How much is flood insurance in Denver?

Flood insurance in Denver ranges from $300/year in Zone X to $4,500+/year in AE zones along Cherry Creek and the South Platte. Properties near gulches pay $1,000–$3,000/year. Risk Rating 2.0 factors in flash flood intensity for Front Range properties.

What happened in the 2013 Colorado flood?

The September 2013 Front Range flood was caused by a prolonged rain event that dumped up to 18 inches over several days. It caused $3.7 billion in damage, destroyed 1,800 homes, and damaged 16,000 more along the Front Range from Boulder to Colorado Springs. Denver experienced significant flooding along the South Platte and Cherry Creek corridors.

How does Cherry Creek Dam affect flood risk?

Cherry Creek Dam provides flood control for central Denver. Without the dam, a 100-year flood on Cherry Creek would inundate portions of downtown Denver. The dam's inundation zone affects development restrictions and emergency planning for downstream properties.

Can I build in a Denver flood zone?

Yes, with requirements. AE zones require elevation to BFE plus 1 foot of freeboard. No-rise certification is required for floodway development. Stormwater detention is required for new impervious surfaces. Denver's standards exceed FEMA minimums in several areas.

Does Denver have flash flood risk?

Yes. Denver sits at the base of the Front Range, where intense afternoon thunderstorms can produce rapid runoff and flash flooding. Gulches like Harvard, Sanderson, and Weir can rise quickly. The combination of steep upstream terrain and urban impervious surfaces makes Denver's flash flood risk significant despite its semi-arid climate.

Denver, Colorado · FEMA Region 8

Is Denver in a Flood Zone?

Q: Is Denver in a flood zone?

Parts of Denver are in FEMA flood zones along Cherry Creek, the South Platte River, and several gulch drainages. The 2013 Front Range flood demonstrated that flooding can be severe even in the semi-arid climate. Most of Denver is in Zone X, but flash flooding from intense thunderstorms can affect low-lying areas citywide. Enter your address at ReadyPermit for property-specific data.

Moderate Flood Risk

Denver has moderate flood risk from Cherry Creek, the South Platte River, and flash flooding along smaller drainages. Colorado's Front Range is prone to intense thunderstorms that produce rapid runoff. The 2013 Front Range flood caused billions in damage. Cherry Creek Dam and Chatfield Reservoir provide flood control, but urban development has increased impervious surfaces and runoff throughout the metro area.

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FEMA Flood Zones in Denver

100-Year Floodplain (Detailed)

BFE established along Cherry Creek, the South Platte River, Harvard Gulch, Sanderson Gulch, and Weir Gulch. Flood insurance required for federally backed mortgages.

100-Year Floodplain (Approximate)

No detailed BFE study. Found along smaller drainages and gulches in developing areas.

X (shaded)

500-Year Floodplain

Moderate risk. Extended areas along Cherry Creek and South Platte. The 2013 flood affected many X-zone properties.

X (unshaded)

Minimal Risk

Most of Denver. However, flash flooding from intense thunderstorms can impact low-lying areas anywhere in the city.

Flood Insurance Costs in Denver

Zone AE (Cherry Creek/South Platte): $1,500–$4,500/year
Zone A (gulches): $1,000–$3,000/year
Zone X (shaded): $400–$900/year if purchased voluntarily
Zone X (unshaded): $300–$600/year (Preferred Risk Policy)
Risk Rating 2.0 factoring in flash flood intensity for Front Range
Urban Development Action Area grants available for flood mitigation

Building Requirements in Flood Zones

AE zones: lowest floor at or above BFE; Denver requires 1-ft freeboard above BFE
No-rise certification required for any development in the regulatory floodway
South Platte corridor: enhanced setbacks and flood-resistant design required
Substantial improvement (>50% of value) triggers full floodplain compliance
Stormwater detention required for new development exceeding impervious surface thresholds
Cherry Creek dam failure inundation zone: additional building restrictions apply

How to Check Flood Risk in Denver

1
Check your flood zone
Enter your Denver address into ReadyPermit or FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. Denver's Wastewater Management Division also provides flood zone data through the Denver Maps portal.
2
Determine proximity to drainages
Denver's flood risk is concentrated along Cherry Creek, South Platte River, and several gulches. Identify your distance to the nearest drainage channel.
3
Get an Elevation Certificate
Required for insurance in A/AE zones. Hire a Colorado-licensed surveyor ($350–$600).
4
Obtain flood insurance
Required for A/AE zones with federally backed mortgages. Recommended for properties near gulches and drainages, even in Zone X.
5
Review building requirements
Denver's floodplain administrator enforces local standards that exceed FEMA minimums. Check with Public Works for freeboard, setback, and detention requirements.
6
Check dam inundation zones
Properties downstream of Cherry Creek Dam and Chatfield Dam should be aware of dam failure inundation zone maps, which may affect development and insurance.
7
Plan for flash floods
Denver's afternoon thunderstorms can produce flash flooding with little warning. Sign up for Denver Emergency Notification System alerts.

Frequently Asked Questions — Denver Flood Zones

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