Windsor advances Larimer flood maps that staff say set insurance rates

The Windsor Town Board approved on first reading an ordinance to adopt new Larimer County flood insurance maps. The maps set rates by flood zone, a staff member told the board.

Staff proposed a second reading for Oct. 12, with the ordinance expected to take effect Nov. 11. The maps and accompanying study are scheduled to take effect Nov. 27. The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires Windsor to adopt both by local ordinance before then, the staff member said.

If Windsor does not adopt the maps and study, “Windsor could be put on probation or banned” from the National Flood Insurance Program, the staff member said. The voluntary federal program lets homeowners buy flood insurance based on flood-zone risk. It also makes them eligible for federal assistance, the staff member said.

The proposed maps would remove mapped flood risk from a substantial area near Ascent Charter Academy, the staff member said. They show some increased risk in another nearby area and in the floodway. Most of that area is gravel-mine land with no known structures and has not yet been annexed to Windsor, the staff member said. The Larimer County mapping was delayed by issues outside Windsor, but staff identified no negative impacts to Windsor homes or buildings, the staff member said.