Cheyenne, WY Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard required
- 1 foot above BFE
- Administered by
- City Engineer (floodplain administrator)
- Applies to
- New construction & substantial improvements
- Certification needed
- PE, architect, or land surveyor
- Max penalty
- $750 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
Cheyenne requires new and substantially improved structures in mapped flood hazard areas to sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation, verified by a licensed engineer, architect, or surveyor.
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement), elevated one foot above the base flood elevation. A registered professional engineer, architect or land surveyor shall submit a certification to the floodplain administrator that the standard of this subsection is satisfied.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 73).
Full Breakdown
In areas where base flood elevation data has been provided, the city engineer's floodplain administrator requires the lowest floor of any new or substantially improved residential structure to be elevated one foot above base flood elevation, with a certification from a registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor confirming compliance. Nonresidential buildings must meet the same one-foot freeboard or be engineered watertight below that level. A development permit and elevation certificate are required before construction begins.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required elevation without a permit is a misdemeanor: up to a $750 fine or six months in jail per violation, plus case costs, and the city can pursue other remedies to stop or correct the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cheyenne require freeboard above base flood elevation?
What happens if a structure is built too low?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cheyenne
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