Standards for Development in the General Floodplain Overlay Zone (GF).
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 295-1127
in effect295-1127. Standards for Development in the General Floodplain Overlay Zone (GF).
1. APPLICABILTY. The provisions of this section shall apply to all floodplains mapped as A, AO, AE or AH zones within which a floodway is not delineated on the flood insurance rate maps identified in s. 295-1117-5
2. PERMITTED USES. Pursuant to sub. 4, it shall be determined whether the proposed use is located within the floodway or the flood fringe. Those uses permitted in the floodway and flood fringe overlay zones shall be permitted within the general floodplain overlay zone subject to the standards of sub. 3 and provided that all permits or certificates required under ss. 295-1129 and 295-1131 have been issued.
3. STANDARDS. a. The standards of s. 295-1121 shall apply to development in floodway areas. The standards of s. 295-1123 shall apply to development in flood fringe areas.
b.
In the AO zone, new construction and substantial improvement of structures shall have the lowest floor, including the basement floor, elevated to or above one of the following:
b-1.
The depth, in feet, as shown on the flood insurance rate map above the highest adjacent natural grade.
b-2.
If the depth is not specified on the flood insurance rate map, 2 feet above the highest adjacent natural grade.
c.
In the AH zone, new construction and substantial improvement of structures shall have the lowest floor, including the basement floor, elevated to or above the flood protection elevation.
d. In AO and AH Zones, the applicant shall provide plans showing adequate drainage paths to guide floodwaters around structures.
e.
All development in zones AO and AH shall meet the requirements of s. 295-1123 applicable to flood fringe areas.
4. BOUNDARIES. For proposed development in zone A, or in zone AE within which a floodway is not delineated on the flood insurance rate map identified in s. 295-1117, the boundaries of the regulatory floodway shall be determined pursuant to sub. 5. If the development is proposed to encroach upon the regulatory floodway, the development shall be subject to the standards of s.295-1121. If the development is proposed to be located entirely within the flood fringe, the development is subject to the standards of s. 295-1123.
5. DETERMINING FLOODWAY AND FLOOD FRINGE LIMITS. Upon receiving an application for development within the general floodplain overlay zone, the commissioner shall:
a. Require the applicant to submit 2 copies of an aerial photograph or a plan which shows the proposed development with respect to the general floodplain overlay zone limits, stream channel and existing floodplain developments, along with a legal description of the property, fill limits and elevations, building floor elevations and floodproofing measures, and the flood zone as shown on the flood insurance rate map.
b. Require the applicant to furnish any of the following information deemed necessary by the Wisconsin department of natural resources to evaluate the effects of the proposal upon flood height, flood flows and regional flood elevation, and to determine floodway boundaries:
b-1. A surface-view plan showing elevations or contours of the ground, pertinent structure, fill or storage elevations, the size, location and layout of all proposed and existing structures on the site, the location and elevations of streets, water supply and sanitary facilities, soil types, and other pertinent information.
b-2. Specifications for building construction and materials, floodproofing, filling, dredging, channel improvement, storage, water supply and sanitary facilities.
b-3. A hydrologic and hydraulic study as specified in s. 295-1129-4.
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=15Fetched: 10/26/2026