Floodplain Information

 

 







A floodplain is an area of land adjacent to a stream or river, which is naturally subject to flooding.

As an owner, or prospective owner, it is vital you are aware of where the floodplain is in relationship to your property.  This information is vital for any plans to build,alter, regrade or fill on your property as well. The Engineering and Building, Safety & Zoning Departments can help you with this information.  So how can you find out more about the floodplain and other information which affects you?

The City of Watertown participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and has adopted flood hazard area protection standards. As a public service the City of Watertown Engineering Department and Inspection Department will provide the following upon request: 1) Copies of FEMA Elevation Certificates; 2) Additional flood map information including floodways and regulatory requirements for development in a floodway; 3) Historical Flood Information (High Water Mark) as depicted by the National Weather Service Historic Crests found at  http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=mkx&gage=WATW3 ; 4) Information regarding wetland and open space areas within the City and regulations prohibiting development.  Please contact our office either via phone (920-262-4060) or visit us in person on the second floor of Watertown City Hall (106 Jones Street, Watertown). 

Site visits are also available upon request by either calling the Engineering Department at (920) 262-4060 or visiting us in our office located on the second floor of Watertown City Hall (106 Jones Street, Watertown).

Did you know that Watertown is a CRS Community?  Please click here to read about our rating!

The following are additional resources you may find helpful:

Floodplain Information for kids   

Floodplain packet for adults

Reference Materials

Dodge County All Hazards Mitigation Plan 2020-2025

Jefferson County  Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 2019-2023 *Please note that a grant was awarded to Jefferson County in September 2023 to aid in the completion of the update of this plan. A new plan will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

City of Watertown Floodplain & Shoreland-Wetland Zoning Ordinance

City of Watertown Floodplain and Shoreland-Wetland Zoning Code (Chapter 532)

Watertown Flood Information Brochure

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)

Watertown Public Library Reference desk: You may call them at (920) 262-4090, visit them in person on the second floor of 100 S. Water Street, Watertown, WI or search for "floodplain" on their website at the following link - http://www.watertownpubliclibrary.org/  *NOTE* The library also has documents which are not listed in their online "search" feature so if you do not see what you are looking for, please contact them.  

FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

FEMA Flood Map Service Center

Homeowner Floodplain FAQ's - from FEMA's website

Wisconsin DNR Floodplain Management

Wisconsin DNR Floodplain Management Interactive Maps

Rock River Flood Inundation Mapping 

Other notable FEMA links: 
http://www.floodsmart.gov     http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip                   

Articles (please click on the article name)

Floodplain and FEMA Information

National Flood Insurance Program         

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