Floodplain Management Publications

Model zoning ordinance documents

In March 2022, an updated standard model floodplain ordinance went into effect. The current model meets state and federal minimum standards and should be used by any community amending or adopting a floodplain ordinance.

For an editable version of the ordinance linked below, please contact DNR Floodplain.

Laws and regulations

Chapter NR 116, Wis. Admin. Code - Wisconsin's Floodplain management program

Sample letters and documents

Example Flooding easement document

Newsletters

Handbooks and other publications

Floodplain Management in Wisconsin Quick Guide (2019) - (Archive)
The floods of 1993: The Wisconsin experience - (Archive)
From sandbags to sanity: Dealing with flood risk in Wisconsin - University of Wisconsin aquatic sciences center, 2009 conference on 2008 Wisconsin floods.
Come rain, come shine - A case study of A Floodplain relocation project at soldiers grove, Wisconsin - (Archive)
Gays Mills long-term recovery plan - (Archive)
Please visit the UW-Madison Extension Plan Commission Resources site for the Plan Commission handbook.
Please visit the UW-Madison Extension Land Use Training and Resources site for the 2^nd ed. 2006 Zoning board handbook for zoning boards of adjustment and appeals.
The upper Mississippi river system flow frequency study - US Army Corps of Engineers
Please email DNRFloodplain for information on the Letter of Map Change Process

Substantial Damage Guidance Packets

Please email DNRFloodplain to request the State of Wisconsin:

Flood Damage Assessment Packet
Local Substantial Damage Plan Template
Permit Packet Template
Wisconsin Substantial Damage Implementation Plan

Fact sheets

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program - Fact sheets about Flood insurance, letters of map change, NFIP guidelines, etc.
How to make a FIRMette

For more information contact:
DNR Floodplain.

Floodplains_Content Page_Floodplain zoning management and grant opportunities for local communities