Aurora Floodplain and Flood Control Permits

Environmental Protection Colorado 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Aurora, Colorado requires permits and controls for development in floodplains and for work affecting storm channels and flood-control structures. This guide summarizes who enforces those rules, what permits are typically required, the application process, enforcement and appeal routes, and where to find official forms and contacts. It is aimed at property owners, developers, contractors, and consultants working inside or near mapped floodplain areas or performing flood-control, drainage, or channel work in Aurora.

Check mapped flood zones before buying or building on a property.

Overview of Requirements

Work that changes drainage, adds fill or structures, alters channels, or changes floodplain elevations generally triggers floodplain review and may require a floodplain development permit, flood-control permit, or building permit with floodplain conditions. The City of Aurora administers floodplain management through its Public Works and Planning divisions and refers to locally adopted ordinances and FEMA minimum standards.City of Aurora Floodplain Management[1]

  • Projects in mapped floodplains typically require a Floodplain Development Permit.
  • Channel or stormwater control work often requires a Flood Control or Stormwater Permit.
  • Engineered plans, elevation certificates, and hydrologic analyses are commonly required for review.

Applicable Law and Official Sources

Local ordinance text and the municipal code set standards for floodplain development, usually incorporating FEMA and Colorado requirements; see the Aurora municipal code and official city pages for the controlling instrument and adopted regulations.Aurora Municipal Code[2]

  • The Planning & Development and Public Works/Stormwater divisions are the primary enforcement and permitting offices.
  • Design standards and submittal checklists may appear on the city's building permits and stormwater pages.Aurora Building Permits[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Aurora through its Public Works, Planning, Building Safety, or Code Enforcement units. Specific monetary fines and escalation rules for floodplain or flood-control violations are not consistently published on a single page; where numeric penalties are absent from the cited pages the text below indicates that fact and points to enforcement pathways.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code and enforcement contacts for exact amounts.Aurora Municipal Code[2]
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence escalation is not specified on the cited page and may be applied per general penalty provisions in the municipal code.Aurora Municipal Code[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the city may issue stop-work orders, require restoration, record notices against property, seek injunctive relief or abatement in court, and revoke or withhold permits.
  • Enforcer and complaints: contact Aurora Public Works - Stormwater or Planning & Development to report violations or request inspections; official contact pages list submission methods and staff.City of Aurora Floodplain Management[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are governed by the municipal code or permit decision procedures; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the permit decision notice or the issuing department.Aurora Municipal Code[2]
  • Defences and discretion: applicants may seek variances, conditional permits, or demonstrate a reasonable excuse such as emergency repairs; variance procedures are set out in local ordinances or permit rules.
If you receive a stop-work order, contact the issuing office immediately to learn appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

Common submittals for floodplain or flood-control permits include:

  • Floodplain Development Permit application (form name/number: not specified on the cited page).
  • Elevation Certificate for finished floor or structure elevations where required.
  • Permit fees: specific fee schedules or amounts for floodplain or flood-control permits are not specified on the cited pages; check the building permit fee schedule or stormwater permit fee listings on city pages.
Many projects require both a building permit and a floodplain review before work begins.

How to Apply and Typical Review Steps

  1. Verify whether property lies in a mapped floodplain using city flood maps and FEMA maps.
  2. Consult the City of Aurora planning or stormwater staff for pre-application guidance and submittal requirements.City of Aurora Floodplain Management[1]
  3. Prepare engineering plans, hydrologic studies, and elevation data as required by the reviewers.
  4. Submit applications and pay fees through the city's permit portal or in person at the Planning & Development office.
  5. Address review comments, obtain approvals, and secure any required variances before construction.

FAQ

Do I always need a floodplain permit to build in Aurora?
The need for a floodplain or flood-control permit depends on whether the site is in a mapped floodplain or affects drainage or channel features; contact Planning & Development or Stormwater for a determination.
How long does review take?
Typical review timelines depend on project complexity and completeness of submittal; specific turnaround times are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the permitting office.
What penalties apply if I build without a permit?
Penalties may include fines, stop-work orders, requirements to remove unauthorized work, and court action; exact fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Confirm floodplain status for the property using city or FEMA maps.
  2. Contact Aurora Planning & Development or Stormwater for pre-application advice.
  3. Assemble required documents: plans, hydrology, elevation certificate, and permit application.
  4. Submit the application and pay fees via the city's permit portal or office.
  5. Respond to review comments and obtain final permit approval before construction.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check floodplain status early to avoid costly rework.
  • Permits often require engineered documentation and elevation data.
  • Contact city planning or stormwater staff for guidance before submitting.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Aurora Floodplain Management
  2. [2] Aurora Municipal Code
  3. [3] Aurora Building Permits

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