FEMA flood zone rules in Brown County, WI — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Brown County Code Chapter 23 (Floodplains), revised 02-15-2023, regulates development in unincorporated areas under Wis. Stat. §87.30 and FEMA NFIP. Three districts: Floodway (FW), Floodfringe (FF), and General Floodplain (GFP). Updated FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps took effect May 9, 2023.
Chapter 23 implements Wisconsin's mandatory floodplain zoning under Wis. Stat. §87.30 and Wis. Admin. Code NR 116. The Floodway District prohibits structures intended for human occupancy and most fill. The Floodfringe District allows development with the lowest floor elevated to or above the Flood Protection Elevation (typically 2 feet of freeboard above the Base Flood Elevation per Wis. Admin. Code NR 116.13). The General Floodplain District requires hydraulic/hydrologic studies before development. Major flood-prone areas in Brown County include the Fox River corridor, East River, Duck Creek, and the Bay of Green Bay shoreline. Floodplain development permits are required from Brown County Planning and Land Services for unincorporated parcels; incorporated cities (Green Bay, De Pere, etc.) administer their own floodplain ordinances.
Violations of Wis. Stat. §87.30 and NR 116 enforced through county zoning citations; non-conforming work can require removal. Federal NFIP non-compliance can jeopardize community flood insurance eligibility.
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