Milwaukee, WI Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard
- 2 feet above regional flood elevation
- Applies in
- Flood fringe overlay zone (FF)
- Fill extent
- 15 feet beyond structure, min.
- Enforced by
- Commissioner of Neighborhood Services
Summary
New construction and substantial improvements in Milwaukee's flood fringe overlay zone must have the lowest floor built to or above the flood protection elevation: 2 feet of freeboard above the regional flood elevation on fill.
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 foot or more above the regional flood elevation
extending at least 15 feet beyond the limits of the structure. No area may be removed from the flood fringe
overlay zone unless it can be shown to meet s. 295-1141.
-963- 11/4/2025
Full Breakdown
Milwaukee's zoning code sets the flood protection elevation at 2 feet of freeboard above the water surface profile elevation for the regional flood. In the flood fringe overlay zone (FF), new residential construction, manufactured homes, and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor elevated to or above that level on fill extending at least 15 feet beyond the structure and one foot above the regional flood elevation. Commercial and industrial structures face the same floor elevation standard or must meet approved floodproofing measures. Basements are allowed only if watertight and structurally rated for hydrostatic loads, and no floor may sit below the regional flood elevation itself. The commissioner of neighborhood services administers permits under Chapter 295's floodplain subchapter.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required flood protection elevation, without a floodplain development permit, or without a certificate of compliance violates the floodplain overlay zone standards; the commissioner can deny or revoke permits, and violations are subject to enforcement and penalties under § 295-1151.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Milwaukee's flood protection elevation?
Can a basement be built in Milwaukee's flood fringe zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
Compare Milwaukee to another location·View the Wisconsin environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle flood elevation requirements.