Floodplain Modification FAQ

If you recently received a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), sent by the Town, informing you of changes to the Boxelder Creek Floodplain that could affect your property, here is what you need to know:

Q: What does this letter mean to me?

A: Impacted residents are affected by the change to the floodplain in one of two ways:

• Decrease in Floodplain Boundary: For most properties, the floodplain area on your property will decrease, meaning your property is being removed from the floodplain.
• Increase in Floodplain Boundary: In some cases, there is an increase in the floodplain boundary across the property.

You can review printed maps at the Town of Wellington Municipal Services Building to see how your property is affected. Staff members are available to answer any questions you might have.

Q: Why should I care about a floodplain boundary change?

A: Properties within the floodplain may be required to purchase flood insurance for insurable structures. Please contact your insurance company to discuss your situation.

Q: Who can I contact to discuss the floodplain changes on my property?

A: The Town of Wellington floodplain manager is Nathan Ewert. He can be reached directly at (970) 473-0014 or ewertna@wellingtoncolorado.gov.

Q: Why can we only contact the Town between July 1 and November 1, 2024?

A: These dates are intended to encompass the 90-day appeal period that is required by FEMA. The Town floodplain administrator is available to discuss after November 1 if needed. However, appeals may not be accepted by FEMA after that date.

Q: Are electronic versions of the floodplain maps available?

A: The Town has posted electronic versions of the floodplain work maps:

• Revised FIRM
• Figure 4-1
• Figure 4-2
• Figure 4-3
• Figure 4-4

Q: What is a Letter of Map Revision?

A: A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) is an official document issued by FEMA that officially changes the current flood map for a community. This letter can update the floodplain boundaries, base flood elevations, or floodway designations based on new data or changes to the landscape. Essentially, it is a way to correct or update the flood hazard information shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

Q: What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)?

A: A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) depicts land that has a 1-percent (100-year) or greater chance of flooding in any given year. It is used to determine flood insurance rates and assist with floodplain management in a community.

Q: What is a floodway?

A: A floodway is the portion of the floodplain that includes the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land area that must be reserved to discharge the base flood without significantly increasing the water-surface elevation.

Q: Why are the FIRMs being updated in Larimer County?

A: The FIRMs are being updated in response to the 2013 flood through the Colorado Hazard Mapping Program (CHAMP). The updated flood hazard information has been accepted by FEMA as a Preliminary FIRM and is expected to replace the current information in 2024.

Q: What is the purpose of the Town of Wellington's Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)?

A: The LOMR aims to update floodplain model and mapping information for residential developments, thereby removing properties and structures from a preliminary floodplain expected to become effective in 2024.