FEMA flood zone rules in Arapahoe County, CO — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Arapahoe County regulates the 100-year floodplain in unincorporated areas under LDC Sections 2-4.10 and 4-3.5. SEMSWA administers floodplain rules for the county. The county participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. New FEMA flood maps were updated in 2023.
Arapahoe County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates the 100-year floodplain in unincorporated areas under LDC Chapter 2, Section 2-4.10 and Chapter 4, Section 4-3.5. The Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA) administers floodplain regulations for unincorporated Arapahoe County and the City of Centennial. Prohibited activities in the floodplain include obstructing flood water flow, reducing channel capacity, storing materials that could cause downstream damage, and activities that negatively impact water quality. A Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control permit is required for grading within the floodplain. FEMA updated flood risk maps for Arapahoe County in 2023. Flood insurance is required for buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas with federally backed mortgages. SEMSWA can provide floodplain map determinations for specific properties.
Development in the floodplain without approval may face enforcement, permit denial, and requirements for restoration. NFIP noncompliance can affect community-wide flood insurance availability.
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