Brown County, WI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base impervious cap
- 15% within 300 ft of OHWM
- Highly developed shorelines
- up to 30-40% by land use
- With mitigation plan
- up to 40-60% max
- Citation
- Brown County Code § 22.22
Summary
Brown County caps impervious surface at 15% of any lot or parcel within 300 feet of a navigable water's ordinary high-water mark, in the unincorporated towns and shoreland zone, with tiered exceptions up to 60% for highly developed shorelines.
22.22 IMPERVIOUS SURFACE STANDARD (s. NR 115.05(1)(e)2.). The percentage of impervious surface allowed on a lot or parcel described under section 22.20 and as calculated under section 22.21 shall not exceed 15% impervious surface on the portion of a lot or parcel that is within 300 feet of the ordinary high-water mark.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 22, the county's shoreland zoning ordinance under Wis. Stat. § 59.692, limits impervious surface, driveways, patios, roofs and other hard cover, to 15% of the portion of a lot within 300 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable lake, river or stream. Highly developed shorelines meeting state criteria may reach 30% for residential or 40% for commercial use, and an approved mitigation plan can push those ceilings to 40% and 60%. The cap governs only the unincorporated towns of Brown County and the statutory shoreland zone; it does not reach Green Bay, De Pere, Ashwaubenon or the other incorporated villages.
Violations & Fines
Property owners exceeding 15% without an approved mitigation plan under section 22.53 face Zoning Office enforcement and a forfeiture penalty under Chapter 30 of the Brown County Code, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exceed the 15% impervious surface cap?
Does the 15% cap apply anywhere in Brown County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brown County
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