Ryan Sugden Details Stalling Colorado Floodplain Map Updates in Colorado Real Estate Journal

10.21.2021

Partner Ryan Sugden detailed Colorado's years-long remapping project, known as the Colorado Hazard Mapping Project (CHAMP), in a recent article for the Colorado Real Estate Journal.

In the article, Sugden explained that accurate floodplain maps are critical regulatory tools. He said that many Colorado communities have worked to update these maps, but changes have stalled, causing landowners and developers to revise plans or put projects on hold.

“Delays in changing area floodplain maps have affected or frozen developments, and the costs for landowners and developers will be sure to rise once the long-awaited maps are approved,” noted Sugden. "Many Colorado municipalities have adopted the maps while FEMA completes its formal review, which creates discrepancies between the old maps and new ones. Regulators must apply whichever map is most restrictive, which can be challenging for landowners."

Sugden suggested that landowners looking for floodplain mapping and regulatory information to visit the CHAMP website, contact their local floodplain administrator, or consult with a floodplain engineer or attorney.

Sugden represents businesses in commercial real estate, land use, energy and construction disputes. His experience runs the gamut of real estate and construction—from helping clients obtain the permits needed to start a new development, to defending owners and contractors in construction disputes, to representing landowners after a property is developed.

Subscribers can sign in to the Colorado Real Estate Journal site to read the full article.