Standards for Development in the Coastal Floodplain Overlay Zone (CFP).
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 295-1128
in effect295-1128. Standards for Development in the Coastal Floodplain Overlay Zone (CFP).
1. APPLICABILITY. The provisions of this section apply to all coastal floodplain overlay zones shown on the floodplain zoning maps, including zones V, V1-30 and VE. Where a floodway shown on the floodplain zoning maps, a floodway determined as described in s. 295-1117-5.5-3, or a regulatory floodway identified pursuant to s. 295-1127-5 extends into a coastal floodplain district, development shall comply with the standards of ss. 295-1121 and 295-1128.
2. STANDARDS. Development in the coastal floodplain overlay zone shall meet the requirements of s. 295-1119, as well as the following:
a. New construction shall be located landward of the ordinary high water mark.
b.
Bulkheads, seawalls, revetments and other erosion control measures shall not be connected to the foundation or superstructure of a building, but shall be designed to not direct floodwaters or increase flood forces or erosion impacts on the foundation or superstructure of any building.
c.
Man-made alterations of sand dunes shall be prohibited unless an engineering report demonstrates that the alterations will not increase potential flood damage by reducing the wave and flow dissipation characteristics of the sand dunes.
d. The use of fill for structural support of buildings shall be prohibited.
e.
Non-structural fill shall be permitted only if an engineering report demonstrates that the fill will not cause runup, ramping, or deflection of floodwaters that cause damage to buildings.
f.
New construction and substantial improvement of buildings shall be elevated, consistent with s. SPS 321.34, Wis. Adm. Code, on pilings or columns so that the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor, excluding the pilings or columns, is elevated to or above the flood protection elevation, provided:
f-1.
The pile or column foundation and structure attached thereto shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components. Water loading values shall be those associated with the base flood. Wind loading values shall be those defined according to the American society of civil engineers 7-16, “minimum design loads and associated criteria for buildings and other structures,” or other equivalent standard.
f-2.
A registered professional engineer or architect shall develop or review the structural design, specifications and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and methods of construction to be used are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the provisions of par. f.
g.
New construction and substantial improvement of buildings shall have the space below the lowest floor either free of obstruction or constructed with non-supporting breakaway walls, open wood lattice-work, or insect screening intended to collapse without causing collapse, displacement or other structural damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system.
h.
For the purpose of par. g, a breakaway wall shall have a design safe loading resistance of not less than 10 and not more than 20 pounds per square foot.
i.
Use of breakaway walls which exceed a design safe loading resistance of 20 pounds per square foot, either by design or by local or state codes, may be permitted only if a registered professional engineer or architect certifies that the designs proposed meet all of the following conditions:
i-1.
Breakaway wall collapse shall result from a water load less than that which would occur during the base flood.
i-2.
The elevated portion of the building and supporting foundation system shall not be subject to collapse, displacement or other structural damage due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components, both structural and non-structural. Water loading values shall be those associated with the base flood. Wind loading values shall be those defined according to American society of civil engineers 7-16, “minimum design loads and associated criteria for buildings and other structures,” or equivalent standard.
j.
All space enclosed by breakaway walls, open wood lattice-work, or insect screening below the lowest floor shall be used solely for parking, building access, or storage.
k.
Within flood-prone areas, new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems.
L.
Within flood-prone areas, new and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems, and discharges from the systems into flood waters and onsite waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding.
m.
All mobile recreational vehicles shall be on-site for less than 180 consecutive days and shall be either fully licensed and ready for highway use or meet the standards of pars. a through L. A mobile recreational vehicle shall be considered ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick-disconnect-type utilities and security devices, and has no permanently attached additions.
n.
Manufactured homes placed or substantially improved within the coastal floodplain district shall meet the standards of pars. a through L.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-2/CH295-SUB11.pdf#page=16Fetched: 10/26/2026