Is your property in a floodplain? To see if your property is in a floodplain, check the Interactive Floodplain Map. Homeowners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents can obtain photocopies of floodplain maps and Elevation Certificates at Arvada City Hall, Engineering Division, 2nd Floor, 8101 Ralston Road.
Drainage Maintenance: Each spring and after major rainfalls, the City inspects all of Arvada's creeks and drainage ways. Any accumulated debris is removed to keep the channels clear. If you see debris or other problems in the creeks, drainage ways, inlets or storm sewer please contact the City Streets Division at (720) 898-7720. Maintenance of irrigation ditches is the responsibility of the ditch owners.
What else is being done? The City works to reduce Arvada's flooding problems by building and maintaining storm drainage projects, implementing its master drainage plans, and enforcing drainage standards on new developments.
However, since these measures cannot fully protect against the unpredictability of nature, the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District has prepared a Flood Risk Brochure for Arvada residents. This brochure provides important flood protection tips on preparing for a flood, and what to do during and after a flood.
Floodplain Development Permits: If your property is in a floodplain, in addition to a building permit, a separate floodplain development permit may be required in order to build on, alter, regrade, or fill on your property. Always check with the Engineering Division prior to construction. This permit may be required to ensure that your project does not cause problems on other properties. The permit application can be obtained at the Engineering Division. Visit the Floodplain Regulations in the Arvada Land Development Code to learn how to build responsibly in a high hazard flood zone. If you have any questions please contact the Engineering Division at 720-898-7640.
Assistance: Engineering staff is available to meet with homeowners and property owners to assess the flooding risk for specific properties. If available, historic flooding as well as location specific information will be provided. Engineering staff is available to make site visits to properties to address flooding, drainage and sewer problems and answer any questions related to these issues. Contact the Engineering Division at 720-898-7640 for these services.
Mile High Flood District (MHFD): MHFD is a multi-jurisdictional entity that provides assistance and resources to local governments and municipalities flood and draining control. Additional information can be found on the MHFD website at www.mhfd.org.
2022 Progress Report on the Jefferson County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: The City of Arvada joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in December of 1974 and has been a participant in the NFIP's Community Rating System (CRS) program since October 1991 (additional information about the CRS).
The CRS program is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. Arvada currently holds a Class 5 Rating in the CRS program, which provides a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums to our citizens living in particular flood hazard areas. Each year, Arvada must verify that it continues to perform the activities accredited under the CRS program by submitting an annual recertification. One of the final steps of the recertification process is to provide Arvada's governing body and the general public with a progress report on the 2021 Jefferson County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Download Arvada's 2022 progress report on the projects listed within the 2021 Jefferson County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Please report concerns about construction activity that may be in a high flood hazard zone. Use the button below to submit concerns or ask questions.
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Additional Publications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347
- Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084
- Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85
- Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage, FEMA P-348
- Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268
- Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA-511
- Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54