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Des Moines County adopts Floodplain Ordinance No. 25 to align local code with updated FEMA maps
Summary
Supervisors adopted Floodplain Ordinance No. 25 in a first reading to update county regulations to be consistent with revised FEMA maps for the Skunk River area; staff and DNR review were cited as reasons the changes should not dramatically change enforcement.
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors opened and closed a public hearing on Floodplain Ordinance No. 25 on April 7, 2026 and approved the ordinance on first reading.
Planning staff described the ordinance as a standard update to an existing county floodplain ordinance based on updated FEMA flood‑insurance rate maps that affect the south end of the county along the Skunk River. "What we're doing here is a standard update to an existing county ordinance . . . for consistency with their guidance," said Jared, a county planning staff member, explaining that the update allows the DNR to review for consistency with state regulations and the federal flood‑insurance program.
Board action: After the public hearing yielded no substantive objections, supervisors moved to close the hearing and then moved and approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 25 by roll call.
Why it matters: The ordinance update is administrative in nature and — according to staff — is intended to keep local regulations consistent with state and federal mapping and guidance so that county properties remain eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program and so that development and permitting align with DNR recommendations.
Next steps: The ordinance will proceed following statutory notice and subsequent readings as required by county procedure; staff noted the updates should not significantly change enforcement but invited residents with specific property concerns to contact the planning office.
Provenance: Board hearing, staff explanation and vote recorded at the April 7, 2026 meeting.
