Mapping and Elevation Certificates
The Village Zoning Department provides floodplain mapping information to all residents of the Village that are in a floodplain. For information contact the Zoning Department at 434-2212. We also have Elevation Certificates available to the public for viewing, for new developments in floodplains since 2004.
Substantial improvement/damage
The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) 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 the current floodplain management standards. Building improvement projects include exterior and interior remodeling, rehabilitation, additions, repair, and reconstruction projects. Additionally, the cost of currently planned improvements will be added to the cost of previously made improvements and compared tot he existing market value to determine if the improvements exceed 50% of the structure's value. Please contact the Village Zoning Administrator at 434-2212 for further information.
Property Protection Measures
If your property is susceptible to flooding, there are many flood damage reduction measures you can employ.
Watertight seals can be applied to brick and block walls to protect against low-level flooding.
Utilities such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters, and other major appliances can be elevated to higher floors in structures or on raised platforms.
Temporary measures such as moving furniture and other valuables to higher floor or sandbagging exterior openings will also help.
Elevating or relocating the entire structure may also be a feasible option.
Flood Insurance
Do you have flood insurance? Check with your insurance agent to insure you have adequate coverage. Usually these policies cover the building structure, but not the contents. Contents coverage can be obtained buy asking for it. A home in a floodplain has a 26% chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30 year mortgage. There is a 30 day waiting period before insurance coverage becomes effective. If you are in a floodplain, flood insurance is required for any federally insured mortgage.
For more information on flood insurance, see www.floodsmart.gov
Drainage System Maintenance
As simple as it may sound, simply keeping smaller ditches and streams free of debris can dramatically improve the run-off capacity of low-lying areas, as well as greatly reduce the occurrence blockage that significantly contributes to flooding. It is illegal to dump materials into a required waterway and violators may be fined. If you see someone in the act of dumping or see debris in one of our watercourses, please contact the Village office at 434-2212.
Flood Safety
The following common sense guidelines can help you from the dangers of flooding:
Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around barriers.
Do not walk through flowing water. Currents can be deceptive. Six (6) inches of water can knock you off your feet.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. If your house is about to be flooded, turn off the power at the service box. Electrical current can travel through the water. Electrocution is the second (2nd) leading cause of death during floods.
Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. If you smell gas, report it to a Village official or your gas company. Do not use candles, lanterns, or open flames if you smell gas or are unsure if your gas has been shut off.
Keep children away from the flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains. Flood waters can carry unimaginable items that have dislodged themselves. Culverts may suck smaller people into them rendering them helpless.
Clean everything that has been wet. Flood water will be contaminated with sewage and other chemicals which pose severe health threats.
Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their home may seek shelter in yours.
Do not use gas engines, such as generators, or charcoal fires indoors during power outages. Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.
Floodplain Permit Requirements
All development within the one hundred (100) year floodplain (not just construction of buildings, but filling, excavation, fences, etc.) is required to obtain a Shoreland Permit. Applications must be made prior to doing any work in a floodplain area. Please contact the Village Building Inspector to receive all the information you will need in order to properly develop in the floodplain at the Village office at 434-2212. You may report any illegal development activities to the above number as well.
Flood Hazard Areas
The Village has mapped floodplains along the entire Green Bay shoreline, the Suamico River and portions of Haller’s Creek.
With lake levels at approaching all-time lows, flooding along Green Bay has not been an issue for quite some time. With the proper conditions, that could change quickly. A strong storm surge and a quick spring thaw could create some areas of local flooding.
Haller’s Creek and more likely the Suamico River are susceptible to flash floods during a major rain events or, as has been the problem in recent years, localized flooding caused by a combination of spring rains and ice jams.
Additional Information
Additional information is available at the following links: