Does Oshkosh, WI have its own flood zones ordinance?

No. Oshkosh, WI does not appear to have a local flood zones ordinance, Wisconsin state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from the Wisconsin statute.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

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

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

Key Facts

Flood Zone: Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 mandates local floodplain zoning
Flood Zone: Wis. Admin. Code Chapter NR 116 sets minimum floodplain standards
Zoning: Chapter 30 Article VI creates FP-O, SL-O, LR-O, and RF-O overlay districts
Flood Zone: Lake Winnebago and the Fox River are the principal flood sources
Shoreland Jurisdiction: Shoreland jurisdiction: 1,000 ft from lakes, 300 ft from navigable rivers
Insurance Required: City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (44 CFR 59-72)
Flood Zone: Winnebago County Chapter 26 Floodplain Zoning Code applies outside city limits

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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh, WI on the FEMA flood map

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

Summary

The City of Oshkosh administers floodplain and shoreland zoning within its corporate limits through Chapter 30 of the Municipal Code, using overlay zoning districts including the Floodplain Overlay (FP-O), Shoreland Overlay (SL-O), Lakefront Residential Overlay (LR-O), and Riverfront Overlay (RF-O). The ordinance is adopted under Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 and conforms to Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR 116, plus 44 CFR Parts 59-72 for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. The principal flood sources in Oshkosh are Lake Winnebago and the Fox River. Effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps and the Flood Insurance Study for Winnebago County are published by FEMA and available through the FEMA Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) and the Winnebago County Adopted Floodplain Viewer.

Every structure, building, fill, or development placed or maintained within any floodplain in violation of a zoning ordinance adopted under this section, or s. 59.69, 61.35 or 62.23 is a public nuisance and the creation thereof may be enjoined and maintenance thereof may be abated by action at suit of any municipality, the state or any citizen thereof. Any person who places or maintains any structure, building, fill or development within any floodplain in violation of a zoning ordinance adopted under this section, or s. 59.69, 61.35 or 62.23 may be fined not more than $50 for each offense. Each day during which such violation exists is a separate offense.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Wisconsin requires every municipality with mapped floodplain or that participates in the NFIP to adopt a floodplain zoning ordinance meeting the minimum standards of Chapter NR 116 (Wis. Admin. Code) and 44 CFR 59-72, under the authority of Wis. Stat. Sec. 30. Oshkosh implements these requirements through Article VI of Chapter 30, which creates the Floodplain Overlay District (FP-O) and the Shoreland Overlay District (SL-O), supplemented by the Lakefront Residential Overlay (LR-O) for properties along Lake Winnebago and the Riverfront Overlay (RF-O) for properties along the Fox River.

13). Wisconsin's shoreland definition - 1,000 feet from the ordinary high-water mark of a navigable lake/pond/flowage and 300 feet (or to the floodplain, whichever is greater) of a navigable river or stream - covers large portions of Oshkosh because of Lake Winnebago and the Fox River. A Wisconsin DNR-approved local zoning permit is required before any building permit may be issued for development in the FP-O or SL-O. gov and through the county's adopted floodplain viewer. Winnebago County's own Chapter 26 Floodplain Zoning Code applies in unincorporated areas.

Violations & Fines

Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30(2) and Wis. Admin. Code NR 116.21 require local enforcement of floodplain zoning. Violations - including filling, regrading, or constructing a structure in the regulatory floodway, building below the flood protection elevation in the flood fringe, expanding a non-conforming use, or undertaking shoreland-disturbing activity without a permit - may result in citations, daily forfeitures, stop-work orders, restoration/removal orders, and denial of certificates of occupancy. Misrepresenting elevation certificates is independently actionable. A community that fails to enforce its floodplain ordinance can be suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program under 44 CFR Part 59, eliminating federally backed flood insurance for property owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who regulates floodplain development in Oshkosh?

The City of Oshkosh enforces floodplain and shoreland zoning under Chapter 30 of its Municipal Code (Article VI overlay districts), in conformance with Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 and Wis. Admin. Code Chapter NR 116. The Wisconsin DNR provides oversight and approval, and FEMA maintains the Flood Insurance Rate Maps that delineate Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Where can I see the FEMA flood map for my Oshkosh property?

Use the FEMA Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov to search by address, or use the Winnebago County Adopted Floodplain Viewer at wcgis3.co.winnebago.wi.us/floodviewer/. Oshkosh Planning Services can also confirm whether a parcel falls within the Floodplain Overlay (FP-O) or Shoreland Overlay (SL-O) district.

Can I build a new house in the regulatory floodway near Lake Winnebago or the Fox River?

No. Under Wis. Admin. Code NR 116, new residential structures are prohibited in the regulatory floodway. In the flood fringe, habitable space must be elevated to the flood protection elevation (regional flood elevation plus freeboard, typically 2 feet). Lakefront and riverfront overlays add further setback and design requirements.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Oshkosh

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Oshkosh rules

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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Winnebago County handle flood zones.

Neenah, WI