Winnebago County, WI Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- Ch. 23 §§ 23.8-328, 23.8-329, 23.8-352
- Exercise-yard setback
- 200 feet from residential zoning
- A-1 District rule
- Must primarily serve livestock
- Applies only where
- Town board adopted the chapter
Summary
In towns that have adopted Winnebago County's zoning chapter, general and small-animal veterinary clinics must meet the same animal-shelter standards: animals confined indoors, noise inaudible past the property line, and any outdoor exercise run kept 200 feet from residential zoning districts.
23.8-328 Veterinary clinic, general (a) The standards applicable to animal shelters apply to general veterinary clinics. (b) A veterinary facility located in an A-1 District must either service primarily livestock or meet s. 91.01(1) stats. 23.8-329 Veterinary clinic, small animal The standards applicable to animal shelters apply to small animal veterinary clinics.
Full Breakdown
Winnebago County Code §§ 23.8-328 and 23.8-329, in Chapter 23's Town/County Zoning standards, subject both general and small-animal veterinary clinics to the chapter's animal-shelter rules at § 23.8-352: animals must stay continuously confined in an enclosed building, an outdoor exercise area allowed only in industrial or agricultural districts must sit at least 200 feet from residential or mixed-use zoning and close from sunset to sunrise, and the building must be designed so animal noise cannot be heard beyond the property line. In the A-1 agricultural district, a veterinary facility must primarily serve livestock or meet the state's veterinary-practice definition. This chapter governs only towns whose board has adopted it, it never reaches into Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, or Fox Crossing.
Violations & Fines
Winnebago County Code § 23.14-9 makes any Chapter 23 violation, including these standards, subject to a forfeiture plus prosecution costs, with jail up to 6 months for nonpayment; each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to every part of Winnebago County?
Can a veterinary clinic have an outdoor exercise yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
Compare Winnebago County to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
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