Floodplain Management

Floodplain Management/Flood Insurance

Since 1978, the City of Durango has participated in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which provides affordable flood insurance protection for properties subject to potential flood damage. Such insurance is mandatory as a condition of any federal or federally related or insured financial assistance (loans, grants, etc.) for purchase, construction, repair or improvement of structures within designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. As part of this program, the City has adopted floodplain management regulations applicable to construction and development within designated areas of special flood hazard. These regulations may be viewed in the Land Use and Development Code in the following areas:

Division 4-4-6, Floodplain Management and Flood Damage Prevention
Section 4-1-2-6, Flood Damage Prevention
Chapter 6, Administration, Associated Procedures and Definitions

The City's Planning and Community Development Department provides informational materials regarding the NFIP for use by lending agencies, insurance agencies, realtors and the general public. Available materials include copies of official floodplain studies and maps, the City's floodplain management regulations, copies of elevation certificates for select properties within floodplain areas, and a variety of floodplain related publications from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Department personnel are also available to assist with floodplain mapping information and to answer general questions regarding the NFIP. Floodplain studies and maps are also available for review at the Durango Public Library.

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information is provided through the City's GIS page. Under layers, navigate to Community Info and then select the 2010 FEMA Floodplain layer to display it on the map.

Additional information regarding floodplain management as well as real-time data on streamflow can be found on the following websites:

National Flood Insurance Program Information: www.floodsmart.gov

Flood Insurance Information: www.fema.gov/business/nfip?

Real-time data: USGS Animas River Flow- Durango 

Questions about or assistance with floodplain issues can be directed to the Planning Division of the Community Development Department, located at:

River City Hall
1235 Camino del Rio
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 375-4850