Building Setbacks & Zoning in Brown County, WI (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Brown County, Wisconsin.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Brown County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Setback Rules

Brown County requires a 75-foot setback from the ordinary high-water mark for every building and structure in the unincorporated towns and shoreland zone, unless a specific exemption or averaging reduction applies.

Shoreland Setback Rule, Brown County WI

Some Restrictions

Brown County Code § 22.27(1)

(1) SHORELAND SETBACK (s. NR 115.05(1)(b)1.) and (s. 59.692(1n)(am), Wis. Stats. Unless exempt under section 22.27(2), or reduced under section 22.28 of this ordinance, a setback of 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable waters to the nearest part of a building or structure shall be required for all buildings and structures. ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

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.

Shoreland Structure Height Limit, Brown County WI

Some Restrictions

Brown County Code § 22.19(1)(a)

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 ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

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.

Shoreland Impervious Surface Cap, Brown County WI

Some Restrictions

Brown County Code § 22.22

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 ordinance details →Official source ↗

Building Setbacks & Zoning by City in Brown County

3 cities in Brown County have their own building setbacks & zoning rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

Green BayPop. 107,395

3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules

De PerePop. 25,410

2 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules

AshwaubenonPop. 16,991

2 verified rules • Setback Rules, Structure Height Limits

All Brown County ordinances

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