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Germantown adopts updated floodplain ordinance and FEMA maps; staff to develop notification plan
Summary
The planning commission approved an updated floodplain zoning ordinance and adopted revised FEMA flood insurance rate maps effective Feb. 20, 2026, while acknowledging map discrepancies and directing staff to recommend public notification strategies for affected property owners.
Germantown, Wis. — The Village of Germantown Plan Commission voted Dec. 8 to adopt a revised floodplain zoning ordinance (Chapter 23), along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s updated Flood Insurance Study and flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) that take effect Feb. 20, 2026.
Jeff, the community development presenter, said most of Germantown’s 12 map panels are being revised and that new hydrologic and hydraulic work has produced larger mapped flood boundaries in several places. "The new maps...show the floodway and in some cases the blue boundary is larger under the proposed plan compared to the current map," Jeff said, adding that the village must adopt the changes to remain eligible in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Commissioners and residents raised concerns about apparent discrepancies between observed flooding during the August storm and what the maps show. Jeff explained property owners can pursue FEMA’s Letter of Map Change (LOMC) process — submitting elevation survey data to seek removal from mapped flood zones — and noted there are 41 LOMCs on file historically, though 12 of those may require resubmission under the revised maps.
The commission approved the ordinance and map adoption by voice vote; minutes show one recorded opposed vote. Chair said staff will return with a plan for notifying affected property owners and recommended next steps for residents who believe their properties are incorrectly mapped.
Next steps: staff will prepare recommended public outreach and guidance on the LOMC process for property owners potentially affected by the new FIRMs.
