Brown County, WI Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Noise threshold
- 65 LDN or greater
- Citation
- Brown County Code § 24.15
- Residential
- Barred except large farm parcels
- Zone
- District A crash hazard/noise contour
Summary
Land within Brown County's District A aircraft noise contour, 65 LDN or greater near Austin Straubel International Airport, is off-limits to new residential, schools, hospitals and other noise-sensitive uses.
District A shall be mapped to encompass areas which, due to the operation of aircraft, have a noise rating of 65 ldn or greater and are within the aircraft Crash Hazard area...Uses which are specifically prohibited are: residential (except that directly related to a farm operation that exceeds 35 acres and includes soundproofing construction techniques that provide a minimum of twenty (20) decibels outdoor to indoor noise level reduction over current industry standards), hospitals, churches, schools...
Full Breakdown
Brown County Code § 24.15 maps District A around Austin Straubel International Airport wherever aircraft noise reaches 65 LDN or greater and the area sits within the crash hazard zone. New residential development is barred there, except farm-related housing on parcels over 35 acres built with at least twenty decibels of outdoor-to-indoor noise reduction, along with hospitals, churches, schools, theaters, stadiums and campgrounds. Permitted uses are limited to agriculture, forestry, open space, transportation routes, parking, airport facilities, and specified light commercial and industrial uses allowed by the underlying municipal zoning.
Violations & Fines
The Airport Director or Brown County Zoning Administrator may sue to enjoin violations; convicted violators forfeit $25 to $100 per day plus prosecution costs, with up to five days' jail for nonpayment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LDN?
Can I build a house in District A?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brown County
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