Middleton, WI Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard required
- 2 ft above Regional Flood Elevation
- Fill extent
- 15 ft beyond structure, 1 ft above RFE
- Adopted
- Ord. No. O1651, April 1, 2025
- Max fine
- $50 per day (§ 24.10)
- Administered by
- City Zoning Administrator, City Hall
Summary
Middleton's Floodplain Zoning Ordinance requires the lowest floor of new and substantially improved residential structures in the floodfringe to sit at or above the flood protection elevation, defined as two feet of freeboard above the Regional Flood Elevation, with fill extending at least 15 feet past the structure.
1.All new construction, including placement of manufactured homes, and substantial improvement of residential structures, shall have the lowest floor elevated to or above the flood protection elevation on fill. The fill around the structure shall be one (1) foot or more above the regional flood elevation extending at least 15 feet beyond the limits of the structure. ... (33)"Flood Protection Elevation" means an elevation of two feet of freeboard above the Regional Flood Elevation. (Also see: Freeboard.)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 3 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 24, readopted by Ord. No. 11(33)). 05(3)(a)1). 05(3)(a)2). 04(3)(b)). 06(1)(d)1). 08(1)).
Violations & Fines
Failure to obtain a floodplain development permit before building, filling, or altering a structure in a mapped flood hazard area is a violation of Chapter 24, punishable under Section 24.10 by a forfeiture of not more than $50 per day, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, referred to the municipal attorney for prosecution. Every violation is also a public nuisance that the City, the state, or any citizen may enjoin or abate under Wis. Stat. Section 87.30.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Middleton require above the base flood elevation?
Can I finish a basement in Middleton's floodfringe?
What happens if I build in the floodplain without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Middleton
Compare Middleton to another location·View the Wisconsin environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle flood elevation requirements.