ADU rules in Brown County, WI — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Brown County zoning (Ch. 17) regulates ADUs only in unincorporated areas and the Village of Bellevue. Most Green Bay metro municipalities (Green Bay, De Pere, Ashwaubenon, Howard, Suamico, Hobart) administer their own zoning codes. Wisconsin has no statewide ADU mandate; AB365 (2025 session) proposing one has not been enacted.
Brown County Planning and Land Services administers zoning under Wis. Stat. Ch. 59 only in unincorporated areas. Within incorporated cities and most villages, ADU permission depends on local zoning (R-1, R-2, etc.). Town of Eaton, Town of Morrison, and Town of Green Bay each have their own town zoning ordinances regulating accessory uses, density, and setbacks. Standards typically include lot size minimums, owner-occupancy in some jurisdictions, and conformance with the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (SPS 320-325) for any new dwelling unit.
Zoning violations under Wis. Stat. §59.69(11) carry forfeitures set by ordinance, plus daily continuing violation penalties. Unpermitted dwelling units may require removal or after-the-fact permits.
Brown County, WI
Brown County Code Chapter 39 (revised 5-1-2002) sets daytime and nighttime sound pressure limits for unincorporated areas. Nighttime amplified sound from com...
Brown County, WI
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Brown County, WI
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Brown County, WI
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Brown County, WI
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Brown County, WI
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See how Brown County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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