Floodplain maps help property owners determine if their property is at risk for flooding and whether the property is within a regulatory floodplain. These regulatory maps are also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and are used by lenders and the insurance industry to determine which properties need flood insurance.

Floodplain maps are updated as changes occur to properties. These changes can include more accurate topography, flow rates (hydrology), public works projects (such as the Resilient St. Vrain Project), among others.

After the 2013 Flood, Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) began work to remap the floodplain for Colorado waterways including St. Vrain Creek and Left Hand Creek. CWCB’s findings were shared with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update the FIRMs.

FEMA now has released its preliminary FIRMs, along with the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS). The maps will be available for a review period before formal adoption by FEMA.

The City of Longmont is reaching out to residents living near St. Vrain and Left Hand Creeks to encourage you to be aware of what changes (if any) may be coming to your property’s flood insurance classification. This official appeal period also may be the best time for you to purchase flood insurance, if it will be required for your property under the new maps.

We encourage you to attend one of our public meetings being held in January 2020 to learn more about how these new FIRMs may affect your need to purchase flood insurance and what options are available to you. RSVPs are not required. Come for the the presentation and then stay to ask questions about your specific property after.

Longmont Public Meeting #1

Wednesday, Jan. 8: 5-7 pm open house
Presentation at 5:30 pm
Longmont Public Library, 409 Fourth Ave

Boulder County Public Meeting*

Tuesday, Jan. 16: 5-6:30 pm open house
Presentation at 5:15 pm
Boulder County Parks & Open Space,
5201 St. Vrain Drive

*Note: This meeting is targeted more toward residents living outside Longmont City Limits. However, Longmont’s Floodplain Administrator will be on hand to answer questions from Longmont residents who attend.

Longmont Public Meeting #2

Monday, Jan. 27: 5-7 pm open house
Presentation at 5:30 pm
Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Road

Learn more about the new floodplain maps and how they may affect your property at Engage.LongmontColorado.gov/new-floodplain-maps