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Floodplain Management

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Everyone has a Flood Risk. Do You Know Yours?  

Newer homes built in Westminster are not allowed to be constructed in a floodplain. Older homes located near a waterway that was built before may be in a floodplain.  

See If You’re in a Floodplain  

FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer Viewer allows you to search for your property to see if it’s in a floodplain.

LEARN MORE

Flood Insurance 

If you live in a floodplain, you may need to purchase flood insurance. Homeowners’ policies do not  include coverage for flood damage. Westminster participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which allows residents to purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This coverage may be required by your lender when applying for a home mortgage. Be sure it covers the building's contents as well as its structure. 

To find out if a structure is within a high hazard flood zone, visit the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) Viewer or contact the City's floodplain administrator.  

 

Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) 

The community HMP contains a list of action items the City can take to reduce our risk of flooding. The annual Action Progress Report can be found here

VIEW HMP

Litter thrown into our ditches and streams may contribute to localized flooding by not allowing stormwater to drain from the area.

Please pick up after yourself when enjoying a day by the water.

Report any excess debris at 303-706-3367 or stormwaterhotline@westminsterco.gov
 
A permit from the Building Division may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause flooding problems on other properties.  
The Westminster Public Library has information about floodproofing your home. Before implementing any floodproofing measures, contact the City's Building Division to obtain a permit. 

Flood Safety 

  1. Sign up for emergency alerts 
  2. Don’t drive, walk or bike through floodwaters. Twelve inches of flowing water can float a small car.  
  3. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Report downed power lines to Xcel Energy. 
  4. Have your electricity turned off by Xcel Energy. 
  5. Look out for small animals that may have escaped the flood and are seeking shelter in your home. 
  6. Be alert for gas leaks. Don't smoke, use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. 

 

Contact Us

If you need help with flooding on your property, require advice on property protection, or would like a site visit, contact us. 

Floodplain Administrators: 

Andrew Hawthorn, P.E. 
Stormwater Utility Administrator 
303-658-2428 
ahawthorn@westminsterco.gov 

Heather Otterstetter, P.E., CFM 
Stormwater Coordinator 
303-658-2370 
hotterst@westminsterco.gov