Colorado Springs, CO Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

802. 5 (Subdivision Proposals) to require that every proposed subdivision minimize flood damage, locate utilities to avoid flood damage, provide adequate drainage, and show FEMA-approved base flood elevation (BFE) data and 100-year floodplain boundaries on the Subdivision Plat. If the subdivision sits within 300 feet of a Zone A floodplain, the applicant must either show the FEMA BFE and boundaries on the plat or submit a floodplain certification letter, sealed by a Colorado-licensed professional engineer or architect, stating the property is reasonably safe from flooding.

B replaces the old Appeal Board with the Drainage Board, which hears appeals of the Floodplain Administrator's decisions after a public hearing where both the FPA and the applicant can comment. C rewrites the variance rules: variances cannot be issued inside a designated floodway if they would raise flood levels, must be the minimum relief necessary, and require the Drainage Board to find good cause, exceptional hardship, and no increased flood risk or public expense. Anyone who receives a variance to build below the base flood elevation must get written notice that flood insurance will cost more because of the lower floor. 803 disclaims City liability, warning that larger floods can and will occur even outside mapped hazard areas.