty (140) mg/l or more. "Standalone"
devices must be designed to provide for the release of the WQCV in no less than twelve
(12) hours. Furthermore, this category of BMP can only be used where it is determined
that surface BMPs are not feasible.
In some situations such as in highly urbanized areas with existing infrastructure, right of
way issues, achieving this level of treatment for the entire WQCV using a twelve (12)
hour drawdown period may not be practicable. In such cases the design of the proprietary
BMP must be done to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP).
The MEP design approach for underground manufactured BMPs will only be allowed
when this is the only practicable alternative available to achieve any level of water
quality treatment. In such cases, the design engineer must to present sufficient
information to:
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Gain acceptance of a specific proprietary BMP, using the verifications described
above
Demonstrate that due to site and engineering constraints that this approach is the
most viable solution
Demonstrate that the technology is sized and designed in accordance with the
applicable verification
Show that the MEP approach was used to approach to the maximum extent
practicable the treatment levels and volumetric goals required above.
See Figure UG-1 for typical underground BMPs that may fall into each category. The
City does not maintain a list of specific devices that fall into each of these categories. It is
the responsibility of the designer to identify the appropriate category for the BMP based
on whether the required treatment level can be provided in the underground BMP. The
City, reserves the right to prohibit altogether the use of underground BMPs, proprietary
or not. In addition, the City may require the presentation of the proprietary underground
BMPs’ performance and maintenance records, in locations where they have been
previously installed, and more particularly in areas with climatic conditions similar to the
Colorado Front Range area. Additionally, the City may require agreements that run in
perpetuity attached to the property served by the BMPs, assuring that they will be
inspected and maintained by the owner as required by the City (or recommended by the
manufacturer).
Finally, a standard operating procedures manual must be submitted and approved by the
City for all underground facilities. A final copy of the approved Standard Operating
Procedures manual must be provided to the City and must be maintained on-site by the
entity responsible for the facility maintenance. Annual reports must be prepared and
submitted to the City discussing the frequency and results of the maintenance program.
Construction Considerations
Improper installation will cause poor performance of proprietary underground BMPs.
This problem has been noted not only by manufacturers, but also by a number of
Colorado municipalities who have observed that the "as built" BMPs often vary
significantly from the design. Most underground BMPs already face challenges due to
limited vertical fall and because of head losses, so they may be sensitive to slight changes
in elevation. In addition, many of the proprietary underground BMPs require assembly of
special baffling or patented inserts that may not be familiar to contractors.
For these reasons, it is important to discuss the installation of the underground BMP with
the manufacturer prior to selecting a contractor so that the installation requirements are
clearly understood. Construction observation by the design engineer, and, if possible, a
manufacturer's representative is essential for proper installation. At a minimum, the
installation must be inspected by the manufacturer's representative once completed. Any
deficiencies of the installation identified by the manufacturer's representative inspection
must be immediately corrected.
(6) Table UG-1 is deleted.
(7) Fact Sheet T-12 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “Micropools”, “EURV”and “Full Spectrum Detention” are deleted.
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(8) Table OS-4 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to Figure OS-2 and Figure OS-7 are deleted
(9) Figure OS-2 is deleted in its entirety.
(10) Figure OS-3 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “Permanent Water Surface Elevation (WSE)” are deleted.
(11) Figure OS-4 is adopted with the following modification:
Add Note: Lowest opening must be set at the invert of the pond.
(12) Figure OS-5 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “Micropools” are deleted.
(13) Figure OS-6 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “Micropools” are deleted.
(14) Figure OS-7 is deleted in its entirety.
(15) Figure OS-8 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “Micropools” are deleted.
(16) Figure OS-9 is added.
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Figure OS-9, City of Fort Collins Water Quality Outlet Structure Details
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(M) Volume 3, Chapter 5 - Source Control BMPs:
(1) Section 1.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(2) Section 2.0 is amended to read as follows:
2.0 Structural Source Control BMPs
Site operations and potential pollution source control needs should be considered early in the
planning and design process. This will reduce the load of pollutants into stormwater and may also
facilitate site operations and reduce maintenance requirements for on-site treatment BMPs.
A discussion must be provided specifying the permanent structural source control BMP that is
used in relation to the planned use of the project.
Representative questions that must be considered prior to finalizing the site layout include:
1. What materials are stored on-site?
2. How are these materials handled and moved through the site?
3. What on-site operations take place that could potentially cause materials to enter the storm
sewer system?
4. Where and how might these materials enter the storm sewer?
5. How can storage and handling areas and drainage facilities be designed to reduce pollutant
loading? Is it feasible to cover these areas?
6. When a spill occurs, how and where will it be controlled and contained? Are structural spill
containment measures needed?
(3) Section 3.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(4) Section 4.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(5) Section 5.0 is deleted in its entirety.
(6) Source Control BMP Fact Sheets are deleted in their entirety.
(7) Table 5.1 is deleted in its entirety.
(8) Table 5.2 is deleted in its entirety.
(9) Table 5.3 is deleted in its entirety.
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(N) Volume3, Chapter 6 - BMP Maintenance:
(1) Section 2.0 is adopted with the following modification:
All references to “UDFCD maintenance” are deleted.
(2) Section 7.7 is amended to read as follows:
7.7 Sediment Removal from the Forebay, Trickle Channel and the BMP Bottom
Remove sediment from the forebay and trickle channel annually. If portions of the watershed are
not developed or if roadway or landscaping projects are taking place in the watershed, the
required frequency of sediment removal in the forebay may be as often as after each storm event.
The forebay should be maintained in such a way that it does not provide a significant source of
re-suspended sediment in the stormwater runoff. Ensure that the sediment is disposed of properly
and not placed elsewhere in the basin.
Potential accumulation of sediment in the area directly upstream of the outlet structure at the
bottom of the BMP must be checked for on a regular basis as well as after every significant storm
event. Removal of accumulated sediment or debris must be done immediately when such
sediment or debris blocks any portion of the outlet structure and must be done at least on a
monthly basis between the months April and September as well as during any rainy period.
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(O) Volume 3, Chapter 7 - Construction BMPs:
(1) A new Section 1.1 is added, to read as follows:
1.1 Purpose and Scope
The Stormwater Criteria Manual provides the minimum design and technical criteria for the
design and analysis of drainage and erosion control plans. The erosion-related requirements of
this Manual are intended to reduce erosion to an acceptable level, emphasizing the control of
erosion and sediment transport from the surface of disturbed land by water. Channel erosion
control for temporary channels (diversions, gullies) and major channel stabilization are addressed
as erosion control matters in this Manual. The requirements of Volume 3, Chapter 7, as amended,
apply to all land disturbing activities covered by this Manual, except for the following:
(1) Emergency work; and
(2) Single Family Residential lots less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet in area
and less than four to one slopes except when construction activities are within 50
feet of the outer limits of sensitive areas including floodplains, slopes, riparian
corridors, lakes, irrigation ditches, or other features subject to natural areas buffer
requirements under the City Land Use Code
(2) A new Section 1.2 is added, to read as follows:
1.2 Review and Acceptance
The City will review all erosion control submittals for general compliance with this
Manual. An acceptance by the City does not relieve the owner, engineer, or designer
from responsibility of ensuring that calculations, plans, and specifications are in general
compliance with the criteria.
(4) A new Section 1.3 is added, to read as follows:
1.3 Policy, Standards and Submittal Requirements
1.3.1 Policy
Erosion and sedimentation are natural processes, the intensity of which is increased by
land disturbing activities. Clearing and stripping of land can cause localized increased
erosion rates with subsequent deposition of sediments and damage to adjacent
downstream and leeward properties. Erosion can reduce or destroy the aesthetic and
practical values of neighboring properties, streams and lakes.
The City is committed to the enhancement and protection of existing development,
streams, lakes, wetlands and rivers that may be impacted by sediment laden runoff
resulting from land-change activities.
Therefore, it is the policy of the City to encourage maintenance of the natural balance
between sediment supply and transport.
It is also the City's policy to encourage water erosion control by leaving land undisturbed
as long as possible (by project phasing) and using temporary and permanent erosion
control Best Management Practices (BMPs).
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1.3.2 Elements of an Erosion Control Plan
Erosion control plans must consist of the elements noted below. For developments
subject to the subdivision review process, these must be submitted with the final drainage
reports. All reports must be typed on 8-1/2" x 11" paper and bound. Drawings, figures,
plates, and tables must be bound with the report. The report must include a cover letter
presenting the plan for review and must be prepared by or supervised by and engineer
licensed in Colorado.
Information used for the Erosion Control Plan must be consistent with the Drainage
Report and the grading and drainage plans.
For City projects, the Erosion Control Plan must be submitted and reviewed through the
Construction Coordination process, or through the specific department’s review process.
1.3.3 PDP Erosion Control Report and Drawings Submittal Requirements
Erosion Control Report and Plans are required at time of PDP Submittal.
The Erosion Control Report must contain or comply with the following:
a. A written analysis of the area proposed for construction in reference to developed
conditions, rainfall erodibility, and proposed rainfall erosion and sediment control
methods. Control of rainfall erosion and sediment transport shall be analyzed in a
manner that clearly demonstrates an understanding of how temporary and permanent
mitigation methods will be used, including a discussion of the timing of construction
phases and the sequential installation of all erosion and sediment control Best
Management Practices (BMPs) proposed in the plan.
b. Stormwater Management Controls:
Include a description of all stormwater management controls that will be
implemented as part of the construction activity to control pollutants in stormwater
discharges. The appropriateness and priorities of stormwater management controls
should reflect the potential pollutant sources identified at the facility. The description
of stormwater management controls should address the following components, at a
minimum:
i.) Identify SWMP Administrator: Identify a specific individual(s), position, or
title that is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and revising
the SWMP. This designated individual(s) should address all aspects of the
facility's SWMP.
ii ) Identification of Potential Pollutant Sources: Identify and describe sources
that may contribute pollutants to runoff, and provide means of control through
BMP selection and implementation. At a minimum, evaluate each of the
following potential sources of pollution:
1. All disturbed and stored soils;
2. Vehicle tracking of sediments;
3. Management of contaminated soils;
4. Loading and unloading operations;
5. Outdoor storage activities (building materials, fertilizers, chemicals,
etc.);
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6. Vehicle and equipment maintenance and fueling;
7. Significant dust or particulate generating processes;
8. Routine maintenance activities involving fertilizers, pesticides,
detergents, fuels, solvents, oils, etc;
9. On-site waste management practices (waste piles, liquid wastes,
dumpsters, etc.);
10. Concrete truck/equipment washing, including the concrete truck
chute and associated fixtures and equipment;
11. Dedicated asphalt and concrete batch plants;
12. Non-industrial waste sources such as worker trash and portable
toilets; and
13. Other areas or procedures where potential spills can occur.
c. For the establishment of dryland vegetation, the discussion must include soil types,
seed mix, soil amendments, and mulches.
d. Detailed sequence of construction activities must be submitted as part of the erosion
and sediment control plan. The plan identifies the sequence for all the major
construction and erosion and sediment control activities, including overlot grading,
soil and aggregate stockpiling, construction of permanent drainage facilities, and
maintenance activities. The construction sequence will be used as a basis for
inspection of construction sites for compliance with the erosion and sediment control
plan.
The sequencing plan must clearly indicate the timing, extent and location where
temporary BMP measures are installed and/or removed, depending on the type of
construction activities undertaken, e.g. site grading, utilities installation, paving,
flatwork, or vertical construction.
The construction sequence must include at least the following:
1. Installation of temporary erosion and sediment control measures
2. Sequence of all land disturbing activity
3. Drainage facility construction
4. Sediment basins, temporary channel stabilization
5. Seeding
6. Mulching
7. Required maintenance activities (e.g. expected frequency of sediment pond
cleaning, after-storm checks of all BMPs, etc.)
e. Erosion control security calculations.
The Erosion Control Drawing must contain or comply with the following:
The Erosion Control Drawing must use same base used for drainage study. The erosion
and sediment control plan may be combined with the grading plan, providing all the
required information can be shown, and the combined plan is not so cluttered with
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information that all the elements cannot be readily seen and deciphered. All drawings
must be twenty-two by thirty-four (22x34) inches in size. A General Location Map shall
be provided in sufficient detail to identify drainage flow entering and leaving the
development and general drainage patterns. The map should be at a scale of 1" = 1000' to
1" = 8000' and show the path of all drainage from the upper end of any off-site basins to
major drainageways. The map must identify any major construction (i.e., development,
irrigation ditches, existing detention facilities, culverts, storm sewers) along the entire
path of drainage. Basins and divides are to be identified and topographic contours are to
be included. The Erosion Control Plan drawings of the proposed development or
redevelopment must have a scale of 1" = 20' to 1" = 200' on 22" x 34" drawings.
a. Standard and job-specific construction details of erosion and sediment
control measures, and standard and job specific erosion and sediment
control notes.
b. List vegetative specifications from this Manual if standard vegetation is
to be used. Include alternate specifications and justification if they are to
be used.
c. List structural specifications from this Manual if standards are to be used.
Include other specifications and justifications if they are to be used.
d. A construction detail for all proposed construction BMPs.
e. The following standard erosion and sediment control notes:
1) The City Stormwater Department erosion control inspector
must be notified at least 24 hours prior to any construction
on this site.
2) All required BMPs must be installed prior to any land
disturbing activity (stockpiling, stripping, grading, etc). All
required erosion control measures must be installed at the
appropriate time in the construction sequence as indicated in
the approved project schedule, construction plans, and
erosion control report.
3) Pre-disturbance vegetation shall be protected and retained
wherever possible. Removal or disturbance of existing
vegetation shall be limited to the area required for immediate
construction operations, and for the shortest practical period
of time.
4) All soils exposed during land disturbing activity (stripping,
grading, utility installations, stockpiling, filling, etc.) shall be
kept in a roughened condition by ripping or disking along
land contours until mulch, vegetation, or other permanent
erosion control is installed. No soils in areas outside project
street rights of way shall remain exposed by land disturbing
activity for more than thirty (30) days before required
temporary or permanent erosion control (e.g. seed/mulch,
landscaping, etc.) is installed, unless otherwise approved by
the Stormwater Department.
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5) The property must be watered and maintained at all times
during construction activities so as to prevent wind-caused
erosion. All land disturbing activities shall be immediately
discontinued when fugitive dust impacts adjacent properties,
as determined by the City Engineering Department.
6) All temporary (structural) erosion control measures must be
inspected and repaired or reconstructed as necessary after
each runoff event and every 14 days in order to assure
continued performance of their intended function. All
retained sediments, particularly those on paved roadway
surfaces, shall be removed and disposed of in a manner and
location so as not to cause their release into any
drainageway.
7) No soil stockpile shall exceed ten (10) feet in height. All
soil stockpiles shall be protected from sediment transport by
surface roughening, watering, and perimeter silt fencing.
Any soil stockpile remaining after 30 days shall be seeded
and mulched.
8) City Ordinance prohibits the tracking, dropping, or
depositing of soils or any other material onto city streets by
or from any vehicle. Any inadvertent deposited material
shall be cleaned immediately by the contractor.
9) Additional notes can (should) be added to reflect the
erosion/sediment control plan of the individual development.
(4) A new Section 1.4 is added, to read as follows:
1.4 Security for Erosion Control
No land disturbing activity subject to this Stormwater Criteria Manual can begin until an
Erosion Control Plan has been approved and the Owner has submitted proof of security to
ensure rehabilitation of the disturbed land. A performance bond, irrevocable letter of
credit, or cash escrow, acceptable to the Utilities Executive Director, and naming the City
as the protected party, is required. Such performance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or
cash escrow shall further guarantee the continued maintenance and replacement of any
installed erosion control measures shown on the approved plan.
The amount of the security is based on one and one-half times the cost to revegetate the
disturbed land to dryland grasses (soil preparation, seed, and mulch) based upon unit cost
determined by the City Stormwater Department’s Annual Revegetation and Stabilization
Bid. In no instance, shall the amount of security be less than one thousand five hundred
dollars ($1,500) for residential and three thousand dollars ($3,000) for commercial
projects
Should the Owner be out of compliance with provisions of the approved Erosion Control
Plan, the City may exercise its rights under the security provided. In the event that the
City exercises such rights, it is not the City's intention to routinely administer the
construction of the measures shown on the erosion control plans, however, the City
reserves the right to enter upon the land and take whatever actions are necessary to
stabilize and revegetate all disturbed areas, or to have the plan constructed and make
repairs as necessary.
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The erosion control security will normally be retained by the City until the project has
been completed and there is no further possibility of erosion or sediment transport from
the site. This includes the time for two full growing seasons for the establishment of
grasses on any revegetated areas. At that time, the security will be released. However, if
a part or phase of the site has been completed (including any revegetated areas which are
established but have not yet reached the two growing season warranty limit), and if it can
be determined by the City that there is no further erosion or sediment transport risk from
that part or phase as it relates to the entire project, then the portion of the erosion control
security that would apply to that part or phase can be released, whether or not the entire
project has been completed. Any partial release of the erosion control security must be
requested by the responsible party.
(5) A new Section 1.5 is added, to read as follows:
1.5 Warranty
The Owner must warrant that the measures shown on the approved erosion and sediment
control plan are properly constructed, installed, and are free from defective materials
and/or workmanship, with said warranty to continue for the terms set forth below.
The Owner shall warrant and maintain all structural measures for such period of time as
construction on the site continues and/or said measures are necessary to protect against
erosion and sediment transport. The Owner must warrant and maintain all vegetative
measures for two growing seasons after installation. Any acceptance of installed
measures shall not be construed to relieve the Owner of the duty to warrant and maintain
as aforesaid.
(6) A new Section 1.6 is added, to read as follows:
1.6 Enforcement
No land disturbing activity subject to this Stormwater Criteria Manual can begin on any project
unless it is associated with an approved Erosion Control Plan, a signed Development Agreement,
and a submitted erosion control security. All erosion control measures must be installed when
they are necessary as indicated by the approved Erosion Control Plan and Report, and maintained
in accordance with these Criteria. In order to ensure that all required measures have been
correctly installed and are in proper order and repair, no building permit will be issued on any
project until an inspection of the site and its required erosion control measures has been made and
deemed acceptable by the City.
If, at any time during construction activities, the Owner fails to adhere to the approved Erosion
Control Plan and Report, the construction phase sequence, or any of the erosion control criteria,
the City may employ any or all of the following:
Stop all or any part of the work on the project.
Withhold building permits.
Withhold certificates of occupancy.
Exercise the City’s rights under the security provided
Issue summons and or fines.
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(7) Section 2.4 is added, to read as follows:
2.4 Fundamental Erosion Control Principles
The intent of erosion control design is to protect adjacent properties and downstream
properties from the detrimental effects of land disturbing activity. Water erosion is
always directional, i.e., always down-slope. This directional nature of water erosion can
be used to design resistance to sediment movement near the downstream edge of the
disturbed property. The erosion control design may govern slope placement so that
sediment-laden runoff is not directly tributary to an adjacent property. The slope may
need to be built to accommodate a temporary diversion channel, which keeps water on
the disturbed parcel.
Control measures are necessary for each phase of development (each phase of a
development must have a “stand alone” erosion control plan), and it is understood that
initial grading and construction will require certain control measures, which will change
or be replaced as development progresses. Temporary control measures such as silt
fences or diversion structures may be used during the initial grading and construction
phase and later either removed completely or replaced with grass or permanent sediment
basins.
Erosion control measures can be arranged to perform in sequence so that sediment
reduction caused by one measure releases less sediment to the next. In this manner,
series resistance to sediment movement can be built into a project so that stormwater
released to adjacent properties or streams is carrying the allowable amount of sediment.
The resistance to released sediments can be designed to minimize costs and minimize
interference with on-site construction activities.
The construction and maintenance of erosion control measures is critical to ensure proper
performance. Erosion Control Plans must include construction details and maintenance
guidelines.
(8) Section 3.0 is deleted in its entirety
(9) Section 3.1 is deleted in its entirety
(10) Section 3.2.1 is amended to read as follows:
3.2.1 Inspection Frequency
Documented inspections are required on a biweekly basis and within twenty four (24)
hours of a storm event, with some limited, temporary exceptions for inactive sites. The
City recommends spot-checking BMPs every workday. This is typically reasonable to
achieve and can help to ensure that the BMPs remain in good working condition. For
example, vehicle tracking of sediment onto the roadway is a common problem that often
requires maintenance more frequently than weekly. Curb socks, inlet protection and silt
fence are other BMPs that are prone to damage and displacement, also benefiting from
more frequent inspections.
When the site or portions of the site are awaiting final stabilization (e.g., vegetative
cover), where construction is essentially complete, the recommended frequency of
inspection is at least once every week. Be sure that this change is documented and in
accordance with relevant permit requirements prior to reducing the inspection schedule.
When snow cover exists over the entire site for an extended period, inspections are not
always feasible. Document this condition, including date of snowfall and date of melting
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conditions, and be aware of and prepare for areas where melting conditions may pose a
risk of surface erosion.
Inspections of disturbed sites must be done by the responsible party, at the minimum, on
a bi-weekly basis. Records of inspections including date and time of inspection,
corrective action(s) taken and future planned maintenance activities must be kept at the
construction site by the responsible party and submitted to the Erosion Control Inspector
upon request.
(11) Section 4.2 is amended to read as follows:
4.2 Sediment Control Measures
Sediment control measures limit transport of sediment off-site to downstream properties
and receiving waters. Sediment controls are the second line of defense, capturing soil that
has been eroded. Sediment control generally rely on treatment processes that either
provide filtration through a permeable media or that slow runoff to allow the settling of
suspended particles. A third treatment process that is used in some parts of the country
includes advanced treatment systems employing chemical addition (flocculent) to
promote coagulation and settling of sediment particles. The City does not recommend the
use of chemical treatment as the improper application of chemicals can be more
detrimental than simply removing the sediment.
“Sediment Control” (SC) BMPs Fact Sheets in this chapter are:
SC-1 Silt Fence (SF)
SC-2 Sediment Control Log (SCL)
SC-4 Brush Barrier (BB)
SC-5 Rock Sock (RS)
SC-6 Inlet Protection (IP) (multiple types)
SC-7 Sediment Basin (SB)
SC-8 Sediment Trap (ST)
SC-9 Vegetated Buffers (VB)
SC-10 Chemical Treatment (CT) (also known as Advanced Treatment Systems [ATS])
No Fact Sheet is included for “SC-3 Straw Bale Barriers” (SBB) as these are prohibited
from use as a post-construction sediment control measure in the City.
(12) Fact Sheet SC-3 is deleted in its entirety.
(13) Figure SBB-1 is deleted.