Green Bay, WI Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Green Bay, WI, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- District
- Floodfringe District (FF)
- Elevation standard
- 1 ft above regional flood elevation
- Fill extent
- At least 15 feet beyond structure
- Access requirement
- Contiguous dryland access required
- Applies to
- New construction, substantial improvements
Summary
New construction in Green Bay's floodfringe must sit on fill with the lowest floor at or above the flood protection elevation, under the city's floodplain zoning overlay.
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.
Full Breakdown
Green Bay's Floodplain Overlay District (Zoning Code Article XIII) requires any new or substantially improved residential structure in the floodfringe to have its lowest floor elevated to or above the flood protection elevation, built on fill extending at least 15 feet beyond the structure and rising at least one foot above the regional flood elevation. Contiguous dryland access to land outside the floodplain is also required unless the City has written assurance that police, fire and EMS can reach the structure by vehicle during a flood. Accessory structures face the same fill-and-elevation standard.
Violations & Fines
Building or substantially improving a structure in the floodfringe without meeting the elevation and fill standards violates Chapter 44's floodplain regulations and can block issuance of the required development permit under Section 44-1279.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must a new home be built in Green Bay's floodfringe?
Can a basement be built in the floodfringe?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
Compare Green Bay to another location·View the Wisconsin environmental rules overview
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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle flood zones.