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Cheyenne, WY Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Cheyenne, WY, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Governing chapter: City Code Ch. 13.24
Elevation requirement: 1 ft above base flood elevation
Administrator: City engineer
Max penalty: $750 fine / 6 months jail
FIRM basis: Laramie County flood study, 2007

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Cheyenne, WY.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Cheyenne, WY on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

New homes and additions in Cheyenne's mapped flood hazard areas need a development permit and must sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation.

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.

Source: Cheyenne Code of OrdinancesView official code

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

Chapter 13.24 of the Cheyenne City Code governs all areas of special flood hazard shown on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Laramie County. A development permit from the city engineer, who serves as floodplain administrator, is required before any construction, fill, or substantial improvement in these zones. New residential structures must have their lowest floor, including any basement, elevated a full foot above the base flood elevation, with a registered engineer, architect, or surveyor certifying compliance. Floodways are off-limits to new fill or construction unless engineering analysis proves no rise in flood levels.

Violations & Fines

Building or altering a structure in a flood hazard area without a permit or below the required elevation is a misdemeanor: up to a $750 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, per violation, plus case costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build in a Cheyenne flood zone?

Yes. Section 13.24.070 requires a development permit for any construction, fill, or substantial improvement in an area of special flood hazard before work begins.

How high must a new house be built in a Cheyenne floodplain?

Section 13.24.150(A)(1) requires the lowest floor, including the basement, to sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation, certified by a licensed engineer, architect, or surveyor.

Sources & Official References

[1]Cheyenne, WY Code of Ordinances - Municode Library

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