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Outagamie County, WI Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Outagamie County, WI, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Permit required: Before any floodplain development
Districts: Floodway, floodfringe, general floodplain, storage
Administered by: County Zoning Administrator
Penalty: $10–$50 per day of violation
Coverage: Unincorporated county land only

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Outagamie County, WI.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Outagamie County, WI on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Any new development, building repair, or change in use within Outagamie County's floodplain districts needs a land use permit from the county Zoning Administrator before construction starts.

City-specific rules exist: Little Chute, and Appleton have their own flood zones rules that differ from Outagamie County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

A land use permit shall be obtained before any new development or any repair or change in the use of a building or structure, including sewer and water facilities, may be initiated.

View official code

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

Outagamie County Code Chapter 24 divides the floodplain into four zoning districts, floodway, floodfringe, general floodplain and flood storage, adopted under the state floodplain mandate in Wis. Stat. § 87.30. Before any new development, repair, or use change begins on floodplain land, the owner must apply to the county Zoning Administrator for a land use permit and submit a site plan showing lot elevations, floodway limits and the lowest-floor data for any proposed structure. The chapter governs unincorporated county land; Appleton, Kaukauna and other incorporated cities administer their own separate floodplain zoning.

Violations & Fines

Violating the floodplain chapter is a public nuisance; a convicted violator forfeits $10 to $50 to the county, with each day of continued violation counted as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this permit apply inside Appleton or Kaukauna?

No. Chapter 24 governs unincorporated Outagamie County; Appleton, Kaukauna and other cities enforce their own separate floodplain zoning ordinances.

What must a floodplain permit application include?

A site plan showing lot elevation, floodway limits, the ordinary high-water mark, and the lowest floor elevation of any proposed structure or fill.

Sources & Official References

[1]Outagamie County Code of Ordinances § 24-227

Other rules in Outagamie County

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Flood Elevation RequirementsSome Restrictions Stormwater ManagementSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Outagamie County rules

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Flood Zones in Cities Across Outagamie County

Appleton, WI Little Chute, WI