Winnebago County, WI Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- General yard setback
- Retaining walls exempt (Ch. 23)
- Shoreland setback
- 75 feet from high-water mark
- Shoreland exemption
- Not available to retaining walls
- Applies to
- Unincorporated towns under Ch. 23
Summary
Retaining walls are exempt from Winnebago County's yard setbacks under Chapter 23, but that exemption doesn't reach the shoreland setback: a wall within 75 feet of the water still has to meet the line or get a variance.
(b) Exceptions. The following may be located in a front yard, side yard, and rear yard setback area, provided they do not extend into or are not located within a utility easement or a required fire lane and they meet all other requirements of this chapter:
(1) landscaping;
(2) retaining walls;
(3) fences;
(4) freestanding mailboxes and newspaper boxes;
(5) yard furniture, but not when located on a patio or deck;
(6) gardens;
(7) compost bins;
12/04/2024 8 - 15
Full Breakdown
Winnebago County's Chapter 23 zoning exempts retaining walls from front, side, and rear yard setbacks under § 23.8-65(b)(2), so a wall can sit right up to the property line as long as it stays clear of easements and fire lanes. That exemption evaporates near water: Chapter 27 shoreland zoning notes retaining walls can't meet the requirements for the 59.692(1v) setback exemption, so a wall inside the 75-foot shoreland setback still needs to comply with that line or get a variance from the board of adjustment. This only governs the unincorporated towns where the county's zoning ordinance is in force.
Violations & Fines
Zoning Administrator investigates and can issue a stop-work order; citation fines run $200 for missing a permit or $300 for other violations, plus court costs, with unresolved cases referred to Corporation Counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Winnebago County?
Does the retaining wall rule apply everywhere in the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
Compare Winnebago County to another location·View the Wisconsin fence regulations overview
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