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

Some Restrictions

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

FEMA flood zone rules in Winnebago 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

Governing chapter: Winnebago County Code Ch. 26
Districts: Floodway, floodfringe, general floodplain
Scope: Unincorporated towns only
Admin agency: Planning and Zoning Department
Penalty: $10–$50 per day forfeiture

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 Winnebago 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 Winnebago County, WI on the FEMA flood map

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

Summary

Winnebago County regulates development in the unincorporated area covered by the regional or base flood shown on adopted flood insurance rate maps, splitting the floodplain into floodway, floodfringe, and general floodplain districts under Chapter 26.

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

Unincorporated areas of the county. This chapter applies to those areas in the unincorporated
area of Winnebago County that would be covered by the regional flood or base flood as shown on the adopted flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) or other maps approved by the Department of Natural Resources. Base flood elevations are derived from the flood profiles in the flood insurance study and are shown as AE, A1-30, and AH zones on the flood insurance rate maps. Other regulatory zones are displayed as A and AO zones. Regional flood elevations may be derived from other studies. If more than one map or revision is referenced, the most restrictive information shall apply.
(b) Annexed lands. This chapter applies to any land annexed by a city or village, until the municipality adopts and enforces an ordinance which meets the requirements of ch. NR 116, Wis. Adm. Code and 44 CFR 59-72, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Source: City of WinnebagocountyView official code

Full Breakdown

Winnebago County Code Chapter 26 governs land use inside the mapped floodplain of unincorporated towns, covering areas the flood insurance rate maps show as inundated by the regional or base flood. The county Planning and Zoning Department administers three main districts, floodway, floodfringe, and general floodplain, each with its own development standards, and no structure, fill, or land disturbance may proceed there without a permit under Article 6. Chapter 26 supersedes any conflicting town zoning provision on floodplain matters unless the town rule is stricter.

Violations & Fines

Violating Chapter 26 is prosecuted by the county corporation counsel; a conviction forfeits $10 to $50 per day, each day a separate offense, and the county may sue to abate the violation as a public nuisance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chapter 26 apply inside Oshkosh, Neenah, or Menasha?

No: it applies only to unincorporated areas of the county; those cities administer their own floodplain zoning under state-mandated city ordinances.

What maps set the floodplain boundary?

The FEMA flood insurance rate maps and flood insurance study adopted for the county; the most restrictive of any overlapping map or revision controls.

Sources & Official References

[1]Winnebago County Code Ch. 26 — Floodplain Zoning Code

Other rules in Winnebago County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Flood Elevation RequirementsSome Restrictions Boat Dock PermitsLight Restrictions Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Winnebago County rules

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Flood Zones in Cities Across Winnebago County

Neenah, WI Oshkosh, WI