HomeMy WebLinkAboutPERMIT Floodplain 350 E Elkhorn Ave 2021-02-04Floodplain Development Permit FP-001-21
350 E. Elkhorn Ave.
Façade improvements
February 4, 2021
Summary
This review by Public Works shall serve as a supplement for the Floodplain Development Permit to
be issued in accordance with the requirements in Estes Park Municipal Code Chapter 18.04 –
Floodplain Regulations.
Floodplain Analysis
1) The applicant’s proposed improvements occur within the Big Thompson River Special Flood
Hazard Area (SFHA) established using 2D hydraulic modeling. The CHAMP boundary, more
restrictive than the effective 2006 FEMA boundary, triggers the Town’s floodplain permit
requirement.
2) The proposed exterior improvements meet the definition of “development” in Section 18.04.020
of the floodplain regulations.
3) The proposed work does not meet the definition of “substantial improvement.” Therefore, the
applicant is not required to elevate or floodproof the building.
4) The proposed work consists of adding insulation and Hardie board siding over existing 8” CMU.
This additional vertical material adds minimal volume to the structure; therefore, a ‘no-rise’
condition is assumed for permit issuance.
5) Floodproofing is strongly suggested wherever appropriate for the façade renovation. If substantial
damage is incurred, or substantial improvements are proposed in the future, floodproofing or
elevation shall be required. References include Floodproofing Non-Residential Buildings (FEMA P-
936/November 6, 2018).
6) The Colorado Silver Jackets (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) conducted a study of downtown
properties following the 2013 flood. Although 350 E. Elkhorn was not assessed, the adjacent
building at 342 E. Elkhorn is Structure 200 in the report “Estes Park Nonstructural Flood
Mitigation Assessment.” See the report at https://silverjackets.nfrmp.us/State-Teams/Colorado.
7) Floodplain boundaries are the result of mathematical modeling, so the actual extent of a 1%
Annual Chance flood may be different. Real floods are characterized by high-velocity flowing water
that carries debris.
8) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premiums are based on elevation and floodproofing.
For this building, floodproofing to one (1) foot above the BFE would result in cost savings.