Floodplain Development

Obtaining a Permit

A Floodplain Development Permit is a permit to complete the proposed development in a Special Flood Hazard Area. It is not a permit to construct a house, install a septic system, install a pipeline etc. Other Local, State or Federal permits may be required.


Floodplain Development Permits are only required for developments in areas designated as Special Flood Hazard Areas of FEMA-issued flood maps. Flood maps showing special flood hazard areas can be reviewed at the Rio Blanco County Development Department or online at the FEMA website.


The Floodplain Administrator reviews the submission and determines whether or not additional information is needed. If additional information is needed the Floodplain Administrator will request the additional information from the applicant. Once all required materials have been submitted, the Floodplain Administrator will make a permitting decision and either issue or deny the requested Floodplain Development Permit. Denied permits may be appealed per the provisions of the Rio Blanco County Floodplain Regulations.


Application Process

Complete sections 1 and 2 of the Floodplain Development Permit Application  and submit, along with a Site Plan (PDF) or aerial photo showing the location of the proposed development, on the property, for review. Once the review has been completed you will be contacted and informed of whether a Floodplain Development Permit will be required, or not, and if any additional information will be required.


Section 1 - General Provisions

The owner or authorized agent must read, sign, and date the application. Please ask questions if there is anything you do not understand on this application or about the Resolution Floodplain Land Use Requirements (PDF).


Section 2 - Applicant & Property Information

  • Box 1: Print the applicants name, mailing address, zip code, and phone number. (Note: If applicant is other than the owner then the owner must provide a letter designating the applicant as the owners authorized agent)
  • Box 2: Print the contractor or person doing the work. (Name, mailing address, zip code, and phone number)
  • Box 3: Print the property address, tax ID number, or other method to help us locate the property.
  • Because of the size of some properties in Rio Blanco County, a Site Plan (PDF) or aerial photo showing the location of the proposed development must be submitted with this application, so the Floodplain Administrator can determine if the development is within a Special Flood Hazard Area.
  • Box 4: Mark all type(s) of development proposed and structure type.

Section 3 - Floodplain Determination

This section is to be completed by the local Floodplain Administrator. If the proposed development is determined to not be in a Special Flood Hazard Area, no floodplain development permit will be required and the work may be approved to go forward, or the associated Building Permit issued. If the Floodplain Administrator determines the proposed development is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, additional information will be required to be submitted. See Section 4 for additional instructions.


Section 4 - Additional Information Required

This section is a request for additional information required for review. The information provided must be reviewed and approved before a permit may be issued. The applicant must submit complete information for review for all items of the list that are marked. Note: Incomplete information will be rejected and will cause the Permit Issuance to be delayed.


Section 5 - Permit Determination

The Floodplain Administrator will indicate whether or not the proposed development conforms to the requirements of the local Floodplain development requirements, (Rio Blanco County Land Use Resolution, Section 245) and whether or not the requested permit may be issued. If the decision is to not issue the permit the Floodplain Administrator will provide written explanation of the perceived deficiencies to the Applicant.


This section also allows for documentation of decisions and conditions made by the Board of Appeals, if the Applicant has decided to appeal the decision of the Floodplain Administrator.


Section 6 - Certificate of Compliance

The Flood Plain Administrator will indicate the “As-Built” lowest floor elevation for any structural developments, list any inspections that have been performed, and issue the Certificate of Compliance to the Applicant when all Floodplain Development Permit requirements have been satisfied.