County Floodplain Development Permit
Required for any development within a mapped floodplain in Wisconsin. Counties (and municipalities) enforce floodplain zoning under NR 116 to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Floodplain regulations restrict fill, construction, and development within the floodway and flood fringe to reduce flood damage and maintain flood storage capacity.
When Is a County Floodplain Development Permit Required?
- Any construction or fill within a mapped FEMA floodplain
- Building in the flood fringe zone (with elevation requirements)
- Substantial improvement of existing structures in the floodplain
- Installing manufactured homes in the floodplain
When Is a County Floodplain Development Permit NOT Required?
- Properties entirely outside the mapped floodplain
- General maintenance that doesn't constitute substantial improvement
Related Permits You May Also Need
County Floodplain Development Permit Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for county floodplain development permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Ashland County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Barron County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Bayfield County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Brown County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Buffalo County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Burnett County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Calumet County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Chippewa County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Clark County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Columbia County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Crawford County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Dane County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Dodge County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Door County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Douglas County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Dunn County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Eau Claire County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Florence County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Fond du Lac County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Forest County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Grant County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Green County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Green Lake County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Iowa County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Iron County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Jackson County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Jefferson County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Juneau County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Kenosha County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Kewaunee County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| La Crosse County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Lafayette County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Langlade County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Lincoln County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Manitowoc County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Marathon County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Marinette County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Marquette County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Menominee County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Milwaukee County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Monroe County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Oconto County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Oneida County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Outagamie County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Ozaukee County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Pepin County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Pierce County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Polk County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Portage County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Price County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Racine County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Richland County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Rock County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Rusk County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Sauk County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Sawyer County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Shawano County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Sheboygan County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| St. Croix County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Taylor County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Trempealeau County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Vernon County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Vilas County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Walworth County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Washburn County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Washington County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Waukesha County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Waupaca County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Waushara County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
| Winnebago County | $250-$600 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Wood County | $125-$350 | 3-6 weeks | Current |
Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.
Frequently Asked Questions — County Floodplain Development Permit
Can I build in a floodplain in Wisconsin?
Building in the floodway (the channel and immediate overflow area) is generally prohibited. Building in the flood fringe (the outer portion of the floodplain) may be allowed with significant restrictions: the lowest floor must be at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation, and an elevation certificate is required. Development costs increase substantially in floodplain areas.
How do I know if my property is in a floodplain in Wisconsin?
Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) for your property's flood zone. Wisconsin DNR also maintains floodplain mapping data. Your county zoning department can confirm whether your property is in a mapped floodplain. Lenders require flood insurance for properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone A or AE).
Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?
Get fee changes, requirement updates, and deadline alerts for every municipality you work in. Built for contractors, expeditors, and compliance teams.