Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Neenah, WI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

R-1 front setback
25 feet or block average
R-1 side setback
6 feet, 16 feet aggregate
R-1 rear setback
30 feet minimum
Shoreyard setback
50 feet from water

Summary

Neenah sets minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks by zoning district, starting at 25 feet in front and six feet on the sides for single-family homes.

(1)Minimum front yard setback, 25 feet or the average setback for a principal dwelling or use along the block. Structures shall be placed within plus or minus five feet of the average setback, but in the case where the average setback is less than 25 feet, the structure shall be located no less than the average setback.(2)Minimum side yard, six feet and an aggregate minimum width on both sides of 16 feet.(3)Minimum rear yard, 30 feet.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).

Full Breakdown

Under Neenah Municipal Code § 26-152(1)-(3), the R-1 Single-Family Residence District requires a minimum front yard setback of 25 feet, or the average setback along the block, within plus or minus five feet, where that governs instead, a minimum side yard of six feet with a 16-foot combined width on both sides, and a minimum rear yard of 30 feet. Waterfront lots also carry a 50-foot minimum shoreyard setback for principal structures. Multifamily districts use shallower numbers: the M-1 and M-2 Districts under § 26-199(1)-(3) require only a 20-foot front yard, a ten-foot side yard, and a 25-foot rear yard.

Violations & Fines

Building within the required setback without a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals violates the zoning code and can require the structure to be moved, altered, or removed under § 26-28.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum front yard setback in Neenah's R-1 district?
25 feet, or the average setback along the block (within five feet either way) where that number governs instead, per Neenah Municipal Code § 26-152(1).
Do waterfront homes in Neenah have a special setback?
Yes: principal dwellings need a 50-foot shoreyard setback from Lake Winnebago or the Fox River under § 26-152(15); boathouses are excluded from that rule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Neenah

All Neenah rules

Compare Neenah to another location·View the Wisconsin building setbacks & zoning overview

Get notified when Setback Rules in Neenah, WI changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.