Flood Zones: New Berlin vs Waukesha
How do flood zones rules compare between New Berlin, WI and Waukesha, WI?
Waukesha has fewer restrictions than New Berlin.
New Berlin, WI
Waukesha County
New Berlin regulates floodplain development through Article IXA (Floodplain Zoning) of Chapter 275, in conformance with Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 and Wis. Admin. Code Chapter NR 116, plus 44 CFR Parts 59-72 of the National Flood Insurance Program. The city has mapped 100-year floodplain along Poplar Creek, Deer Creek, Root River, Calhoun Creek, Tess Corners Creek, Underwood Creek, the Fox River drainage, and the Upper Kelly Lake Tributary. All development in the 100-year floodplain - including buildings, filling, excavation, and fences - requires a zoning permit from the Department of Community Development. The 50% substantial-improvement rule applies to any repair or improvement to existing structures.
View full New Berlin rules →Waukesha, WI
Waukesha County
The City of Waukesha participates in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program and administers a Floodplain Zoning Ordinance adopted in 2023 in compliance with Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 and Wis. Admin. Code Chapter NR 116. The ordinance regulates development in the Fox River floodplain and other Special Flood Hazard Areas mapped on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Districts include the Floodway, Flood-Fringe, and General Floodplain. A floodplain zoning permit is required before any structure, fill, or substantial improvement in the SFHA.
View full Waukesha rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New Berlin | Waukesha |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| City Ordinance | - | Waukesha Floodplain Ordinance (2023) |
| State Statute | - | Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 |
| State Code | - | Wis. Admin. Code Chapter NR 116 |
| Federal Standard | - | 44 CFR Parts 59-72 (NFIP) |
| Freeboard | - | 2 ft above BFE (Wisconsin standard) |
| Substantial Improvement | - | 50% of pre-improvement market value |
| Main Floodplain | - | Fox River corridor |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New Berlin FAQ
Waukesha FAQ
How do I find out if my Waukesha property is in a FEMA flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) for the official Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), or use the Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Data Viewer. Properties along the Fox River and its tributaries are most likely to be mapped as Zone A, AE, or floodway. The City Zoning Administrator (262-524-3749) can confirm which district applies to your parcel.
How high do I have to elevate a new house in Waukesha's flood-fringe?
Wisconsin requires the lowest floor (including basement) of a new residential structure in the flood-fringe to be at or above the flood protection elevation, which is at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation under Wis. Admin. Code NR 116.13. This is a stricter freeboard than the 1-foot federal minimum. Residential structures are not allowed in the floodway.
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