Floodplain Map Appeals

As defined in FEMA regulations, an "Appeal" is filed to challenge the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) shown on the preliminary FIRM maps. If you wish to comment on any aspect of the preliminary FIRM maps other than BFEs (such as contour information, road names, or municipal boundary location) please see the Protest and Comments page, instead.

Since Base Flood Elevations are based on a detailed hydrological analysis, FEMA requires that appeals of those elevations be accompanied by scientific, technical or engineering data that support the appeal. Appeals must be made based on one or more of the following arguments:

• The hydrologic methodology used to create the BFE is scientifically inappropriate or incorrect;
• The hyrdologic methodology is correct, but has not been applied correctly;
• Insufficient or poor-quality data were used;
• The analysis contains indisputable mathematical errors, or;
• There are physical changes that have occurred in the floodplain that were not taken into account.

For more information on filing an appeal, including the technical standards for acceptable data or evidence, please see FEMA's Guide for Community Officials.

If you believe you have grounds for an appeal of the Base Flood Elevation used in the preliminary FIRM map, please fill out this form, attach documentary evidence that meets the criteria under CFR 44, part 67, and send it to:

For properties within incorporated cities and villages:

Please contact your municipal government and ask for your local floodplain management office.

For properties within unincorporated towns in Dane County:

Dane County Department of Planning & Development
ATTN: Floodplain Mapping Updates
Room 116, City County Building
Madison, WI 53703 (608) 266-1591 floodmaps@co.dane.wi.us

Date Revised: 9/8/08 Planning & Development