SB 23-270

Senate Bill 23-270, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, allows for certain stream restoration projects in Colorado without causing harm to existing water rights. This includes minor restoration activities and projects that have permits or are already underway by a specific deadline. The bill also requires project owners to get permission before installing anything that could interfere with water diversion structures owned by others. This affects anyone involved in restoring natural streams, ensuring their work can proceed smoothly without legal complications.

Official Summary

The act states that the following projects within a natural stream system for certain restoration purposes (stream restoration project) do not cause material injury to a vested water right and are not an unnecessary dam or other obstruction: A stream restoration project that is limited to certain minor restoration activities; and A stream restoration project that has obtained any applicable permits or is under construction or completed by August 1, 2023. The act prohibits the owner or proponent of a stream restoration project from installing the stream restoration project in a manner that adversely affects water diversion or measurement structures without the permission of the owners of the structures. APPROVED by Governor June 5, 2023 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023 NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Votes