Lakewood, CO Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard required
- 1 foot above BFE
- Applies to
- Lowest floor & mechanical equipment
- Nonresidential alternative
- Certified flood-proofing
- Certifier
- Registered engineer or architect
Summary
In Lakewood flood plain areas with known base flood elevations, new construction and substantial improvements must have their lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot above the 100-year base flood elevation shown in the Official Flood Studies.
In flood plain areas in which the 100-year base flood elevations are known: a.All new construction and substantial improvements of residential and nonresidential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement, and electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning equipment, and other service facilities including ductwork, elevated one foot above the 100-year base flood elevation as indicated in the Official Flood Studies.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
Section 14.25.130 of the Lakewood Municipal Code sets the city's one-foot freeboard standard: where 100-year base flood elevations are known, all new construction and substantial improvements to residential and nonresidential structures must have the lowest floor, including basement, plus electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment, elevated one foot above the base flood elevation shown in the Official Flood Studies. Nonresidential structures can instead be completely flood-proofed to that same one-foot-above-BFE level, with a registered engineer or architect certifying the flood-proofing can withstand flood pressures, velocities, and impact forces.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required one-foot freeboard above base flood elevation without flood-proofing certification is a violation of the Flood Plain Management Ordinance, enforced by the Flood Plain Administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above the base flood elevation must a Lakewood home be built?
Can a commercial building in Lakewood's flood plain skip elevation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle flood elevation requirements.