Rebuilding Resilience: Lyons, Colorado's Recovery After the 2013 Flood

Background

Lyons is a small town of just over 2,000 residents in Colorado. In September 2013, it was hit by catastrophic flooding after more than 17 inches of rain fell, exceeding 100-year flood levels and even surpassing the 500- and 1000-year flood levels in some places. Located at the confluence of two creeks, the town's location made it particularly vulnerable.

The Problem

The flood caused extensive damage—168 homes and 43 mobile homes were destroyed or severely damaged, displacing 15% of the population. The community faced major challenges, including the loss of affordable housing, scarce developable land, and a need to recover with greater resilience.

The Strategy

The American Planning Association’s Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT) helped guide recovery with an emphasis on sustainability, affordability, and resilience.

• A Recovery Action Plan included goals such as promoting diverse housing, updating regulations for floodplain construction, and encouraging elevated or water-permeable structures like Gabion wall foundations.

• The town pursued buyouts for damaged homes and re-zoned land to prevent rebuilding in vulnerable floodways.

• Sustainable designs, like the Miracle Village concept, include integrated stormwater management, natural drainage, and community-centered amenities.

  
  

Lessons Learned

• Rebuilding in flood-prone areas requires stronger regulations and forward-looking planning.

• Resilient design—both physical and policy-based—is crucial for future flood risk reduction.