Winnebago County, WI Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Districts
- A-1 Agribusiness / A-2 General Agriculture
- Farmland status
- Ch. 91 preservation certification
- Scope
- Town-adopted towns only, § 59.69
- Excludes
- Incompatible urban uses barred
- Penalty
- $200–$1,000 forfeiture per violation
Summary
Winnebago County's Chapter 23 zoning code creates an Agribusiness (A-1) district built specifically to protect large-scale farming: incompatible urban development is barred, and the district is designed to meet Wisconsin's certified farmland preservation standard under ch. 91, Wis. Stats.
Agribusiness (A-1) district. This district is intended to accommodate large-scale agricultural uses and related support services. It includes those areas of the county where productive agricultural lands predominate and can be used for the production of forest products, crops, and livestock, including large livestock operations. Because the primary intent of this district is agricultural production, incompatible urban uses are not permitted. It is designed to meet the requirements of a certified farmland preservation zoning ordinance under ch. 91, Wis. Stats.
(2) General agriculture (A-2) district. This district is intended to accommodate both large and small-scale farms and hobby farms. Although scattered residential lots are allowed, agriculture is the predominant land use. This district should be located in those areas suitable for agriculture, but not for large-scale agricultural operations, and adjacent to urbanizing areas.
(3) Rural residential (R-1) district. This district is intended to accommodate single-family residences on scattered lots to foster and maintain the rural character and lifestyle of the surrounding area. Lots are generally served by on-site wastewater treatment systems.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 23's A-1 Agribusiness district is written to accommodate large-scale agriculture, forestry, and livestock production and to bar incompatible urban uses outright; it is designed to qualify as a certified farmland preservation zoning district under ch. 91, Wis. Stats. A separate A-2 General Agriculture district covers smaller and hobby farms, where scattered residential lots are allowed but agriculture stays the predominant use. Because Chapter 23 is a town/county code adopted under Wis. Stat. § 59.69, these district protections apply only in towns whose board approved the county's zoning ordinance, and never inside the cities of Oshkosh, Neenah, or Menasha.
Violations & Fines
Placing an incompatible urban use in the A-1 or A-2 district without a zoning permit or required approval draws a $200–$300 citation (or a $200–$1,000 civil forfeiture) plus court costs; nonpayment can mean up to 6 months in county jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Winnebago County's agricultural zoning apply everywhere in the county?
What does the A-1 Agribusiness district actually protect?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
Compare Winnebago County to another location·View the Wisconsin right to farm overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.