Brown County, WI Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Who orders it
- County Health Officer
- Daily penalty
- $5-$500 per day
- Owner right
- Hearing before Board of Health
- Cited provision
- § 38.02 unfit dwellings
Summary
Brown County's Health Officer can condemn and placard any dwelling as unfit for human habitation when it is dangerously damaged, decayed, unsanitary or vermin infested, forcing occupants out until repairs are approved.
Any dwelling or dwelling unit found to have any of the following defects shall be condemned as unfit for human habitation and shall be so designated and placarded by the Health Officer:
(a) One which is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin infested that it creates a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or of the public.
(b) One which lacks sanitation facilities adequate to protect the health or safety of the occupants or of the public.
(c) One which, because of its general condition or location, is unsanitary or otherwise dangerous to the health or safety of the occupants or of the public.
(d) One which, because of this condition, has been implicated as the source of a confirmed case of lead poisoning or asbestosis.
(2) No person shall continue to occupy, rent or lease quarters for human habitation which are declared unfit for human habitation by the Health Officer. For the purpose of this chapter, "unfit for human habitation" means lacking potable water or a properly functioning septic system, or an adequate and functioning heating system.
(3) Any dwelling or dwelling unit condemned as unfit for human habitation, and so designated and placarded by the Health Officer, shall be vacated within a reasonable time, as specified by the Health Officer.
Full Breakdown
Under Brown County Code § 38.02(1), a dwelling so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin infested that it creates a serious hazard to occupants or the public must be condemned and placarded by the Health Officer. Occupants must vacate within the time the Health Officer sets; the placard cannot be removed and the unit cannot be reoccupied until the defects are fixed and the Health Officer approves. Owners can request a hearing before the Health Officer or the Board of Health.
Violations & Fines
Each day a required correction goes undone past the deadline is a separate violation carrying a forfeiture of not less than $5 nor more than $500 per day under § 38.02(7); defacing or removing a condemnation placard without authorization is also a violation of § 38.02(5).
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a dwelling 'unfit for human habitation' in Brown County?
Can an owner appeal a condemnation order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brown County
Compare Brown County to another location·View the Wisconsin property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.