General Information

In order to obtain a Floodplain Development Permit (FPDP) a determination of the impact from the project to the floodplain must be made.  SEMSWA issues FPDPs within the City of Centennial and unincorporated Arapahoe County. FPDPs are required for all activities in the floodplain. Section 5.6.1 of The City of Centennial Stormwater Management manual states “A Floodplain Development Permit is required for any development proposed in the Floodplain.” FEMA defines development as “any man-made change to improved or un-improved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, or storage of equipment and materials.” The Floodplain Development Permit is required prior to issuance of a building permit, issuance of a street cut or right-of-way use permit, issuance of a GESC permit, issuance of a public improvements permit, and any other development, use or change of the use of land located in the Floodplain. The Floodplain Development Permit is required in addition to other permits or review processes, which may be associated with the underlying zone district. All activities, regardless of impact, need to be permitted. Even when it is apparent that there are no adverse impacts to the floodplain, a permit is required for administrative purposes to ensure that SEMSWA is aware of the activities within the floodplain and that they have been evaluated for compliance with the City’s requirements.