Outagamie County, WI Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard required
- 2 feet above regional flood elevation
- Applies to
- New construction, fill, floodproofing
- Floodfringe rule
- Lowest floor at/above elevation
- Basements
- None below regional flood elevation
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county floodplain
Summary
Outagamie County requires two feet of freeboard above the regional flood elevation, the 'flood protection elevation', for new construction, fill and floodproofed structures in its floodplain districts.
Flood protection elevation means an elevation of two feet of freeboard above the water surface profile elevation designated for the regional flood. See freeboard.
Flood storage means those floodplain areas where storage of floodwaters has been taken into account during analysis in reducing the regional flood discharge.
Floodfringe means that portion of the floodplain outside of the floodway which is covered by floodwaters during the regional flood and associated with standing water rather than flowing water.
Floodplain means land which has been or may be covered by floodwater during the regional flood. The term "floodplain" includes the floodway and the floodfringe, and may include other designated floodplain areas for regulatory purposes.
Floodplain island means a natural geologic land formation within the floodplain that is surrounded, but not covered, by floodwater during the regional flood.
Floodplain management means policy and procedures to ensure wise use of floodplains, including mapping and engineering, mitigation, education, and administration and enforcement of floodplain regulations.
Floodproofing means any combination of structural provisions, changes or adjustments to properties and structures, water and sanitary facilities and contents of buildings subject to flooding, for the purpose of reducing or eliminating flood damage.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26).
Full Breakdown
The county's floodplain chapter defines 'flood protection elevation' as two feet of freeboard above the water surface profile elevation set for the regional flood, at Sec. 24-5. In the floodfringe district, Sec. 24-102 requires the lowest floor of any new or moved residential structure to sit at or above that flood protection elevation, either on qualifying fill extending at least 15 feet beyond the structure or through floodproofing under Sec. 24-276. Accessory structures, wells, sewage systems and utilities in the floodfringe must meet the same two-foot freeboard standard, and no basement or crawlway floor is allowed below the regional flood elevation itself.
Violations & Fines
Structures built below the required flood protection elevation are treated as nonconforming; violations are referred to Corporation Counsel and carry a forfeiture of $10 to $50 per day of continued violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Outagamie County require above the base flood elevation?
Can a basement be built below the regional flood elevation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Outagamie County
Compare Outagamie County to another location·View the Wisconsin environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.