Brown County, WI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 35 feet maximum near water
- Where it applies
- within 75 ft of OHWM
- Citation
- Brown County Code § 22.19(1)(a)
- Jurisdiction
- unincorporated towns only, not Green Bay
Summary
Brown County bans structures over 35 feet within 75 feet of a navigable lake, river or stream's ordinary high-water mark in the unincorporated towns and shoreland zone, not inside Green Bay or De Pere.
HEIGHT (s. NR 115.05(1)(f)) (1) PURPOSE To protect and preserve wildlife habitat and natural scenic beauty. (a) Height Standard: A structure taller than 35 feet within 75 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable waters is prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 22 of the Brown County Code, the county's shoreland zoning ordinance adopted under Wis. Stat. § 59.692, caps structure height at 35 feet inside the 75-foot shoreland setback from the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable lake, river or stream. The stated purpose is protecting wildlife habitat and natural scenic beauty near the water. Height is measured from the lowest point where an exposed wall meets the ground to the structure's highest point. The rule applies only in the unincorporated towns of Brown County and the statutory shoreland zone, not inside Green Bay, De Pere, Ashwaubenon, Bellevue, Allouez, Howard, Hobart or Suamico, which zone under their own codes.
Violations & Fines
The Zoning Office enforces height limits through the shoreland permit process; a taller structure needs a variance from the Board of Adjustment. Violators forfeit a penalty under Chapter 30 of the Brown County Code, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this height limit apply inside Green Bay or De Pere?
How is structure height measured under this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brown County
Compare Brown County to another location·View the Wisconsin building setbacks & zoning overview
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