City of Aspen Engineering Certificate of Occupancy Requirements:

The City of Aspen Engineering Department offers Certificate of Occupancy and Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) inspections when certain criteria are met in advance. We appreciate your help in complying with these requirements:

Certificate of Occupancy Documents:

• Engineering Inspection Comprehensive Closeout Checklist
• Stormwater Maintenance Agreement (PDF)

For projects that are identified as a “Minor Drainage” impact the project must:

1. Provide landscaping or permanent stabilization per the approved plans.
2. Complete all drainage features per the approved plans.
3. Remove all temporary erosion control measures.

For projects identified as a “Major Drainage” impact the project must:

1. Complete all the Minor Drainage requirements in addition to the requirements below.
2. Submit an As-Built Survey of all drainage features on the property.
3. Submit a Grading and Drainage Certificate signed by the Engineer of Record.
4. Submit a video of any connections to the City of Aspen infrastructure, to demonstrate the system is clean and functional.
5. Submit an Operations and Maintenance Plan, along with an executed Maintenance Agreement.
6. Stabilize the entire site with permanent landscaping or other approved methods.

In All Cases (including TCOs):

1. Any required Right of Way improvements must be complete including sidewalk, curb and gutter, and any other appurtenances that were identified in the approved plans.
2. Complete installation of all water fixtures to complete the water review portion of the Utilities Final.

Please note that these are solely the requirements to gain Engineering approval. Reaching out several weeks or even months ahead of your CO/TCO request to individual referral agencies is highly recommended.

In all cases, for projects that have landscaping components that can’t be completed, all disturbed soils must be temporarily stabilized with an approved method prior to requesting a CO/TCO during the winter months. Photographic evidence of such work will be made available at sign-off or a site inspection can be scheduled with us prior to snowfall. No bonds in lieu of landscaping will be accepted as an assurance of work to be performed to receive TCO.

Navigating Winter TCO Requirements:

Guidelines and Inspection Reminders from Aspen's Engineering Department
 

As winter approaches, the Engineering Department would like to remind contractors of the essential requirements for securing a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) for applicable projects. To ensure compliance and avoid delays, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Pre-Winter Site Stabilization:
  Before persistent winter conditions set in, your site must be fully stabilized. This can be achieved through methods such as landscaping, rolled erosion control blankets, hydro-mulch, stone, mulch, or other protective materials. Proper site stabilization is crucial to protect exposed soils from erosion. Be sure to schedule an inspection of this work prior to requesting a TCO. Photo documentation is strongly advised to capture current site conditions, as they can change rapidly with the onset of fall weather.

Guidelines for TCO Compliance:

• Completion of Right-of-Way Improvements: Ensure that all improvements within the right-of-way are fully completed.
• Drainage Features: All drainage features must be installed and accompanied by a completed as-built survey.
• Water Fixture Count: Conduct a comprehensive water fixture count. If a Water Efficiency and Landscape Standards (WELS) inspection is required, coordinate with the City of Aspen Utilities Department before October 31.
• Erosion and Sediment Control Devices (BMPs): With snow forecasted in the coming months, our department will inspect sites for properly installed and maintained erosion and sediment control devices. Ensure these Best Management Practices (BMPs) are in place and maintained.

Please be aware that if any site deficiencies are identified, a Notice of Violation or Correction Notice may be issued.

For further details, please visit the General CO & TCO Policy or contact us at engineeringhelp@aspen.gov