Public Meetings and Hearings
Upcoming Meetings
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Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at 6 p.m. – For residents on Lefthand Creek between Geer Canyon and 49th Street.
- In-person at Boulder County Parks & Open Space – Ron Stewart Building – 5201 Saint Vrain Rd., Longmont
- Property owners in this area will have received a letter with a meeting invitation, although the meeting is open to the public
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Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 at 6 p.m. – Virtual general countywide Floodplain Remapping informational meeting:
Attend or Participate Virtually Using Zoom:
Register to attendOptional call-in information: 1-833-568-8864 | Meeting ID: 161 469 5580
This meeting will be recorded and posted online.
Information on upcoming hearings before the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioner will be posted here and on the Z-23-0001 docket webpage when it is available.
Public Comment Period: November 15 – December 31, 2023
Visit the Floodplain Remapping Project webpage to learn more about the project and to view the proposed floodplain maps.
The public is invited to provide written comments on the proposed changes to the Boulder County Floodplain and Floodway through December 31, 2023. All comments will be part of the public record and will be provided to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners for their consideration.
Background
The 2013 Flood event caused widespread damage along waterways throughout Boulder County and other areas of the state. In response, the State of Colorado took steps to bolster long-term planning and resiliency efforts by funding Colorado Hazard Mapping Program (CHAMP), managed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). CHAMP is updating local hazard information, including producing new regulatory floodplain maps for the most affected waterways.
The county’s Floodplain Overlay District is comprised of both the FEMA Floodplain and Floodway and the Boulder County Floodplain and Floodway. The county has already incorporated draft CHAMP data into the Boulder County Floodplain and Floodway via Resolutions 2017-68, 2018-78, and 2020-11.
In July 2023, we expect FEMA will release revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (Preliminary FIRMs) based on the CHAMP remapping efforts. The revised Preliminary FIRMs will differ from the already adopted draft CHAMP maps in eight areas where FEMA approved changes submitted during FEMA’s 2020 and 2021 appeal periods. The appeals included a Scientific Resolution Panel for portions of Lefthand Creek. We expect the revised Preliminary FIRMs will become the future effective FIRMs in 2024.
In accordance with Section 4-403.D.1.a.ii of the Land Use Code, it is necessary to amend the Boulder County Floodplain to incorporate the changes FEMA made during their appeal resolution process. Aligning the Boulder County Floodplain and Floodway with the revised Preliminary FIRMs will reflect the best available flood hazard data.
Staff plans to conduct at least two public meetings in 2023 to educate property owners on the proposed map amendments, including the impacts of FEMA map changes on flood insurance. Staff will then bring the revisions to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners at legally noticed public hearings (estimated for early 2024).