Building Setbacks & Zoning in Portage County, WI (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Portage County, Wisconsin.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
In unincorporated Portage County, side and rear yard setbacks differ by zoning district. The Single Family Residence District (R2) requires a 10-foot minimum side yard and 25-foot rear yard, while the Exclusive Agricultural District (A1) requires 25 feet on both the side and rear yard. Setbacks apply only in the towns that have adopted county zoning under Chapter 7.1 of the Portage County Code.
Portage County Yard Setback Minimums by Zoning District
Some RestrictionsPortage County Code §§ 7.1.2(1)(d)5-6, 7.1.3(4)(d)5-6
5.Side Yards. There shall be a ten-foot minimum setback from each side yard.6.Rear Yard. There shall be a 25-foot minimum setback from the rear yard. ... 5.Side Yard. ... There shall be a 25-foot minimum side setback from each side yard.6.Rear Yard. There shall be a 25-foot minimum setback from the rear yard
Structure Height Limits
Most zoning districts in unincorporated Portage County cap building height at 35 feet, applied under Section 7.1.2(1)(d) for residential districts and matched in the Exclusive Agricultural District. Churches, schools and similar public buildings may rise to 50 feet if yards are widened proportionally, and farm buildings, towers and utility structures are exempt entirely.
Portage County Building Height Limit: 35 Feet
Some RestrictionsPortage County Code §§ 7.1.2(1)(d)1, 7.1.6(1)(c)3-4
1.Height. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no building shall exceed a height of 35 feet. See paragraph 7.1.6(1)(c). ... 3.Churches, schools, hospitals, sanatoriums, and other public and quasi-public buildings may be erected to a height not exceeding 50 feet, provided the front, side and rear yards required in the District in which such building is to be located are each increased a...
Lot Coverage Limits
In the Neighborhood Commercial District, Portage County zoning caps total lot coverage at 75 percent, counting every building, equipment and material storage area, parking lot, loading berth and driveway against that limit. The same district sets an eight-foot side yard and 12-foot rear yard for commercial and industrial development.
Max Lot Coverage in Portage County Commercial Zones
Some RestrictionsPortage County Code § 7.1.4(4)(d)5
5.Lot Coverage. No building or structure, including equipment and material storage, parking lots, Loading berths and driveways, shall cover more than 75 percent of area of any lot.
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