HomeMy WebLinkAboutORDINANCE 25-19ORDINANCE NO.25-19
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 17.28 AND ADDING TITLE 18 OF
THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK RELATING TO
FLOODPLAIN REGULATIONS
WHEREAS,the Legislature of the State of Colorado has,in Title 29,Article 20 of
the Colorado Revised Statutes,delegated the responsibility of local governmental
units to adopt regulations designed to minimize flood losses;and
WHEREAS,the flood hazard areas of the Town of Estes Park are subject to
periodic inundation,which can result in loss of life and property,health and safety
hazards,disruption of commerce and governmental services,and extraordinary public
expenditures for flood protection and relief,all of which adversely affect the health,
safety and general welfare of the public;and
WHEREAS,these flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of
obstructions in floodplains which cause an increase in flood heights and velocities,
and by the occupancy of flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods and
hazardous to other lands because they are inadequately elevated,floodproofed or
otherwise protected from flood damage;and
WHEREAS,the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes Park,Colorado has
determined that it is in the best interest of the Town to amend certain sections of the
Municipal Code of the Town of Estes Park,Colorado.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
TOWN OF ESTES PARK,COLORADO AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1:Section 17.28 (“Floodplain Regulations”)of the Municipal Code is
hereby repealed in its entirety.
Section 2:The Municipal Code is hereby amended by the addition of Title 18
(“Flood Damage Prevention”),included herein as Exhibit A.
Section 3:This amendment to the Estes Park Municipal Code shall take effect
and be enforced thirty (30)days after its adoption and publication.
PASSED ANADOPTED by the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes Park,
Colorado this 2A day of
________________
2019.
TOWN OF ESTES PARK,COLORADO
By:\LA z’—
Mayor V
ATTEST:
Lc op
Town Clerk
I hereby certify that the above Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the
Board ofTrusteesonthe Z’11 day of’.p-kMi2&€_,2019 and published in a
newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Estes Park,Colorado,on the 11 day
__________
9,all as required by the Statutes of the State of Colorado.
TC Ie rk
EXHIBIT A
Title 18—Flood Damage Prevention
Chapter 18.04-Floodplain Regulations
18.04.010 -Purpose.
It is the purpose of this ordinance to promote public health,safety and general welfare and to
minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions
designed to:
1.Protect human life and health;
2.Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
3.Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally
undertaken at the expense of the general public;
4.Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
5.Minimize damage to critical facilities,infrastructure and other public facilities such as
water,sewer and gas mains;electric and communications stations;and streets and
bridges located in floodplains;
6.Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of
flood-prone areas in such a manner as to minimize future flood blight areas;and
7.Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is located in a flood hazard
area.
In order to accomplish its purposes,this ordinance uses the following methods:
1.Restrict or prohibit uses that are dangerous to health,safety or property in times of
flood,or cause excessive increases in flood heights or velocities;
2.Require that uses vulnerable to floods,including facilities which serve such uses,be
protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
3.Control the alteration of natural floodplains,stream channels,and natural protective
barriers,which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters;
4.Control filling,grading,dredging and other development which may increase flood
damage;
5.Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood
waters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.
18.04.020 —Definitions.
Unless specifically defined below,words or phrases used in this ordinance shall be interpreted
to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this ordinance its most
reasonable application.
100-YEAR FLOOD -A flood having a recurrence interval that has a one-percent chance of
being equaled or exceeded during any given year (1-percent-annual-chance flood).The terms
“one
hundred-year flood”and “one percent chance flood”are synonymous with the term “100-year
flood.”The term does not imply that the flood will necessarily happen once every one hundred
years.
100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN -The area of land susceptible to being inundated as a result of the
occurrence of a one-hundred-year flood.
500-YEAR FLOOD -A flood having a recurrence interval that has a 0.2-percent chance of
being equaled or exceeded during any given year (0.2-percent-chance-annual-flood).The
term does not imply that the flood will necessarily happen once every five hundred years.
500-YEAR FLOODPLAIN -The area of land susceptible to being inundated as a result of the
occurrence of a five-hundred-year flood.
ADDITION -Any activity that expands the enclosed footprint or increases the square footage
of an existing structure.
ALLUVIAL FAN FLOODING -A fan-shaped sediment deposit formed by a stream that flows
from a steep mountain valley or gorge onto a plain or the junction of a tributary stream with the
main stream.Alluvial fans contain active stream channels and boulder bars,and recently
abandoned
channels.Alluvial fans are predominantly formed by alTuvial deposits and are modified by
infrequent
sheet flood,channel avulsions and other stream processes.
AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING -A designated Zone AO or AH on a community’s Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)with a one percent chance or greater annual chance of flooding to
an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist,where
the path of flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident.Such flooding is
characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
BASE FLOOD —The flood which has a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in
any given year (also known as a 100-year flood).This term is used in the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP)to indicate the minimum level of flooding to be used by a
community in its floodplain management regulations.
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE)-The elevation shown on a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate
Map for Zones AE,AH,A1-A30,AR,ARIA,AR/AE,AR/Al -A30,AR/AH,AR/AO,V1-V30,and
VE that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a one percent
chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year.
BASEMENT -Any area of a building having its floor sub-grade (below ground level)on all
sides.
CHANNEL -The physical confine of stream or waterway consisting of a bed and stream
banks,existing in a variety of geometries.
CHANNELIZATION -The artificial creation,enlargement or realignment of a stream channel.
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)-The codification of the general and permanent
Rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the
Federal Government.It is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas subject to Federal
regulation.
COMMUNITY -Any political subdivision in the state of Colorado that has authority to adopt
and enforce floodplain management regulations through zoning,including,but not limited to,
cities,towns,unincorporated areas in the counties,Indian tribes and drainage and flood
control districts.
CONDITIONAL LETTER OF MAP REVISION (CLOMR)-FEMA’s comment on a proposed
project,which does not revise an effective floodplain map,that would,upon construction,affect
the hydrologic or hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and thus result in the modification
of the existing regulatory floodplain.
CRITICAL FACILITY —A structure or related infrastructure,but not the land on which it is
situated,as specified in 18.04.230 that if flooded may result in significant hazards to public
health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any time
before,during and after a flood.See 18.04.230.
DEVELOPMENT -Any man-made change in improved and unimproved real estate,including
but not limited to buildings or other structures,mining,dredging,filling,grading,paving,
excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.
DFIRM DATABASE -Database (usually spreadsheets containing data and analyses that
accompany DFIRMs).The FEMA Mapping Specifications and Guidelines outline
requirements for the development and maintenance of DFIRM databases.
DIGITAL FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (DFIRM)-FEMA digital floodplain map.These
digital maps serve as “regulatory floodplain maps”for insurance and floodplain management
purposes.
ELEVATED BUILDING -A non-basement building (i)built,in the case of a building in
Zones A1-30,AE,A,A99,AD,AH,B,C,X,and D,to have the top of the elevated floor above
the ground level by means of pilings,columns (posts and piers),or shear walls parallel to the
flow of the
water and (N)adequately anchored so as not to impair the structural integrity of the building
during a flood of up to the magnitude of the base flood.In the case of Zones A1-30,AE,A,A99,
AD,AH,B,C,X,and D,“elevated building”also includes a building elevated by means of fill or
solid
foundation perimeter walls with openings sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movement of
flood waters.
EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION -A manufactured home park
or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including,at a minimum,the installation of utilities,the
construction of streets,and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads)is
completed before the effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by a
community.
EXPANSION TO AN EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
The preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on
which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities,the
construction of streets,and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).
FEDERAL REGISTER -The official daily publication for Rules,proposed Rules,and notices
of
Federal agencies and organizations,as well as executive orders and other presidential
documents.
FEMA -Federal Emergency Management Agency,the agency responsible for administering
the
National Flood Insurance Program.
FLOOD OR FLOODING -A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation
of normally dry land areas from:
1.The overflow of water from channels and reservoir spillways;
2.The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;or
3.Mudslides or mudflows that occur from excess surface water that is combined with
mud or other debris that is sufficiently fluid so as to flow over the surface of normally
dry land areas (such as earth carried by a current of water and deposited along the
path of the current).
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)—An official map of a community,on which the
Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the Special Flood Hazard
Areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS)-The official report provided by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.The report contains the Flood Insurance Rate Map as well as flood
profiles for studied flooding sources that can be used to determine Base Flood Elevations for
some areas.
FLOODPLAIN OR FLOOD-PRONE AREA -Any land area susceptible to being inundated as
the result of a flood,including the area of land over which floodwater would flow from the spillway
of a reservoir.
FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR -The community official designated by title to administer
and enforce the floodplain management regulations.
FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT —A permit required before construction or
development begins within any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).Permits are required to
ensure that proposed development projects meet the requirements of the NFIP and this
floodplain management ordinance.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT -The operation of an overall program of corrective and
preventive measures for reducing flood damage,including but not limited to emergency
preparedness plans,flood control works and floodplain management regulations.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS -Zoning ordinances,subdivision regulations,
building codes,health regulations,special purpose ordinances (such as a floodplain
ordinance,grading ordinance and erosion control ordinance)and other applications of police
power.The term describes such state or local regulations,in any combination thereof,which
provide standards for the purpose of flood damage prevention and reduction.
FLOOD CONTROL STRUCTURE -A physical structure designed and built expressly or
partially for the purpose of reducing,redirecting,or guiding flood flows along a particular
waterway.These specialized flood modifying works are those constructed in conformance with
sound engineering standards.
FLOODPROOFING -Any combination of structural and/or non-structural additions,changes,
or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or
improved real property,water and sanitary facilities,structures and their contents.
FLOODWAY (REGULATORY FLOODWAY)-The channel of a river or other watercourse
and adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without
cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height.The
Colorado statewide standard for the designated height to be used for all newly studied
reaches shall be one-half foot (six inches).Letters of Map Revision to existing floodway
delineations may continue to use the floodway criteria in place at the time of the existing
floodway delineation.
FREEBOARD -The vertical distance in feet above a predicted water surface elevation
intended to provide a margin of safety to compensate for unknown factors that could
contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood such as
debris blockage of bridge openings and the increased runoff due to urbanization of the
watershed.
FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT USE -A use which cannot perform its intended purpose
unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water.The term includes only docking
facilities,port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or
passengers,and ship building and ship repair facilities,but does not include long-term storage
or related manufacturing facilities.
HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE —The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to
construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE -Any structure that is:
1.Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by
the
Department of Interior)or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as
meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
2.Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to
the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily
determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
3.Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic
preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of Interior;or
4.Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic
preservation programs that have been certified either:
a.By an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior
or;
b.Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
LETTER OF MAP REVISION (LOMR)-FEMA’s official revision of an effective Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM),or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM),or both.LOMRs
are generally based on the implementation of physical measures that affect the hydrologic or
hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and thus result in the modification of the existing
regulatory floodway,the effective Base Flood Elevations (BFE5),or the Special Flood Hazard
Area (SFHA).
LETTER OF MAP REVISION BASED ON FILL (LOMR-F)—FEMA’s modification of the
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)based on
the placement of fill outside the existing regulatory floodway.
LEVEE —A man-made embankment,usually earthen,designed and constructed in
accordance with sound engineering practices to contain,control,or divert the flow of water so
as to provide protection from temporary flooding.For a levee structure to be reflected on the
FEMA FIRMs as providing flood protection,the levee structure must meet the requirements
set forth in 44 CFR 65.10.
LEVEE SYSTEM -A flood protection system which consists of a levee,or levees,and
associated structures,such as closure and drainage devices,which are constructed and
operated in accordance with sound engineering practices.
LOWEST FLOOR -The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement).Any
floor used for living purposes which includes working,storage,sleeping,cooking and eating,
or recreation or any combination thereof.This includes any floor that could be converted to
such a use such as a basement or crawl space.The lowest floor is a determinate for the flood
insurance premium for a building,home or business.An unfinished or flood resistant
enclosure,usable solely for parking or vehicles,building access or storage in an area other
than a basement area is not considered a building’s lowest floor;provided that such enclosure
is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design
requirement of Section 60.3 of the National Flood insurance Program regulations.
MANUFACTURED HOME -A structure transportable in one or more sections,which is built
on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when
connected to the required utilities.The term “manufactured home”does not include a
“recreational vehicle”.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION -A parcel (or contiguous parcels)of land
divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
MEAN SEA LEVEL -For purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program,the
North American Vertical Datum (NAVD)of 1988 or other datum,to which Base Flood
Elevations shown on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)—A form with data regarding the properties of a
particular substance.An important component of product stewardship and workplace safety,it
is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or
working with that substance in a safe manner,and includes information such as physical data
(melting point,boiling point,flash point,etc.),toxicity,health effects,first aid,reactivity,
storage,disposal,protective equipment,and spill-handling procedures.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM (NFIP)—FEMA’s program of flood insurance
coverage and floodplain management administered in conjunction with the Robert T.Stafford
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.The NFIP has applicable Federal regulations
promulgated in Title
44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.The U.S.Congress established the NFIP in 1968 with
the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.
NEW CONSTRUCTION —The construction of a new structure (including the placement of a
mobile home)or facility or the replacement of a structure or facility which has been totally
destroyed.
NEW MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION -A manufactured home park or
subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum,the installation of utilities,the
construction of streets,and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads)is
completed on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by a
community.
NO-RISE CERTIFICATION —A record of the results of an engineering analysis conducted to
determine whether a project will increase flood heights in a floodway.A No-Rise Certification
must be supported by technical data and signed by a registered Colorado Professional
Engineer.The supporting technical data should be based on the standard step-backwater
computer model used to develop the 100-year floodway shown on the Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM)or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM).
PHYSICAL MAP REVISION (PMR)-FEMA’s action whereby one or more map panels are
physically revised and republished.A PMR is used to change flood risk zones,floodplain
and/or floodway delineations,flood elevations,and/or planimetric features.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE -means a vehicle which is:
1.Built on a single chassis;
2.400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projections;
3.Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck;and
4.Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living
quarters for recreational,camping,travel,or seasonal use.
SUBDIVISION shall have the meaning given in §30-28-101,C.R.S.,and shall include any use
of a parcel or building for condominiums.
SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA —The land in the floodplain within a community subject to
a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year,i.e.,the 100-year floodplain.
START OF CONSTRUCTION -The date the building permit was issued,including substantial
improvements,provided the actual start of construction,repair,reconstruction,rehabilitation,
addition,placement,or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date.The actual
start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site,such
as the pouring of slab or footings,the installation of piles,the construction of columns,or any
work beyond the stage of excavation;or the placement of a manufactured home on a
foundation.Permanent construction does not include land preparation,such as clearing,
grading and filling;nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways;nor does it
include excavation for basement,footings,piers or foundations or the erection of temporary
forms;nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings,such as
garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure.For a
substantial improvement,the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall,
ceiling,floor,or other structural part of a building,whether or not that alteration affects the
external dimensions of the building.
STRUCTURE -A walled and roofed building,including a gas or liquid storage tank,which is
principally above ground,as well as a manufactured home.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE -Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost
of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of
the market value of the structure just prior to when the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT -Any reconstruction,rehabilitation,addition,or other
improvement of a structure,the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market
value of the structure before “Start of Construction”of the improvement.The value of the
structure shall be determined by the local jurisdiction having land use authority in the area of
interest.This includes structures which have incurred “Substantial Damage”,regardless of the
actual repair work performed.The term does not,however,include either:
1.Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or
local health,sanitary,or safety code specifications which have been identified by the
local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary conditions or
2.Any alteration of a “historic structure”provided that the alteration will not preclude the
structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure.”
THRESHOLD PLANNING QUANTITY (TPQ)—A quantity designated for each chemical on
the list of extremely hazardous substances that triggers notification by facilities to the State
that such facilities are subject to emergency planning requirements.
VARIANCE -A grant of relief to a person from the requirement of this ordinance when specific
enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship.A variance,therefore,permits construction
or development in a manner otherwise prohibited by this ordinance.(For full requirements see
Section
60.6 of the National Flood Insurance Program regulations).
VIOLATION -The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the
community’s floodplain management regulations.A structure or other development without the
elevation certificate,other certifications,or other evidence of compliance required in Section
60.3(b)(5),(c)(4),(c)(10),(d)(3),(e)(2),(e)(4),or (e)(5)is presumed to be in violation until such
time
as that documentation is provided.
WATER SURFACE ELEVATION -The height,in relation to the North American
Vertical Datum (NAVD)of 1988 (or other datum,where specified),of floods of various
magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.
18.04.030 LANDS TO WHICH THIS ORDINANCE APPLIES
The ordinance 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 Town of Estes Park,Colorado.
18.04.040 BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA
The Special Flood Hazard Areas will be identified by the scientific and engineering report
entitled Flood Insurance Study for Larimer County and Incorporated Areas (“Flood
Insurance Study”),dated February 6,2013 including its accompanying Flood Insurance
Rate Maps and/or Flood Boundary-Floodway Maps.These Special Flood Hazard Areas
identified by the Flood Insurance Study and attendant mapping are the minimum area of
applicability of this ordinance and will be supplemented by the study entitled Colorado
Hazard Mapping Program,Hydraulic Analysis —Volume 2,Technical Support Data
Notebook for the Big Thompson Watershed (HUC-8 10190006)(‘Big Thompson
Watershed Technical Support Data Notebook),dated August 16,2019,including its
Summary Addendum,wherever it is more restrictive than the Flood Insurance Study.The
Big Thompson Watershed Technical Support Data Notebook has been designated and
approved by the Colorado Water Conservation Board at its September 18-19,2019 meeting in
Alamosa,Colorado.These special flood hazard areas are the minimum area of applicability of
this chapter and may be further supplemented by studies designated and approved by the
Town Board by ordinance.The Floodplain Administrator shall keep a copy of the Flood
Insurance Study and a copy of the Big Thompson Watershed Technical Support Data
Notebook,including the Summary Addendum to the Big Thompson Technical Support
Data Notebook,listing the names and corresponding stream mileages of all of the streams
studied in said report,on file and available for public inspection.
16.04.050 ESTABLISHMENT OF FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions
of this ordinance.
18.04.060 COMPLIANCE
No structure or land shall hereafter be located,altered,or have its use changed within the
Special Flood Hazard Area without full compliance with the terms of this ordinance and other
applicable regulations.Nothing herein shall prevent the Board of Trustees from taking such
lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.These regulations meet the
minimum requirements as set forth by the Colorado Water Conservation Board and the
National Flood Insurance Program.
18.04.070 ABROGATION AND GREATER RESTRICTIONS
This ordinance is not intended to repeal,abrogate,or impair any existing easements.
However,where this ordinance and another ordinance or easement conflict or overlap,
whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.
18.04.080 INTERPRETATION
In the interpretation and application of this ordinance,all provisions shall be:
1.Considered as minimum requirements;
2.Liberally construed in favor of the governing body;and
3.Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes.
18.04.090 WARNING AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
The degree of flood protection required by this ordinance is considered reasonable for
regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations.On rare
occasions greater floods can and will occur and flood heights may be increased by man-made
or natural causes.
This ordinance does not imply that land outside the Special Flood Hazard Area or uses
permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages.This ordinance shall
not create liability on the part of the Community or any official or employee or agent thereof for
any flood damages that
result from reliance on this ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
18.04.100 SEVERABILITY
This ordinance and the various parts thereof are hereby declared to be severable.Should any
section of this ordinance be declared by the courts to be unconstitutional or invalid,such
decision shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole,or any portion thereof other
than the section so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.
18.04.110 DESIGNATION OF THE FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR
The Town of Estes Park appointed Floodplain Administrator shall administer,implement and
enforce the provisions of this ordinance and other appropriate sections of 44 CER (National
Flood Insurance Program Regulations)pertaining to floodplain management.Floodplain
Administrator means the community official designated by the Town Administrator to
administer and enforce the floodplain management regulations.
18.04.120 DUTIES &RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR
Duties and responsibilities of the Floodplain Administrator shall include,but not be limited to,
the following:
1.Maintain all records pertaining to the provisions of this ordinance,including the actual
elevation (in relation to mean sea level)of the lowest floor (including basement)of all
new or substantially improved structures and any floodproofing certificate required by
18.04.130.
2.Review,approve,or deny all applications for Floodplain Development Permits
required by adoption of this ordinance.
3.Review Floodplain Development Permit applications to determine whether a proposed
building site,including the placement of manufactured homes,will be reasonably safe
from flooding.
4.Review permits for proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have
been obtained from those Federal,State or local governmental agencies (including
Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972,33
U.S.C.1334)from which prior approval is required.
5.Inspect all development at appropriate times during the period of construction to
ensure compliance with all provisions of this ordinance,including proper elevation of
the structure.
6.Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of the boundaries of the
Special Flood Hazard Area (for example,where there appears to be a conflict
between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions)the Floodplain Administrator
shall make the necessary interpretation.
7.When Base Flood Elevation data has not been provided in accordance with
18.04.040,the Floodplain Administrator shall obtain,review and reasonably utilize any
Base Flood,Elevation data and Floodway data available from a Federal,State,or
other source,in order to administer the provisions of 18.04.160 -18.04.230.
8.For waterways with Base Flood Elevations for which a regulatory Floodway has not
been designated,no new construction,substantial improvements,or other
development (including fill)shall be permitted within Zones Al-3D and AE on the
community’s FIRM,unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the
proposed development,when combined with all other existing and anticipated
development,will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than
one-half foot at any point within the community.
9.Under the provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1,Section 65.12,of the National Flood
Insurance Program regulations,a community may approve certain development in
Zones Al-3D,AE,AH,on the community’s FIRM which increases the water surface
elevation of the base flood by more than one-half foot,provided that the community
first applies for a conditional FIRM revision through FEMA (Conditional Letter of Map
Revision),fulfills the requirements for such revisions as established under the
provisions of Section 65.12 and receives FEMA approval.
10.Notify,in riverine situations,adjacent communities and the State Coordinating
Agency,which is the Colorado Water Conservation Board,prior to any alteration or
relocation of a watercourse,and submit evidence of such notification to FEMA.
11.Ensure that the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of any
watercourse is maintained.
18.04.130 PERMIT PROCEDURES
Application for a Floodplain Development Permit shall be presented to the Floodplain
Administrator on forms furnished by him/her and may include,but not be limited to,plans in
duplicate drawn to scale showing the location,dimensions,and elevation of proposed
landscape alterations,existing and proposed structures,including the placement of
manufactured homes,and the location of the foregoing in relation to Special Flood Hazard
Area.Additionally,the following information is required:
1.Elevation (in relation to mean sea level),of the lowest floor (including basement)of all
new and substantially improved structures;
2.Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any nonresidential structure shall be
floodproofed;
3.A certificate from a registered Colorado Professional Engineer or architect that the
nonresidential floodproofed structure shall meet the floodproafing criteria of
18.04.170(2);
4.Description of the extent to which any watercourse or natural drainage will be altered
or relocated as a result of proposed development.
5.Maintain a record of all such information in accordance with 18.04.120.
Approval or denial of a Floodplain Development Permit by the Floodplain Administrator shall
be based on all of the provisions of this ordinance and the following relevant factors:
1.The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
2.The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the
effect of such damage on the individual owner;
3.The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;
4.The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;
5.The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency
vehicles;
6.The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions
including maintenance and repair of streets and bridges,and public utilities and
facilities such as sewer,gas,electrical and water systems;
7.The expected heights,velocity,duration,rate of rise and sediment transport of the
flood waters and the effects of wave action,if applicable,expected at the site;
8.The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location,where applicable;
9.The availability of alternative locations,not subject to flooding or erosion damage,for
the proposed use;
18.04.140 VARIANCE PROCEDURES
1.The Board of Trustees,as established by the Community,shall hear and render
judgment on requests for variances from the requirements of this ordinance.
2.The Board of Trustees shall hear and render judgment on an appeal only when it is
alleged there is an error in any requirement,decision,or determination made by the
Floodplain Administrator in the enforcement or administration of this ordinance.
3.Any person or persons aggrieved by the decision of the Board of Trustees may
appeal such decision in the courts of competent jurisdiction.
4.The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain a record of all actions involving an appeal
and shall report variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency upon
request.
5.Variances may be issued for the reconstruction,rehabilitation or restoration of
structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of
Historic Places,without regard to the procedures set forth in the remainder of this
ordinance.
6.Variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be
erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots
with existing structures constructed below the base flood level,providing the relevant
factors in 18.04.130 have been fully considered.As the lot size increases beyond the
one-half acre,the technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.
7.Upon consideration of the factors noted above and the intent of this ordinance,the
Board of Trustees may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems
necessary to further the purpose and objectives of this ordinance as stated in
18.04.0 10.
8.Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood
levels during the base flood discharge would result.
9.Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a
determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure’s
continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum
necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
10.Prerequisites for granting variances:
a.Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the
minimum necessary,considering the flood hazard,to afford relief.
b.Variances shall only be issued upon:
i.Showing a good and sufficient cause;
N.A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in
exceptional hardship to the applicant,and
Hi.A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in
increased flood heights,additional threats to public safety,
extraordinary public expense,create nuisances,cause fraud on or
victimization of the public,
or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
c.Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice that
the structure will be permitted to be built with the lowest floor elevation below
the Base Flood Elevation,and that the cost of flood insurance will be
commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced lowest floor
elevation.
11.Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial
improvements and for other development necessary for the conduct of a Functionally
Dependent Use provided that:
a.The criteria outlined in 18.04.140 (1)-(9)are met,and
b.The structure or other development is protected by methods that minimize
flood damages during the base flood and create no additional threats to public
safety.
18.04.150 PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE
Civil Remedies and Enforcement Powers.
1.Deny/Withhold Permits.Deny and withhold all permits,certificates or other forms of
authorization to use or develop any land,structure or improvements thereon until the
alleged violation related to such property,use or development is corrected.This
provision shall apply whether or not the current owner or Applicant for the permit is
responsible for the violation.
Where the Community Development Director determines that an Applicant or
Property Owner has an outstanding violation or violations of this Code,the
Community Development Director shall be authorized to deny or withhold all
permits,certificates or other forms of authorization for any use or development
activity undertaken by such person until the outstanding violation is corrected.The
provision shall apply whether or not the property for which the permit,application or
other approval is sought is the property in violation.The Property Owner or Applicant
shall have the right to appeal the Community Development Director’s determination
that a violation of this Code exists to the Board of Trustees or the Board of County
Commissioners,whichever is applicable.The Board shall hold a hearing on the
appeal as soon as practical and either uphold,reverse or modify the determination
of the Community Development Director as the Board deems appropriate.
2.Revoke Permits.Revoke any development permit or other authorization,after notice
and a public hearing by the Decision-Making Body that originally granted final
authorization or approval of the permit,when it is determined that either:
a.There is a departure from the approved plans,specifications or conditions
of approval;
b.There is a violation of any provision of this Code;
c.The development permit was obtained by false representation;or
d.The development permit was issued in error.
Written notice of revocation shall be served upon the owner,the owner’s agent,
Applicant or other person to whom the permit was issued,or such notice may be
posted in a prominent location at the place of the violation.No work or construction
shall proceed after service of the revocation notice.
3.Stop Work Order.
a.Issuance of Stop Work Order.With or without revoking permits,the
Community Development Director may issue an order to stop work on any
property on which there is an uncorrected violation of either a provision of this
Code or a provision of a permit or other form of authorization issued
hereunder.The stop work order shall specify the Code provisions allegedly in
violation.After any such order has been served,no work shall proceed on any
building,other structure or tract of land covered by such order,except to
correct such violation or comply with the order.
b.Timing/Notice.The stop work order may be issued at the same time as the
notice of the initial violation (see §12.7 below),or subsequent to such notice.
The stop work order may also specify a shorter time for correction of the
violation than the fifteen-day period specified in §12.7.A below.The stop work
order shall also indicate that failure to comply with the order may subject the
violator to civil and/or criminal liability as penalty far the violation(s).
4.Injunctive Relief.Initiate injunction or abatement proceedings or other appropriate
legal action in the District Court or other court of competent jurisdiction against any
person who fails to comply with any provision of this Code or any requirement or
condition imposed pursuant to this Code.In any court proceeding in which the Town
or the County seeks a preliminary injunction,it shall be presumed that a violation of
this Code is a real,immediate and irreparable injury to the public;that the public will
be irreparably injured by the continuation of the Code violation unless the violation is
enjoined;and that there is no plain and adequate remedy at law for the subject Code
violation.
5.Abatement.Seek a court order in the nature of mandamus,abatement,injunction or
other action to abate or remove a violation or to otherwise restore the premises to
the condition which existed before the violation.
6.Guilty of Municipal Code Violation.A person shall be guilty of an Estes Park
Municipal Code violation upon conviction in any case where a violation of this Code
exists within the Town of Estes Park,where notice of violation,including any stop
work order,has been properly served,and where such person fails to comply with
such notice or stop work order.
(Ord.18-02#6)
7.Penalty.Persons found guilty of a violation pursuant to this Section,within the Town
of Estes Park,shall be subject to the fines and penalties established in the Estes
Park Municipal Code.
(Ord.18-02 #6)
Criminal Remedies and Enforcement Powers in the Unincorporated Larimer County.
1.Guilty of Misdemeanor.A person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor upon conviction
in any case where a violation of this Code exists,where notice of violation,including
any stop work order,has been properly served,and where such person fails to
comply with such notice or stop work order.
2.Penalty.Persons found guilty of a misdemeanor pursuant to this Section shall be
punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1000.00)or by
imprisonment for not more than ten (10)days,or by both such fine or imprisonment
for each such violation.
3.It shall be the responsibility of the County Attorney to bring any criminal
enforcement action.At the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners,it may
appoint the District Attorney to perform such enforcement duties in lieu of the County
Attorney.
(Ord.18-02 #6)
18.04.160 GENERAL STANDARDS
In all Special Flood Hazard Areas,the following provisions are required for all new
construction and substantial improvements:
1.All new construction or substantial improvements shall be designed (or modified)
and adequately anchored to prevent flotation,collapse or lateral movement of
the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads,including the
effects of buoyancy;
2.All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed by
methods and practices that minimize flood damage;
3.All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed with
materials resistant to flood damage;
4.All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed with
electrical,heating,ventilation,plumbing,and air conditioning equipment and other
service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from
entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding;
5.All manufactured homes shall be installed using methods and practices which
minimize flood damage.For the purposes of this requirement,manufactured homes
must be elevated and anchored to resist flotation,collapse,or lateral movement.
Methods of anchoring may
include,but are not limited to,use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors.
This requirement is in addition to applicable State and local anchoring requirements
for resisting wind forces.
6.All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system;
7.New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system and discharge from the systems
into flood waters;and,
8.On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to
them or contamination from them during flooding.
18.04.170 SPECIFIC STANDARDS
In all Special Flood Hazard Areas where base flood elevation data has been provided as set
forth in (I)18.04.040,(U)18.04.120 (7),or (Ni)18.04.220,the following provisions are required:
1.RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
New construction and Substantial Improvement of any residential structure shall have
the lowest floor (including basement),electrical,heating,ventilation,plumbing,and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork),elevated to
one foot above the base flood elevation.Upon completion of the structure,the
elevation of the lowest floor,including basement,shall be certified by a registered
Colorado Professional Engineer,architect,or land surveyor.Such certification shall be
submitted to the Floodplain Administrator.
2.NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
With the exception of Critical Facilities,outlined in 18.04.230,new construction and
Substantial Improvements of any commercial,industrial,or other nonresidential
structure shall either have the lowest floor (including basement),electrical,heating,
ventilation,plumbing,and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities
(including ductwork),elevated to one foot above the base flood elevation or,together
with attendant utility and sanitary facilities,be designed so that at one foot above the
base flood elevation the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to
the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and
effects of buoyancy.
A registered Colorado Professional Engineer or architect shall develop and/or review
structural design,specifications,and plans for the construction,and shall certify that
the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of
practice as outlined in this subsection.Such certification shall be maintained by the
Floodplain Administrator,as proposed in 18.04.1 30.
3.ENCLOSURES
New construction and substantial improvements,with fully enclosed areas below the
lowest floor that are usable solely for parking of vehicles,building access,or storage in
an area other than a basement and which are subject to flooding shall be designed to
automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the
entry and exit of floodwaters.
Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered Colorado
Professional Engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
a.A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square
inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be
provided.
b.The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
c.Openings may be equipped with screens,louvers,valves,or other coverings or
devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
4.MANUFACTURED HOMES
All manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved within Zones A1-30,
AH,and AE on the community’s FIRM on sites (i)outside of a manufactured home
park or subdivision,(ii)in a new manufactured home park or subdivision,(Ni)in an
expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision,or (iv)in an existing
manufactured home park or subdivision on which manufactured home has incurred
“substantial damage”as a result of a flood,be elevated on a permanent foundation
such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home,electrical,heating,ventilation,
plumbing,and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including
ductwork),are elevated to one foot above the base flood elevation and be securely
anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation,collapse,
and lateral movement.
All manufactured homes placed or substantially improved on sites in an existing
manufactured home park or subdivision within Zones A1-30,AH and AE on the
community’s FIRM that are not subject to the provisions of the above paragraph,shall
be elevated so that either:
a.The lowest floor of the manufactured home,electrical,heating,ventilation,
plumbing,and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including
ductwork),are one foot above the base flood elevation,or
b.The manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other
foundation elements of at least equivalent strength that are no less than 36
inches in height above grade and be securely anchored to an adequately
anchored foundation system to resist flotation,collapse,and lateral movement.
5.RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
All recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1-30,AH,and AE on the
community’s FIRM either:
a.Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days,b.Be fully licensed and
ready for highway use,or
c.Meet the permit requirements of 18.04.130,and the elevation and anchoring
requirements for “manufactured homes”in paragraph (4)of this section.
A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system,
is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices,and
has no permanently attached additions.
6.PRIOR APPROVED ACTIVITIES
Any activity for which a Floodplain Development Permit was issued by the Town of
Estes Park or a CLOMR was issued by FEMA prior to the effective date of the
ordinance may be completed according to the standards in place at the time of the
permit or CLOMR issuance and will not be considered in violation of this ordinance if it
meets such standards.
The CLOMR becomes null and void in the eyes of the community and a new permit
and CLOMR may be required if there is a revision through a PMR,LOMR or new
study that impacts the CLOMR boundary.
18.04.180 STANDARDS FOR AREAS OF SHALLOW FLOODING (AOIAH ZONES)
Located within the Special Flood Hazard Area established in 18.04.040,are areas designated
as shallow flooding.These areas have special flood hazards associated with base flood
depths of 1 to 3 feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist and where the path of
flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident.Such flooding is
characterized by ponding or sheet flow;therefore,the following provisions apply:
1.RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
All new construction and Substantial Improvements of residential structures must have
the lowest floor (including basement),electrical,heating,ventilation,plumbing,and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork),elevated
above the highest adjacent grade at least one foot above the depth number specified
in feet on the community’s FIRM (at least three feet if no depth number is specified).
Upon completion of the structure,the elevation of the lowest floor,including
basement,shall be certified by a registered Colorado Professional Engineer,architect,
or land surveyor.Such certification shall be submitted to the Floodplain Administrator.
2.NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
With the exception of Critical Facilities,outlined in 18.04.230,all new construction and
Substantial Improvements of non-residential structures,must have the lowest floor
(including basement),electrical,heating,ventilation,plumbing,and air conditioning
equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork),elevated above the
highest adjacent grade at least one foot above the depth number specified in feet on
the community’s FIRM (at least three feet if no depth number is specified),or together
with attendant utility and sanitary facilities,be designed so that the structure is
watertight to at least one foot above the base flood level with walls substantially
impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the
capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads of effects of buoyancy.A
registered Colorado Professional Engineer or architect shall submit a certification to
the Floodplain Administrator that the standards of this Section,as proposed in
18.04.1 30,are satisfied.
Within Zones AH or AO,adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes are
required to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures.
18.04.190 FLOODWAYS
Floodways are administrative limits and tools used to regulate existing and future floodplain
development.The State of Colorado has adopted Floodway standards that are more stringent
than the FEMA minimum standard (see definition of Floodway in 18.04.020.Located within
Special Flood Hazard Area established in 18.04.040,are areas designated as Floodways.
Since the Floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of floodwaters which
carry debris,potential projectiles and erosion potential,the following provisions shall apply:
1.Encroachments are prohibited,including fill,new construction,substantial
improvements and other development within the adopted regulatory Floodway unless
it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed by a
licensed Colorado Professional Engineer and in accordance with standard
engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase
(requires a No-Rise Certification)in flood levels within the community during the
occurrence of the base flood discharge.
2.If 18.04.190(1)above is satisfied,all new construction and substantial improvements
shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of 18.04.170 —
18.04.230.
3.Underthe provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1,Section 65.12,of the National Flood
Insurance Regulations,a community may permit encroachments within the adopted
regulatory floodway that would result in an increase in Base Flood Elevations,
provided that the community first applies for a CLOMR and floodway revision through
FEMA.
18.04.200 ALTERATION OF A WATERCOURSE
For all proposed developments that alter a watercourse within a Special Flood Hazard Area,
the following standards apply:
1.Channelization and flow diversion projects shall appropriately consider issues of
sediment transport,erosion,deposition,and channel migration and properly mitigate
potential problems through the project as well as upstream and downstream of any
improvement activity.A detailed analysis of sediment transport and overall channel
stability should be considered,when appropriate,to assist in determining the most
appropriate design.
2.Channelization and flow diversion projects shall evaluate the residual 100-year
floodplain.
3.Any channelization or other stream alteration activity proposed by a project proponent
must be evaluated for its impact on the regulatory floodplain and be in compliance
with all
applicable Federal,State and local floodplain rules,regulations and ordinances.
4.Any stream alteration activity shall be designed and sealed by a registered Colorado
Professional Engineer or Certified Professional Hydrologist.
5.All activities within the regulatory floodplain shall meet all applicable Federal,State
and
Town of Estes Park floodplain requirements and regulations.
6.Within the Regulatory Floodway,stream alteration activities shall not be constructed
unless the project proponent demonstrates through a Floodway analysis and report,
sealed by a
registered Colorado Professional Engineer,that there is not more than a 0.00-foot rise
in the
proposed conditions compared to existing conditions Floodway resulting from the
project,otherwise known as a No-Rise Certification,unless the community first
applies for a CLOMR and Floodway revision in accordance with 18.04.190.
7.Maintenance shall be required for any altered or relocated portions of watercourses
so that the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished.
18.04.210 PROPERTIES REMOVED FROM THE FLOODPLAIN BY FILL
A Floodplain Development Permit shall not be issued for the construction of a new structure or
addition to an existing structure on a property removed from the floodplain by the issuance of a
FEMA Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F),unless such new structure or addition
complies with the following:
1.RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
The lowest floor (including basement),electrical,heating,ventilation,plumbing,and
air conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork),must be
elevated to one foot above the Base Flood Elevation that existed prior to the
placement of fill.
2.NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
The lowest floor (including basement),electrical,heating,ventilation,plumbing,and
air conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork),must be
elevated to one foot above the Base Flood Elevation that existed prior to the
placement of fill,or together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities be designed so
that the structure or addition is watertight to at least one foot above the base flood
level that existed prior to the placement of fill with walls substantially impermeable to
the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads of effects of buoyancy.
18.04.220 STANDARDS FOR SUBDIVISION PROPOSALS
1.All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall be reasonably safe from flooding.If a subdivision or other
development proposal is in a flood-prone area,the proposal shall minimize flood
damage.
2.All proposals for the development of subdivisions including the placement of
manufactured home parks and subdivisions shall meet Floodplain Development
Permit requirements of 16.04.050;16.04.130;and the provisions of 18.04.170 —
18.04.230 of this ordinance.
3.Base Flood Elevation data shall be generated for subdivision proposals and other
proposed development including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions which is greater than 50 lots or 5 acres,whichever is lesser,if not
otherwise provided pursuant to 16.04.040 or 18.04.120 of this ordinance.
4.All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood
hazards.
5.All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer,gas,electrical and
water systems located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.
18.04.230 STANDARDS FOR CRITICAL FACILITIES
A Critical Facility is a structure or related infrastructure,but not the land on which it is situated,
as specified in Rule 6 of the Rules and Regulations for Regulatory Floodplains in Colorado,
that if flooded may result in significant hazards to public health and safety or interrupt essential
services and operations for the community at any time before,during and after a flood.
1.CLASSIFICATION OF CRITICAL FACITILIES
It is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees to identify and confirm that specific
structures in their community meet the following criteria:
Critical Facilities are classified under the following categories:(a)Essential Services;
(b)Hazardous Materials;(c)At-risk Populations;and (d)Vital to Restoring Normal
Services.
a.Essential services facilities include public safety,emergency response,
emergency medical,designated emergency shelters,communications,public
utility plant facilities,and transportation lifelines.
These facilities consist of:
i.Public safety (police stations,fire and rescue stations,emergency
vehicle and equipment storage,and,emergency operation centers);
ii.Emergency medical (hospitals,ambulance service centers,urgent care
centers
having emergency treatment functions,and non-ambulatory surgical
structures but excluding clinics,doctors offices,and non-urgent care
medical structures that do not provide these functions);
iii.Designated emergency shelters;
iv.Communications (main hubs for telephone,broadcasting equipment for
cable systems,satellite dish systems,cellular systems,television,radio,
and other
emergency warning systems,but excluding towers,poles,lines,cables,
and
conduits);
v.Public utility plant facilities for generation and distribution (hubs,
treatment plants,substations and pumping stations for water,power and
gas,but not
including towers,poles,power lines,buried pipelines,transmission
lines,distribution lines,and service lines);and
vi.Air Transportation lifelines (airports (municipal and larger),helicopter
pads and structures serving emergency functions,and associated
infrastructure (aviation control towers,air traffic control centers,and
emergency equipment
aircraft hangars).
Specific exemptions to this category include wastewater treatment plants
(WWTP),non-potable water treatment and distribution systems,and
hydroelectric power generating plants and related appurtenances.
Public utility plant facilities may be exempted if it can be demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the Board of Trustees that the facility is an element of a
redundant system for which service will not be interrupted during a flood.At a
minimum,it shall be demonstrated that redundant facilities are available (either
owned by the same utility or available through an intergovernmental agreement
or other contract)and connected,the alternative facilities are either located
outside of the 100-year floodplain or are compliant with the provisions of this
section,and an operations plan is in effect that states how redundant systems
will provide service to the affected area in the event of a flood.Evidence of
ongoing redundancy shall be provided to the Board of Trustees on an as-
needed basis upon request.
b.Hazardous materials facilities include facilities that produce or store highly
volatile,flammable,explosive,toxic and/or water-reactive materials.
These facilities may include:
i.Chemical and pharmaceutical plants (chemical plant,pharmaceutical
manufacturing);
ii.Laboratories containing highly volatile,flammable,explosive,toxic
and/or water-reactive materials;
Ni.Refineries;
iv.Hazardous waste storage and disposal sites;and
v.Above ground gasoline or propane storage or sales centers.
Facilities shall be determined to be Critical Facilities if they produce or store
materials in excess of threshold limits.If the owner of a facility is required by
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)to keep a Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)on file for any chemicals stored or used in the work
place,AND the chemical(s)is stored in quantities equal to or greater than the
Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ)for that chemical,then that facility shall be
considered to be a Critical Facility.The TPQ for these chemicals is:either 500
pounds or the TPQ listed (whichever is lower)for the 356 chemicals listed
under 40 C.F.R.§302 (2010),aTso known as Extremely Hazardous
Substances (EHS);or 10,000 pounds for any other chemical.This threshold is
consistent with the requirements for reportable chemicals established by the
Colorado Department of Health and Environment.OSHA requirements for
MSDS can be found in 29 C.F.R.§1910 (2010).The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)regulation “Designation,Reportable Quantities,and Notification,”
40 C.F.R.§302 (2010)and OSHA regulation “Occupational Safety and Health
Standards,”29 C.F.R.§1910 (2010)are incorporated herein by reference and
include the regulations in existence at the time of the promulgation this
ordinance,but exclude later amendments to or editions of the regulations
Specific exemptions to this category include:
i.Finished consumer products within retail centers and households
containing hazardous materials intended for household use,and
agricultural products intended for agricultural use.
N.Buildings and other structures containing hazardous materials for which
it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the local authority having
jurisdiction by hazard assessment and certification by a qualified
professional (as determined by the local jurisdiction having land use
authority)that a release of the subject hazardous material does not
pose a major threat to the pubNc.
iii.Pharmaceutical sales,use,storage,and distribution centers that do not
manufacture pharmaceutical products.
These exemptions shall not apply to buildings or other structures that also
function as
Critical Facilities under another category outlined in this section.
c.At-risk population facilities include medical care,congregate care,and schools.
These facilities consist of:
i.Elder care (nursing homes);
N.Congregate care serving 12 or more individuals (day care and assisted
living);
iii.Public and private schools (pre-schools,K-12 schools),before-school
and
after-school care serving 12 or more children);
d.Facilities vital to restoring normal services including government operations.
These facilities consist of:
Essential government operations (public records,courts,jails,
building permitting and inspection services,community
administration and management,maintenance and equipment
centers);
H.Essential structures for public colleges and universities (dormitories,
offices,and classrooms only).
These facilities may be exempted if it is demonstrated to the Board of Trustees
that the facility is an element of a redundant system for which service will not
be interrupted during a flood.At a minimum,it shaH be demonstrated that
redundant facilities are available (either owned by the same entity or available
through an intergovernmental agreement or other contract),the alternative
facilities are either located outside of the 100-year floodplain or are compliant
with this ordinance,and an operations plan is in effect that states how
redundant facilities will provide service to the affected area in the event of a
flood.Evidence of ongoing redundancy shall be provided to the Board of
Trustees on an as-needed basis upon request.
2.PROTECTION FOR CRITICAL FACILITIES
All new and substantially improved Critical Facilities and new additions to Critical
Facilities located within the Special Flood Hazard Area shall be regulated to a higher
standard than structures not determined to be Critical Facilities.For the purposes of
this ordinance,protection shall include one of the following:
a.Location outside the Special Flood Hazard Area;or
b.Elevation of the lowest floor or floodproofing of the structure,together with
attendant utility and sanitary facilities,to at least two feet above the Base Flood
Elevation.
3.INGRESS AND EGRESS FOR NEW CRITICAL FACILITIES
New Critical Facilities shall,when practicable as determined by the Board of Trustees,
have continuous non-inundated access (ingress and egress for evacuation and
emergency services)during alOO-year flood event.