Denver, CO Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard required
- 1.5 ft above BFE
- Critical facilities
- 2 ft freeboard or dry floodproof
- Proof required
- FEMA Elevation Certificate
- Enforcing agency
- Denver floodplain administrator
- Max civil penalty
- $999 per day
Summary
Denver requires new and substantially improved residential structures in the flood storage area to elevate their lowest floor, including any basement, at least one and one-half feet above the base flood elevation.
Have the lowest floor (including basement) and all associated machinery and equipment, elevated with a minimum of one and one-half (1½) feet of freeboard.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver Revised Municipal Code § 56-203(e)(1) requires new construction, additions, and substantial improvements to residential structures within the regulatory floodplain's flood storage area to have the lowest floor, including any basement, plus all machinery and equipment, elevated at least one and one-half feet above the base flood elevation (freeboard). Nonresidential buildings must meet the same 1.5-foot freeboard or dry floodproof to that height, and critical facilities need two feet of freeboard or dry floodproofing. Owners must submit a FEMA Elevation Certificate to the floodplain administrator before the city issues a certificate of occupancy.
Violations & Fines
Failing to correct a floodplain violation draws a civil penalty of up to $999 per day under D.R.M.C. § 56-205, plus possible liens and injunctive action by the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Denver require above base flood elevation?
What happens if a Denver flood-zone structure isn't elevated correctly?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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