Floodplains

Regulations

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires that if the cost of improvements to a building or the cost to repair damages (from any cause) to a building exceeds 50% of the market value of the building (excluding land value), the entire building must be brought up to current floodplain management standards. Building improvement projects include exterior and interior remodeling, rehabilitation, additions, and repair and reconstruction projects. Additionally, the cost of currently planned improvements will be added to the cost of previously made improvements and compared to the existing market value to determine if the improvements exceed 50% of the structure’s value. Please contact the city building inspector at (262) 786-8610 ext 2300 for further information.

All development within the 100-year floodplain (not just construction of buildings, but filling, excavation, fences, etc.) is required to obtain a zoning permit. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Division at (262) 786-8610 ext 2400 for information regarding work in floodplains. You may report any illegal development activities to this number as well.

Value of Floodplains

Not only are floodplains an indicator of flood risk, but they play a valuable role in providing natural and beneficial functions to the area. Floodplains that are relatively undisturbed provide a wide range of benefits to both human and natural systems. These benefits provide aesthetic pleasure and active processes, such as filtering nutrients. Floodplains are used as a means to filter farm chemical run-off so that our waterways can maintain biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability. They enhance waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife habitats and provide feeding / breeding grounds. Lastly, floodplains provide natural erosion control and open space so further flooding damage does not occur.

No Dumping in Drainage Ways

It is very tempting to deposit debris such as tree trimmings and raked leaves in ditches and drainage ways. This debris blocks the flow in the ditches and drainage ways. Some of the debris will get caught in storm culverts and inlets causing additional storm water back ups. Not only is this bad practice but it is against the City Ordinance. Municipal Code 137-7 prohibits the deposit of materials in watercourses, which includes the storm water ditches. So, please remember to keep our drainage ways clear of debris. If you see someone in the act of dumping or see debris in one of our drainage ways, please contact Dan Hogan at 262-797-2445.

Letter of Map Change (LOMC)

LOMC is the process, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), by which flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) can be amended or revised. View a list of the current effective LOMCs (PDF) for the City of New Berlin. If you have questions regarding this process, contact Nicole Hewitt at (262) 786-8610 ext 2552.