Table of Contents
FHZ maps may provide a wide range of benefits to individuals and communities. First and foremost, they are a tool to help stakeholders visualize and understand the inherent risk that exists on lands that have been and will someday again be shaped by water and sediment moving through the landscape. However, they also help to identify areas subject to hazards after wildfires and areas where floodplain rehabilitation and flood management projects are likely to have a considerable impact.
In addition to the information provided on this page, a Quickstart Guide for communities seeking to incorporate fluvial hazard zones into their planning and administration has been developed.
CWCB is committed to assisting communities that wish to map and acknowledge FHZs through the following actions:
-
Providing technical and regulatory advisory assistance to communities that wish to map and manage FHZs.
-
Allowing FHZ mapping and programs to be considered for competitively awarded grant funding with a 1:1 match requirement via the Colorado Watershed Restoration Grant Program.
-
Providing resources to and partnering with organizations and local agencies that are implementing Stream Corridor Easements.
FHZ mapping using a version of the CWCB Protocol has been done on approximately 500 miles of streams for the FHZ Pilot Program as well as for local organizations, governments, and districts. This FHZ mapping is across a broad spectrum of stream types and covers all the different types of FHZ mapping protocols. Draft FHZ maps have been produced for the following streams and communities: East Plum Creek (Castle Rock), Sand Creek Upper (Aurora), Sand Creek Urban (Denver, Commerce City). Rooney Gulch (MHFD, Morrison), Left Hand Creek (Boulder County), St. Vrain Creek (Boulder County), South Boulder Creek (Boulder County), Middle Boulder Creek (Nederland), South Beaver Creek (Nederland), Fall River (Estes Park), Fish Creek (Estes Park), Upper Big Thompson (Estes Park), Black Canyon Creek (Estes Park), San Miguel River (San Miguel County), South Fork San Miguel River (San Miguel County), Eagle River (Eagle County), Saguache Creek (Saguache County), Fall Creek (San Miguel County), Gunnison River (Delta), Uncompahgre River (Delta), Indian Creek (Huerfano County), Middle Creek (Huerfano County).
Numerous benefits can come from mapping and incorporating FHZ maps into your communities planning. These include but are not limited to:
Some of the challenges associated with fluvial hazard zone mapping include:
-
Political will and community support is required to implement limitations on development location, however there are a multitude of ways in which these maps can be used for planning that do not involve regulation.
-
Typically requires high-definition topographic data of the stream corridor (e.g., LiDAR).
Administrative Capacity
Experienced planners with city or county attorney to write regulations and normal capability to administer the standards once adopted
Mapping
Mapping is strongly recommended. Can be coupled with open space, FEMA or floodplain overlay, or regular land use mapping
Regulatory Requirements
Fluvial Hazard Zones are not regulated by the State of Colorado. Individual communities may choose to regulate FHZs.
Maintenance
Minimal. Generally part of development review once regulations are adopted
Adoption Required
No
Statutory Reference
General land use authority is found in C.R.S. § 29-20-101. Colorado’s “1041 Regulations” further describe the administration of natural hazard areas as they pertain to floodplains. 1041 Regulations are addressed in a separate model
Associated Costs
Preparation of maps can be done affordably, especially when scaled up. Staff time and costs associated with use and review of the products.