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Help the city modernize its drainage manual
We're in the process of updating the city's Drainage Criteria Manual, which is key to guiding how water drainage is managed throughout the city. Your involvement in this update is important because water drainage across the city affects you and every resident by influencing neighborhood safety, roadway conditions, and the long-term health of Lakewood’s waterways. Participate in this project:
Attend the second informational Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Community Room at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway. Add it to your calendar.
Review the important documents in the box to the right, including the information boards from the first Open House.
Since the adoption of the manual in 1982, our community, climate, and approach to sustainable development have changed significantly. By updating the manual, the city is committing to support resilient infrastructure, safeguard public resources, and promote thoughtful, sustainable growth for the future.
The manual determines how city infrastructure improvements are built and how private development occurs. The updates to the manual will incorporate modern practices to reduce urban runoff, integrate green and natural infrastructure, enhance water quality protection, and address the evolving challenges associated with climate change.
Effective drainage systems are essential to protecting both the environment and the financial well‑being of the community. Environmentally, responsible stormwater management helps preserve local waterways, reduce erosion, improve habitat quality, and support long‑term ecological health. Financially, clear and up‑to‑date drainage criteria reduce flood risks, limit costly infrastructure repairs, and ensure that both public and private investments are built to withstand future conditions.
The updates to the manual will aim to meet the following objectives:
Update applicability to better account for the cumulative impact of new development.
Modernize technical standards to reflect current widely accepted stormwater engineering best practices.
Add new policies for green infrastructure to reflect community priorities in Envision Lakewood 2040.
Enhance water quality requirements to protect waterways, natural habitat, and wildlife.
Prepare for future conditions associated with climate change.
Help the city modernize its drainage manual
We're in the process of updating the city's Drainage Criteria Manual, which is key to guiding how water drainage is managed throughout the city. Your involvement in this update is important because water drainage across the city affects you and every resident by influencing neighborhood safety, roadway conditions, and the long-term health of Lakewood’s waterways. Participate in this project:
Attend the second informational Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Community Room at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway. Add it to your calendar.
Review the important documents in the box to the right, including the information boards from the first Open House.
Since the adoption of the manual in 1982, our community, climate, and approach to sustainable development have changed significantly. By updating the manual, the city is committing to support resilient infrastructure, safeguard public resources, and promote thoughtful, sustainable growth for the future.
The manual determines how city infrastructure improvements are built and how private development occurs. The updates to the manual will incorporate modern practices to reduce urban runoff, integrate green and natural infrastructure, enhance water quality protection, and address the evolving challenges associated with climate change.
Effective drainage systems are essential to protecting both the environment and the financial well‑being of the community. Environmentally, responsible stormwater management helps preserve local waterways, reduce erosion, improve habitat quality, and support long‑term ecological health. Financially, clear and up‑to‑date drainage criteria reduce flood risks, limit costly infrastructure repairs, and ensure that both public and private investments are built to withstand future conditions.
The updates to the manual will aim to meet the following objectives:
Update applicability to better account for the cumulative impact of new development.
Modernize technical standards to reflect current widely accepted stormwater engineering best practices.
Add new policies for green infrastructure to reflect community priorities in Envision Lakewood 2040.
Enhance water quality requirements to protect waterways, natural habitat, and wildlife.
Prepare for future conditions associated with climate change.
Share Which of the following topics do you think is most important for the Drainage Criteria Manual to provide clear guidance? on FacebookShare Which of the following topics do you think is most important for the Drainage Criteria Manual to provide clear guidance? on X (formerly Twitter)Share Which of the following topics do you think is most important for the Drainage Criteria Manual to provide clear guidance? on LinkedinEmail Which of the following topics do you think is most important for the Drainage Criteria Manual to provide clear guidance? link
Review of current manual begins with the assistance of the Mile High Flood District and consultants.
August 2026
Storm drainage update has finished this stage
Lakewood launches digital engagement page.
Sept. 17, 2026
Storm drainage update has finished this stage
First informational open house from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Public Works permit counter lobby, 470 S. Allison Parkway.
Oct. 22, 2026
Storm drainage update is currently at this stage
Second informational open house from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway. Add it to your calendar.
Date TBD
this is an upcoming stage for Storm drainage update
City Council first reading to set date for public hearing on proposed criteria.
Date TBD
this is an upcoming stage for Storm drainage update
