Wisconsin County Board Considers Floodplain Resolution Amid DNR Regulations Concerns

The Washington County Land Use & Planning Committee convened on August 22, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding floodplain regulations and the implications of recent rainfall events on local land use. The meeting focused on a proposed resolution aimed at aligning Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) standards with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines.

The committee began by addressing concerns about the potential impact of adding certain provisions to the resolution. Members expressed caution, noting that including elements related to FEMA rules could undermine the resolution's effectiveness. One member highlighted the risk of the DNR disregarding the resolution if it appeared to conflict with existing FEMA regulations.

Discussion then shifted to the possibility of a separate advisory resolution to address additional concerns raised by residents. Several committee members emphasized the importance of protecting homeowners' rights to rebuild their properties, particularly in light of the flood storage rule that could significantly alter rebuilding options. The conversation included references to past instances where residents had successfully rebuilt homes prior to the implementation of the flood storage rule.

Supervisor Krebs suggested that before making any amendments, the committee should wait for updated data regarding recent rainfall events to determine the accuracy of floodplain maps. He proposed that a future resolution could request the DNR to reassess these maps based on the latest information.

The committee also discussed the technical aspects of the proposed resolution, including the requirement for homes to be elevated above flood levels. It was noted that the current standard mandates that the first floor of homes must be at least two feet above the flood point elevation, which would remain unchanged.

Jamie Ludovic, the Chief Community Development Officer, reinforced that the resolution had undergone thorough vetting by legal experts and the county executive. He advised against postponing the resolution but suggested that the committee could review resident feedback regarding fill requirements and grandfathering provisions before the county board meeting.

In conclusion, the committee expressed a collective desire to advance the resolution while remaining open to further discussions on amendments that could address residents' concerns. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of balancing regulatory compliance with the needs of the community, particularly in flood-prone areas. The committee plans to continue its work on this issue, with the next steps involving further review and potential amendments before the resolution is presented to the county board.