Floodplain Management Publications

Model zoning ordinances 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 copies of the documents listed below in Microsoft Word format or for copies of earlier versions of the model ordinances, please contact DNR Floodplain.

• Standard model floodplain ordinance, 2022
• Adopting An Ordinance: A Step By Step Guide, October 2025

Laws and regulations

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

Sample letters and documents

• Example Flooding easement document

Newsletters

• Past issues of Floodplain and Shoreland Management Notes
• Subscribe to GovDelivery of Floodplain and Shoreland Management Notes

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.