Floodplain Remapping

Following the 2013 flood, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) initiated a program to re-map the predicted 1% annual chance flood zone (100-year floodplain) of the most affected waterways. The program was called the “Colorado Hazard Mapping Program,” or CHAMP. Visit the CHAMP website to learn more.

In September 2019, FEMA released Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the same CHAMP reaches, refining the draft maps. The Preliminary FIRMs were adopted by the Town of Lyons Board of Trustees, replacing the draft map data, to allow the county to base floodplain regulations on the best available data. In late 2021, upon final FEMA approval and adoption, the floodplain mapping will be formalized for flood insurance purposes.

Please contact floodplain@townoflyons.com with questions or to learn more about the floodplain mapping changes.

What is the timeline of the CHAMP process?

Phase I data was submitted by CHAMP to FEMA in the spring of 2017 and Phase II data was submitted in the spring of 2018. FEMA issued Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) based on CHAMP data in September 2019. The FEMA process after receiving Preliminary FIRMs includes a formal public comment and appeal period, further analysis, and the release of final effective FIRMs. FEMA ran a 90-day appeal period from March to June, 2020. Due to the pandemic and the need for most appellants to submit additional information, FEMA is running a second appeal period. Anyone may submit an appeal during the second appeal period.

The timeline for this phase of the FIRM development process can last 18 months or longer and is dependent upon FEMA timelines and budgets.

When do the draft maps or Preliminary FIRMs become effective?

Boulder County locally adopted the draft maps developed from the CHAMP study for regulatory purposes shortly after they were submitted to FEMA for initial review.

The Lyons Board of Trustees adopted Ordinance 1075, on January 21, 2020, adopting best available data, which uses both the existing FIRM and the Preliminary FIRM to regulate development. These new regulations (Ordinance 1075) will go into effect on March 13, 2020. Local adoption of the Preliminary FIRMs does not impact flood insurance requirements and rates.

Preliminary FIRMs

When will FEMA adopt the CHAMP mapping?

FEMA adoption of the CHAMP mapping is anticipated by 2021 for the entire area. Formal public comment will be collected as part of the FEMA adoption process. Once adopted by FEMA, the maps become the effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and will then be used for both insurance and regulatory purposes.

On February 10, 2020, the Town of Lyons held a public meeting to present the Preliminary FIRMs. The slides below were presented at the meeting (click each to expand).