Colorado Springs Floodplain Bylaws for Property Owners

Environmental Protection Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado property owners who live in or near regulated floodplains must follow local bylaws and permit rules to reduce flood risk, protect property, and keep drainage systems working. This guide explains prevention steps, how to check local floodplain maps, permit triggers, reporting channels, and where to get official guidance from the City’s floodplain program and code resources. For official program details see the City floodplain page City Floodplain Management[1] and the municipal code City Code[2].

Check your property against the official FEMA and city maps before any work.

Why owners must act

Owners are responsible for safe site design, proper grading, maintaining drainage easements, and obtaining required floodplain permits before construction, fill, or substantial improvements. The City coordinates floodplain management across Stormwater and Development Services to minimize public hazard and comply with federal flood insurance program requirements.

Prevention steps for owners

  • Contact the City Floodplain Program to confirm whether your parcel lies in a regulated floodplain and request map interpretation.
  • Obtain a Floodplain Development Permit before beginning work that changes ground elevation, adds structures, or alters drainage.
  • Use elevation certificates and design to FEMA and City standards to elevate or floodproof buildings where required.
  • Maintain and clear private drainage channels, culverts, and easements; keep records of maintenance.
  • Report illegal filling, blocked channels, or unauthorized work to City Stormwater or Code Enforcement immediately.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is led by the City Stormwater Division and Development Services/Code Enforcement; specific enforcement procedures and penalties are set out in the municipal code and related enforcement rules. Where the municipal code or program pages list penalties or civil remedies they apply; if an exact fine amount is not shown on the cited pages it is not specified there and you should consult the listed contacts for current amounts.Stormwater Division[3][2]

  • Fines: dollar amounts for violations are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: whether a violation is treated as a first, repeat, or continuing offense and specific per-day penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to restore altered floodplain, civil abatement, and referral to municipal or district court are available remedies as described in the municipal code.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: complaints may be submitted to the Stormwater Division or Code Enforcement online or by phone; the Stormwater contact page lists submission methods and contacts.[3]
  • Appeal/review: appeal routes are defined by city code or administrative rules; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with Development Services or the City Clerk.
If you receive a stop-work or violation notice, act quickly to contact the issuing office and follow appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

Common forms and permits include a Floodplain Development Permit and, where required, an Elevation Certificate or FEMA forms. The City and Development Services publish permit application instructions; fee schedules and exact submission steps are not specified on the cited pages and may change, so confirm current fees and accepted submission methods with the issuing office.[3]

How-To

  1. Confirm floodplain status: request a map interpretation from the City Floodplain Program and check FEMA maps.
  2. Apply for required permits: submit Floodplain Development Permit materials and elevation data as instructed by Development Services.
  3. Design and build to standards: use qualified engineers to meet elevation, floodproofing, and drainage requirements.
  4. Maintain documentation: keep elevation certificates, permits, and maintenance records for insurance and compliance.
  5. Report violations or flooding hazards to Stormwater or Code Enforcement immediately.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to work on my property in a floodplain?
Not always, but many changes to grade, fill, or structural improvements in a regulated floodplain require a Floodplain Development Permit; check with the City Floodplain Program.
How do I check if my house is in a regulated floodplain?
Request a property-specific floodplain determination from the City Floodplain Program or review FEMA flood maps and the City’s mapped data.
Who enforces floodplain rules and how do I report a problem?
The Stormwater Division and Code Enforcement manage compliance; report issues via the Stormwater contact page or the City code enforcement portal.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm floodplain status before work to avoid penalties and safety risks.
  • Obtain required floodplain permits and elevation documentation early in project planning.
  • Keep records and contact Stormwater or Development Services for official guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City Floodplain Management - coloradosprings.gov
  2. [2] City Code of Ordinances - Municode Library
  3. [3] Stormwater Division - coloradosprings.gov

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