Brown County, WI Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- General rule
- shoreland permit required
- Roadway fence exemption height
- 15 feet maximum
- Exempt fence placement
- 10-40 feet from roadway
- Citation
- Brown County Code § 22.56(1)
Summary
Brown County treats a new fence in the shoreland zone as development requiring a shoreland permit, unless it is a roadway fence meeting a narrow height and placement exemption in the unincorporated towns.
22.56 SHORELAND PERMITS.
(1) When required. Except where another section of this ordinance specifically exempts certain types of development from this requirement (as in sections 22.40(1) and 22.40(2)) hereof, a shoreland permit shall be obtained from the Brown County Zoning Administrator before any new development, as defined in section 22.65(h) of this ordinance, or any change in the use of an existing building or structure, is initiated.
(2) Application. An application for a shoreland permit shall be made to the Brown County Zoning Administrator upon forms furnished by the county.
(a) Erosion control is required as per Best Management Practices.
(3) Fees. As established in the annual county budget.
(22)28
(4) Expiration of permit. Shoreland permits shall expire two years from date of issuance.
Full Breakdown
Section 22.56(1) of Chapter 22 requires a shoreland permit from the Zoning Administrator before any new development, including a fence, is built within the shoreland area, unless another section specifically exempts it. Section 22.27(2)(g) carves out one narrow exemption: a fence along a roadway that is no taller than 15 feet, sits at least two feet landward of the ordinary high-water mark, stays outside any highway right-of-way, and is set 10 to 40 feet from the roadway edge. Any other fence built within the shoreland setback needs a permit. This applies in unincorporated Brown County towns and the shoreland zone, not Green Bay, De Pere or the villages.
Violations & Fines
A fence built in the shoreland area without a permit, or one that does not meet the roadway exemption criteria, draws Zoning Office enforcement and a Chapter 30 forfeiture penalty, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Brown County's shoreland zone?
What kind of fence is exempt from the shoreland permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brown County
Compare Brown County to another location·View the Wisconsin fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.