Green Bay Floodplain & Wetland Bylaws Guide
Green Bay, Wisconsin sits on Lake Michigan and includes floodplain and wetland areas that are subject to local and state protections. This guide summarizes how Green Bay manages floodplain development and wetland impacts, who enforces the rules, where to find permits and maps, and practical steps for property owners, developers, and community groups. It draws on the City of Green Bay municipal code and the city Planning/Development resources so you can locate the official regulations and contacts quickly.[1] For application steps and department contacts see the city development pages.[2]
Overview of Protections
The City of Green Bay enforces local ordinances and adopts state floodplain requirements that limit development, require elevation or floodproofing, and protect wetlands. Protections typically apply to mapped floodplains, shoreland wetlands, and regulated non-shoreland wetlands where filling, drainage, or grading could affect flood storage, water quality, or habitat.
Regulated Areas and Standards
Regulated areas include the FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain, mapped wetlands, and any locally designated floodways or buffer zones. Development standards commonly require:
- Compensatory storage or mitigation for lost floodplain volume.
- Permits for placement of fill, new construction, or substantial improvements.
- Elevation or floodproofing of structures to the required base flood elevation or local standard.
- Restrictions on activities in floodways to avoid increases in flood heights.
Permits & Approvals
Floodplain development permits, wetland impact approvals, and zoning permits are typically required before starting work. Reviews check maps, elevations, mitigation plans, and state permit requirements. Some projects may also need Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources authorizations in addition to city permits.
Applications & Forms
Application names and forms vary; the city publishes permit application forms and submittal checklists through its Development Services or Planning office. If a specific city form or fee is not listed on the cited pages, it is not specified on the cited page.[2]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by the City of Green Bay Development Services or the department designated in the municipal code. Typical enforcement measures and information include:
- Monetary fines: amounts for floodplain or wetland violations are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the municipal code for any listed penalty provisions.[1]
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures and fine ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, requirements to restore altered areas, mandatory mitigation, and referral to court or abatement orders are commonly authorized by code; specific remedies should be confirmed in the city code.[1]
- Enforcer and complaints: Development Services (Planning/Building) accepts complaints, inspects sites, and issues permits or violations; contact information is on the city development pages.[2]
- Appeals: appeal or variance procedures are typically set out in the zoning or board of appeals sections of the municipal code; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the municipal code or the department.[1]
Common Violations
- Unauthorized placement of fill in floodplain or wetland areas.
- Building without a floodplain development permit or failing to elevate as required.
- Failure to provide compensatory storage or mitigation for impacts.
How to
- Contact City of Green Bay Development Services to confirm whether your property lies in a regulated floodplain or wetland and request applicable maps.[2]
- Obtain FEMA flood maps and city zoning/floodplain maps to determine base flood elevations and constraints.[1]
- Prepare required documents: site plan, elevation certificate (if applicable), mitigation plan, and any state permit materials.
- Submit the floodplain development permit, wetland impact application, and any state permit applications as required by the city and Wisconsin DNR.
- Address any plan review comments, secure approvals, and obtain a signed permit before starting work.
- Schedule inspections as required and complete any required mitigation or restoration after work finishes.
FAQ
- Do I always need a permit to place fill in a wetland or floodplain?
- No. Some minor, temporary activities may be exempt, but most placement of fill or grading in regulated areas requires a floodplain or wetland permit; confirm with Development Services and review state permit requirements.[2]
- Who enforces wetland protections in Green Bay?
- The City of Green Bay Development Services enforces city ordinances; certain actions may also require Wisconsin DNR permits and enforcement.[2]
- How do I appeal a decision or stop-work order?
- Appeal routes are set out in the municipal code (zoning/board of appeals); time limits and procedures are found in the code and should be confirmed with the department or code text.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Start early: permits and state authorizations can take weeks to months.
- Document elevations, mitigation, and approvals to avoid enforcement and protect property value.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Green Bay Planning & Development
- City of Green Bay Permit Applications
- Wisconsin DNR Floodplain Management