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Ix PRE FACE General This manual presents concepts and procedures for implementing flood plain management practices which will reduce the flood risk to life and property. Flood risks are reduced through modifications or adjustments to a building design, site location, or placement of con- tents. These techniques are referred to "floodproofing" measures which can range from elevating a structure to the intentional flooding of a basement during times of flood. . . The purpose of the manual is to present construction techniques, designs, and building stan- dards that are applicable for the protection of life, health, property, and the general public welfare by regulating and directing development activities in flood hazard areas. The pro- visions which are addressed in this manual are provided to achieve uniformity in the implementation of floodproofing procedures and practices. The manual has been formulated such that it will: Provide a standard which local government adminstrators can adopt into a community's flood plain management program; Provide a document which will be a design standard for the State of Colorado; . Provide a state-of-the-art analysis of design criteria for local flood plain administrators and professionals; Provide a vehicle for assessing the economic costs and benefits of implementing flood proofing practices. . Today, flood-prone areas have been identified in 266 cities and towns and in all of the 63 counties. Most of the incorporated cities and towns and all counties in Colorado have some kind of river, stream, creek, or drainageway within their jurisdiction. . We estimate that five percent of the state's permanent population is vulnerable to flood risks. Over 6 billion dollars in property is now exposed to flood risks throughout the state. Approximately one-half billion of this amount has flood insurance coverage. . The key to reducing flood losses and the risk to life and property is "flood plain manage- ment". Flood plain management incorporates several measures to control development in flood plains. One small part of flood plain management is the use of floodproofing measures. Although development in flood plains is not encouraged, it is not always avoidable. Flood- proofing measures provide some means of protection for structures already located within the flood plain. This manual attempts to provide the necessary information for using f1ood- proofing as an alternative in flood plain management. . . .