FEMA flood zone rules in Racine, WI — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
The City of Racine regulates floodplain development through Chapter 114, Article VIII (Flood Regulations) and Article IX (Shoreland and Wetland Regulations) of its Zoning Ordinance, adopted under Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 and in conformance with Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR 116 and 44 CFR Parts 59-72. The Root River runs through the city to its outlet at Lake Michigan, and the Lake Michigan shoreline along the eastern edge is a separately mapped coastal flood hazard area. Development in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas requires a floodplain zoning permit, new residential structures and most fill are prohibited in the regulatory floodway, and structures in the flood fringe must be elevated to the flood protection elevation (regional flood elevation plus freeboard).
Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 requires every Wisconsin municipality with mapped floodplain or that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to adopt a floodplain zoning ordinance meeting the minimum standards of Wis. Admin. Code Chapter NR 116 and 44 CFR Parts 59-72. The City of Racine (FEMA Community 555575) and Racine County (Community 550347) both participate in the NFIP. Article VIII (Flood Regulations) of Chapter 114 implements the local floodplain ordinance, and Article IX (Shoreland and Wetland Regulations) addresses areas within 1,000 feet of the Lake Michigan ordinary high-water mark and within 300 feet of navigable streams or to the landward edge of the floodplain, consistent with Wis. Stat. Sec. 59.692 and Wis. Admin. Code Ch. NR 117 (city shoreland-wetland) standards. Under NR 116, the regulatory floodway prohibits new residential structures, fill, and most habitable additions, while the flood fringe allows development if the lowest floor of habitable space is elevated to the flood protection elevation (regional 1% annual chance flood elevation plus freeboard, typically 2 feet under NR 116.13). The Root River is the principal regulated inland waterway through the city, with Lake Michigan providing coastal Zone VE/AE flood hazard along the bluff and harbor. The currently effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Racine County, including City of Racine panels, are available through FEMA's Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) and the Wisconsin DNR Floodplain Mapping Program. A floodplain zoning permit from the city's zoning administrator is required before any building permit may be issued for work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30(2) and Wis. Admin. Code NR 116.21 require enforcement of local floodplain zoning. Violations - including filling, structural development, or occupancy of habitable space in the floodway, or building below the flood protection elevation in the flood fringe - can result in citation, daily forfeitures, removal/restoration orders, and loss of NFIP coverage eligibility for the property. Misrepresenting elevation data on a permit application is independently actionable. Failure of a community to enforce its ordinance can lead to suspension from the NFIP under 44 CFR Part 59, eliminating federally-backed flood insurance and certain federal disaster assistance.
Racine, WI
Racine regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Racine, WI
Racine considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Racine, WI
Racine enforces quiet hours in this Lake Michigan manufacturing city (pop. 78,000). Home to SC Johnson headquarters, the city manages noise from industry, th...
Racine, WI
Racine manages parking in the downtown core and near the lakefront festival grounds. Winter alternate-side parking enables snow plowing. Harbor area has seas...
Racine, WI
Racine restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Racine, WI
Racine requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Racine County.
See how other cities in Racine County handle flood zones.
See how Racine's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.