Flood Zones: Mosinee vs Wausau

The City of Mosinee regulates floodplain development through Chapter 42 (Land Use), Article V Floodplain Zoning of its Code of Ordinances, in conformance with Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR 116, plus 44 CFR Parts 59-72. The Wisconsin River runs through Mosinee and is the principal regulated waterway, including reaches affected by the Mosinee Dam. The Marathon County Flood Insurance Study and Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) became effective July 22, 2010. Mosinee participates in the National Flood Insurance Program; new residential structures are prohibited in the regulatory floodway and in the flood fringe must be elevated to the flood protection elevation.

The City of Wausau participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates floodplain development under Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR 116, plus 44 CFR Parts 59-72. The Wisconsin River bisects Wausau and is the primary flood source through the city, with additional flood hazards along the Eau Claire River, Rib River, and tributaries. The currently effective FEMA Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) for Marathon County, including Wausau panels, became effective July 22, 2010. Floodplain zoning is implemented as an overlay within Title 23 (see Sec. 23.05.30(2)(c) treatment of floodplain overlay vs. nonconforming structures). Development in the regulatory floodway is prohibited or strictly limited; in the flood fringe, habitable space must be elevated to the flood protection elevation.