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New Draft FEMA Flood Maps Available for Review
The Mile High Flood District (MHFD), along with seventeen local communities, studied nine separate creeks and gulches to update information about where flooding may happen. The Flood Hazard Area Delineation Studies (FHAD) were submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and new draft FEMA Flood Maps with the updated flood risk information are now ready for people to look at. The maps are not final and may change before FEMA completes the Physical Map Revision (PMR) process.
We mailed more than 11,000 postcards to properties that may be effected by these maps. You can review the maps to see how your property may be affected.
Start Here: Look Up Your Property
Use the search tool to look up your property. Check whether your property is in the 100-year floodplain (also called the SFHA) and/or if your structure is in the 100-year floodplain. Buildings in the 100-year floodplain that have a mortgage backed by the federal government must have federal flood insurance (see more in FAQs).
Open Houses
Staff from MHFD, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and local communities will be there to answer questions and explain the draft maps.
In Person Open House
- No registration required
- Meet directly with project staff
- Spanish translation available
Wedesday, September 23, 5:30PM-7:30PM @ 7437 S. Fairplay Street, Centennial, CO 80112 (SEMSWA Building)
Thursday, September 24, 5:30PM-7:30PM @ 6842 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, CO 80003 (Apex Community Recreation Center)
Virtual Open House
- Registration required
- Attend online from your computer or mobile device
- Spanish translation available
Tuesday, September 22, 12:00PM-1:00PM (Register Here)
Tuesday, September 22, 5:30PM-6:30PM (Register Here)
Why did I receive a postcard?
You received a postcard because your property is located within the current or proposed 100-year floodplain associated with the nine creeks or gulches that were recently remapped.
Does receiving a postcard mean flood insurance is required?
Not necessarily. Flood insurance requirements are generally based on whether a structure is located within the 100-year floodplain (Special Flood Hazard Area) shown on the effective FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. Review the draft maps to understand potential future changes.
Are these maps final?
No. These are draft FEMA flood maps provided for public review.
What happens next?
After public review and FEMA processing are complete, the revised flood maps will become effective.
What is a Physical Map Revision (PMR)?
MHFD and FEMA work together to incorporate locally developed FHAD studies into the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The FHAD studies have been produced to identify and update flood risk information and floodplain boundaries. The Physical Map Revision (PMR) is the FEMA process to update the FIRMs.
What is a Flood Hazard Area Delineation (FHAD) Study?
A FHAD study is used to identify and update flood risk potential and floodplain boundaries due to both natural and development related changes that occur over time. FHAD studies are often prepared in concurrence with updates to master drainage plan studies, and provide communities with the best available data to keep properties and people safe from flooding.
Who Conducts a FHAD Study?
A FHAD study is funded by the MHFD at the community’s request. An engineering consultant (approved by the communities) works cooperatively with both MHFD and representatives from the impacted communities to develop the flood risk information. Once completed, the FHAD study is designated by the CWCB, and can then be used for local floodplain management purposes.
How are FEMA Maps Updated?
The FHAD data is submitted to FEMA for a PMR of the effective FEMA flood hazard information. A FEMA contractor reviews this data and then uses the FHAD data to generate revised FIRMs and Flood Insurance Study information.
What are Common Types of Flood Risk Changes?
An increase in flood risk may include one or more of the following scenarios:
- Inclusion of property, partially or fully, in the SFHA
- Widening of the SFHA on a specific property
- Increases in BFE
- Inclusion of properties, partially or fully, in the floodway
- Widening of the floodway on a specific property
A decrease in flood risk may include one or more of the following scenarios:
- Removal of property from the SFHA
- Narrowing of the SFHA on a specific property
- Decreases in BFE
- Removal of property from the floodway
- Narrowing of the floodway on a specific property
Who Will Be Affected?
Property owners impacted by changes to the flood risk information will be informed of the revisions so they can take appropriate action. Those property owners with either an increased flood risk, or who are newly mapped into the SFHA on the FIRM as a result of the study, may need to purchase flood insurance or take other actions to protect their property and livelihood. Property owners with reduced risk or those who are newly mapped out of the SFHA are not required to have flood insurance. But they are encouraged to consider or look into modifying an existing flood insurance policy for a reduced rate. Developers will need to ensure that any plans are in compliance with associated local floodplain development regulations. Floodway areas typically have even more restrictive development regulations.
Have More Questions?
Contact us at: Contact@mhfd.org
Go to our Flood Safety page for information on protecting your property and flood insurance.