POLK COUNTY, WI — Polk County is asking residents to review newly released draft floodplain maps following a June Flood Risk Review meeting held with representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Local officials and the public have until July 24th to submit comments, corrections, or concerns regarding the draft mapping data.
The draft maps are the product of FEMA’s ongoing Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) initiative, which uses updated hydrologic, hydraulic, and topographic data to more accurately represent flood hazards. Engineering methods and data sources used in the project include the application of 2015 LiDAR terrain data, revised flood modeling, and updated stream studies across Polk County.
Because floodplain maps can influence development regulations, building permits, insurance requirements, and personal property planning, Polk County is urging residents to review how the draft changes may affect their individual parcels and identify potential errors or discrepancies.
The draft maps are available to view through WDNR’s online Polk County Draft FEMA Floodplain Mapping Viewer HERE.
Comments collected will help refine the maps before FEMA prepares preliminary versions, expected within the next 6 to 12 months. Following that stage, a Local Officials Meeting and public Open House are planned for spring or summer 2027, with a formal 90‑day appeal period to follow. Final map adoption is estimated for early 2028, pending the completion of all required review phases.
Questions, comments, and feedback about the draft mapping data displayed should be directed to the Polk County Zoning Administrator at logan.hacker@polkcountywi.gov.
Last Update: Jul 01, 2026 8:08 am CDT
