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Pueblo, CO Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

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

Key Facts

Permit required: Floodplain Development Permit
Administered by: Dept. of Stormwater Utility
Basis: FEMA Flood Insurance Study/FIRM
Applies to: Special Flood Hazard Areas, city limits

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 Pueblo, CO.

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 Pueblo, CO on the FEMA flood map

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

Summary

Pueblo requires a Floodplain Development Permit for any construction in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas within city limits.

This Chapter shall apply to all Special Flood Hazard Areas and areas removed from the floodplain by the issuance of a FEMA Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) within the jurisdiction of the City of Pueblo, Colorado.(b)Basis for establishing the Special Flood Hazard Area. The Special Flood Hazard Areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a scientific and engineering report entitled, "The Flood Insurance Study for the City of Pueblo, Colorado," dated August 15, 2019 with accompanying flood insurance rate maps (FIRM), and any revisions thereto are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Chapter. These Special Flood Hazard Areas identified by the FIS and attendant mapping are the minimum area of applicability of this Chapter and may be supplemented by studies designated and approved by City Council. The Floodplain Administrator shall keep a copy of the Flood Insurance Study (FIS), DFIRMs, and/or FIRMs on file and available for public inspection.(c)Establishment of Floodplain Development Permit. A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this Chapter.

View 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 109).

Full Breakdown

Pueblo Municipal Code § 17-9-3 adopts the FEMA Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the City of Pueblo as the basis for its Special Flood Hazard Areas, and requires a Floodplain Development Permit before any structure or land is located, altered, or has its use changed within those areas. The Floodplain Administrator (Director of the Department of Stormwater Utility) reviews permits, and the rules apply only inside city limits, not unincorporated Pueblo County.

Violations & Fines

Building or altering land in a Special Flood Hazard Area without a permit is a Code violation punished under Pueblo Municipal Code § 1-2-1.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Section 17-9-3(c) requires a Floodplain Development Permit for any location, alteration, or use change within a Special Flood Hazard Area.

Does this apply outside Pueblo city limits?

No. This chapter governs the City of Pueblo only; unincorporated Pueblo County has its own separate land-use code.

Sources & Official References

[1]Pueblo Municipal Code § 17-9-3, Municode Library

Other rules in Pueblo

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Flood Elevation RequirementsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Pueblo rules

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