FEMA flood zone rules in Colorado Springs, CO — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Colorado Springs participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and regulates development in all FEMA-designated floodplains and floodways. Fountain Creek and Monument Creek corridors present the highest flood risk, along with tributaries including Sand Creek and Cheyenne Creek. A Floodplain Development Permit is required for any construction in the 100-year floodplain. The Drainage Criteria Manual requires developers to determine floodplain elevations and perform downstream hydrologic analysis. The 2013 flooding events caused significant damage and prompted stricter floodplain management.
The City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County maintain FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Properties in Zone A, AE, or AO designations are in the 100-year floodplain (SFHA). A Floodplain Development Permit is required from Development Services for any construction, fill, grading, or substantial improvement in a floodplain. The lowest floor of new construction in floodplain zones must be elevated to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as shown on the FIRM. Monument Creek, Fountain Creek, and numerous drainageways in Colorado Springs have floodplain designations. Fences in the floodplain require a Floodplain Development Permit regardless of fence permit requirements. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) or contact Development Services for property-specific determinations.
Construction below flood elevation: retroactive compliance required, fines $500 to $5,000. Floodway encroachment: removal order. Failure to maintain flood insurance: lender force-placement at higher cost.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in El Paso County.
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