Community Rating System

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program open to communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. By participating in the CRS, communities commit to undertaking additional activities to reduce their community’s flood risk. The program falls under the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In order for a community to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, the community’s floodplains must be mapped, which provides the basis for flood regulations and insurance requirements. Manitou Springs contracts with the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) to enforce flood plain regulations in our community. The PPRBD provides documentation for some aspects of the CRS, such as providing Elevation Certificates.

By participating in the CRS, a community may achieve a rating that leads to reductions in flood insurance premiums for property owners. A community engages staff to serve as a Community Rating System Coordinator, who oversees the community’s CRS activities. The activities that qualify for CRS credit are described in the CRS Manual, which includes detailed requirements for specific qualifying activities, and possible credit that can be achieved. The City of Manitou Springs is currently ranked 7 out of 9; 1 is the highest possible score. Some activities the City undertakes that qualify for CRS credit include:

• Maintaining current Flood Insurance Rate Maps and providing information on flood zones to residents;
• Outreach activities: development and distribution of various materials such as a brochure for residents who own property in the Special Flood  Hazard Area (100-year floodplain); specific guidance for Manitou Springs residents to undertake mitigation activity to reduce flood damage; and guidance on the benefits of creating green infrastructure;
• Information on the number of structures in the floodplain and number of residents who purchase flood insurance; the percentage reduction in flood insurance premiums due to CRS activity; and education on the benefits of obtaining flood insurance;
• Open space preservation and maintenance within the Special Flood Hazard Area; and
• Adoption of regulatory standards that exceed federal standards.