Winnebago County, WI Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum PUD area
- 2 acres
- Minimum frontage
- 200 ft on navigable water
- Offsetting shoreland setback
- greater than 75 ft OHWM
- Offsetting vegetative buffer
- greater than 35 ft OHWM
- Legal basis
- Wis. Admin. Code NR 115.05(1)(a)4
Summary
Winnebago County allows smaller non-riparian lots in a shoreland Planned Unit Development in exchange for larger setbacks, tying the density bonus to Wis. Admin. Code NR 115.05(1)(a)4.
(2) INDIVIDUAL LOTS. (a) Riparian lots need to meet the requirements of sections 4.2 and 4.3. (b) Non-riparian lots may be less than the required minimums found in sections 4.2 and 4.3... NOTE 2: The provisions of NR 115.05(1)(a)4 apply to these types of developments where there may be a combination of a density bonus, smaller lot size and preservation of open space.
Full Breakdown
In the shoreland zoning district, Chapter 27's Planned Unit Development / Planned Development District provisions let the Zoning Committee approve non-riparian lots smaller than the standard minimums in §§ 4.2 and 4.3, provided the overall development is at least 2 acres with 200 feet of navigable-water frontage. The code ties this trade-off directly to the state's density-bonus standard, Wis. Admin. Code NR 115.05(1)(a)4, and requires a proportionally greater shoreland setback and vegetative buffer as the condition of approval. This applies only to shoreland-district parcels in unincorporated Winnebago County towns, not to Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, or the Village of Fox Crossing.
Violations & Fines
Development without an approved PUD conditional use permit, or a non-riparian lot smaller than §§ 4.2/4.3 minimums without the offsetting setback and buffer increase, is a zoning violation subject to standard Chapter 27 enforcement and permit denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this density bonus apply county-wide?
What do smaller lots require in return?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
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