Bolthole Index

Green Lake County, Wisconsin

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in the Town of Brooklyn, Wisconsin

The Town of Brooklyn in Green Lake County, Wisconsin requires a building permit from the town's Building Inspector before construction of a building starts1. Zoning follows the Green Lake County Zoning Ordinance, which the town adopted2. Septic permits come from the Green Lake County Land Use Planning & Zoning Department, not the town3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required from the Town's Building Inspector before construction1
Zoning
Green Lake County Zoning Ordinance, adopted by the town2
Septic
Green Lake County runs the private septic program where there is no public sewer3
Minimum lot
100 feet average width and 20,000 square feet in general; district rules vary4
Building height
35 feet general maximum5
Mobile homes
Allowed in the R-2 district on a permanent foundation, skirted6
Owner-builder
Wisconsin lets an owner-occupant take out the dwelling permits7

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Brooklyn Building Inspector

Building permits and inspections inside the Town of Brooklyn

(920) 229-6360

[email protected]

W4691 County Road B, Markesan, WI 53946

Also useful

Town of Brooklyn Town Hall (Clerk)

Town forms, including driveway permits, and general questions

(920) 294-6600

[email protected]

N5988 County Road A, Green Lake, WI 54941

Zoning

Green Lake County Land Use Planning & Zoning Department

County zoning administration, land use permits, shoreland and floodplain zoning, and septic (POWTS) permits

920-294-4156

571 County Road A, Green Lake, WI 54941

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 15, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Brooklyn means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Does the Town of Brooklyn have zoning, and what does it mean for lot size and setbacks?

Yes. Green Lake County lists the Town of Brooklyn among the six towns that adopted the County Zoning Ordinance2. Parcel-specific districts come from the county zoning map, and the county ordinance names A-1, A-2, NRC, C-1, C-2, I, M-1, M-2, RC, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and AO districts8.

In general, a building in the Town of Brooklyn must sit on a lot at least 100 feet in average width and 20,000 square feet in area, and a larger area applies where Wisconsin SPS 383 requires it4. The general height limit is 35 feet5. Look up your parcel's district before you rely on any of these numbers, because district rules differ and the county department is the office that confirms them9.

Do you need a building permit in the Town of Brooklyn, and who issues it?

Yes. No owner or contractor may start construction of a building or mechanical system before getting a permit from the Town's Building Inspector1. The town adopted the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code chapters for one- and two-family dwellings and enforces them through its own Building Inspector10. Contact the Building Inspector through the town's contact page11.

Some work is exempt, such as re-roofing, re-siding, window replacement and minor repairs under $5,000 per year1. Applications for a new building or addition need two sets of plans and a scaled plot plan, and a permit is valid for two years12.

How do septic permits work in the Town of Brooklyn?

The town does not issue septic permits. Green Lake County administers the private onsite wastewater treatment (POWTS) program inside the Town of Brooklyn wherever public sewer is not available, under Chapter 334 of the county code and Wisconsin SPS 381-3873. The Land Use Planning & Zoning Department is the office to call9.

Once a septic system is running, state law requires inspection for pumping at least once every three years13. Only about 9.2% of Green Lake County's soils rate as not limited for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system14. We could not confirm the county's exact permit requirement for the town's addresses or any rules on private wells; ask the county department before you buy.

Can you live in a mobile home, RV or tiny home in the Town of Brooklyn?

Mobile and manufactured homes are allowed for a single family in the county's R-2 Single-Family Mobile Home Residence District, if the home is permanently mounted on a stone, concrete or masonry foundation, skirted, and served by compliant sanitary facilities6.

An accessory building on a lot may be used for human habitation in districts that allow it, limited to 20% of its footprint or 300 square feet, whichever is less, and only one such building per parcel15.

We could not confirm any town or county rule on tiny homes or on camping in an RV on private land in the town. Ask the Building Inspector and the county zoning department in writing before you plan to live in either one.

Building a home in the Town of Brooklyn: the steps, in order

  1. Find your parcel's zoning district and confirm lot size and height limits with the county zoning department9.
  2. Check for shoreland or floodplain: the county requires a land use permit for land-disturbing work in the jurisdiction of those ordinances16.
  3. Get a sanitary permit from the county if there is no public sewer3.
  4. Apply to the Town's Building Inspector for the building permit, with plans and a plot plan12.
  5. Request each inspection at least 48 hours ahead, unless the Wisconsin code sets another time frame17. Footing, foundation, rough work, insulation and final stages are among those listed.
  6. An owner who will live in the home may take out the dwelling permits personally7.

What stays with Green Lake County, and what to check before you buy

Zoning administration, floodplain zoning, and septic permits sit with Green Lake County even though the building permit is the town's23. For land outside the town, see the Green Lake County page.

A driveway or culvert off a county highway may need a permit from the Green Lake County Highway Department, and driveways off a town road go through the town18. In a subdivision or land division, the town will not issue a driveway or culvert permit until the land-division requirements are done, unless the Town Board allows it in a development agreement19.

Green Lake County's effective property tax rate is 1.3%20.

Watch-outs

  • Land near water can fall under county shoreland rules, which apply within 1,000 feet of navigable lakes and 300 feet of navigable rivers and streams, so check before you buy21.
  • The town's building permit rule lists no owner-builder exemption of its own, and we could not confirm short-term rental rules or a general lot-coverage limit, so ask the town clerk or Building Inspector1.

Sources

  1. Chapter 98 Building Construction (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  2. Land Use Planning & Zoning - Green Lake County (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  3. Land Use Planning & Zoning - Green Lake County (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  4. Article III: General Provisions - Green Lake County (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  5. Article III: General Provisions - Green Lake County (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  6. Land Use Planning & Zoning - Green Lake County (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  7. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Land Use Planning & Zoning - Green Lake County (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  9. Green Lake County Land Use Planning & Zoning Department (greenlakecountywi.gov)
  10. Chapter 98 Building Construction (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  11. Town of Brooklyn Building Inspector (tn.brooklyn.wi.gov)
  12. Chapter 98 Building Construction (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  13. co.green-lake.wi.us (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  14. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  15. Article IV: Zoning Districts - Green Lake County (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  16. Land Use Planning & Zoning - Green Lake County (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  17. Chapter 98 Building Construction (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  18. Permit Contacts and Construction Reminders, quoted and re-checked
  19. Article VII: Construction Requirements (Town of Brooklyn), quoted and re-checked
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Land Use Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked

Written October 15, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Brooklyn

Town of Brooklyn’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New dwellings, additions, structural alterations, and listed mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work inside Brooklyn town.

    • Permits are not required for listed minor repairs, certain equipment replacements, re-roofing, re-siding, window replacement, cabinetry, and minor repairs/remodeling valued below $5,000 per year.
    • Under the Uniform Dwelling Code article, some listed work is exempt only when aggregate fair market value does not exceed $1,000 in a twelve-month period.
    “No owner or contractor may commence construction of any building or mechanical system prior to obtaining a valid permit from the Town's Building Inspector.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Buildings within Brooklyn town covered by Chapter 98.

    • The town adopted Wisconsin Administrative Code chapters including SPS 305, SPS 316, SPS 320-325, SPS 361-365, SPS 375-379, and SPS 381-387.
    • The Uniform Dwelling Code article applies to one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980 and additions to older dwellings.
    “The following chapters of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, as well as all subsequent revisions, are adopted by the Town and shall be enforced by the Building Inspector:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted building projects inside Brooklyn town.

    • Required inspections include footing, foundation, rough carpentry/HVAC/electric/plumbing, drain tile/basement floor, under-floor plumbing, electrical service, insulation, final carpentry/HVAC/electric/plumbing, and erosion control.
    • The owner or contractor must request inspections under Wisconsin Administrative Code time frames or at least 48 hours in advance.
    • Failure to request inspection is the contractor's or property owner's responsibility; construction is not approved by default.

    inspection notice: >= 48 hours (unless the Wisconsin Administrative Code specifies an applicable time frame)

    “Inspections. In order to permit inspection of a building project at all necessary phases without causing delay for the owner, the owner and/or contractor shall request all of the following inspections in conformity with the appropriate time frame defined in the Wisconsin Administrative Code or at least 48 hours in advance by the applicant/contractor or property owner, as applicable:”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Brooklyn town; the town has adopted the Green Lake County Zoning Ordinance for application within the town.

    • Green Lake County administers the county zoning ordinance; zoning districts and parcel-specific classifications control.
    “Of the ten Towns in Green Lake County, six have adopted the County Zoning Ordinance: Town of Berlin, Town of Brooklyn, Town of Green Lake, Town of Mackford, Town of Manchester, and Town of Marquette.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private onsite wastewater treatment systems inside Brooklyn town where public sewer is unavailable.

    • Green Lake County administers the POWTS program under Green Lake County Code Chapter 334 and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 381-387.
    • The county program applies in areas without public sewer.
    “Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS), are used for waste disposal systems in Green Lake County in the areas which do not have a public sewer system. Green Lake County administers a program using guidelines and mandates set forth in the Code of Green Lake County Chapter 334 and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 381-387.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision, certified survey maps, condominium developments, preliminary plats, final plats, and land divisions inside Brooklyn town.

    • The town subdivision regulations became effective June 29, 2005.
    • The Town Clerk, Plan Commission, and Town Board administer the chapter.
    • Where the town chapter is more restrictive than the Green Lake County Land Division Ordinance, the town chapter governs.
    • Land must have adequate facilities and improvements and proper stormwater, surface-water, groundwater, street, and transportation provisions.
    “Pursuant to Ch. 236, Wis. Stats., these land division and subdivision regulations were adopted and made effective by the Brooklyn Town Board on June 29, 2005. All applications for subdivision approval, including certified survey maps, condominium developments, preliminary plats and final plats, pending as of the effective date, shall be reviewed under this chapter.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway and culvert permits for parcel development within a proposed subdivision or land division inside Brooklyn town.

    • The town will not issue a driveway or culvert permit until the subdivision or land-division chapter requirements are completed, unless the Town Board specifically permits issuance in a development agreement.
    “The Town shall not issue any driveway or culvert permit for any parcel development within a proposed subdivision or land division until all provisions and requirements of this chapter have been completed, unless specifically permitted by the Town Board in the development agreement.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit applications inside Brooklyn town.

    • For new buildings or additions, submit two sets of plans and a scaled plot plan showing proposed work, existing buildings, and property lines.
    • The Inspector may require plans for other construction or demolition projects.
    • The permit must satisfy state, county, and local requirements; permits are valid for two years and may be extended 30, 90, or up to 180 days with approval and fees.
    • A permit card must be posted visibly from the street.

    permit validity: 2 years (extensions of 30, 90, or up to 180 days may be approved)

    “The Inspector shall issue the requested permit if the owner or contractor demonstrates that all state, county and local ordinance requirements are satisfied. If a permit card is issued, it shall be posted at the job site in a location visible from the street. Permits are valid for two years.”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Brooklyn

Town of Brooklyn does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts applicable inside Brooklyn town under the adopted Green Lake County Zoning Ordinance.

    • The county zoning district map controls parcel-specific district assignments.
    • The county ordinance lists A-1, A-2, NRC, C-1, C-2, I, M-1, M-2, RC, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and AO districts.
    “For the purposes of this chapter, Green Lake County, Wisconsin, is hereby divided into 14 zoning districts, as follows: A-1 Farmland Preservation District A-2 General Agriculture District NRC Natural Resource Conservancy District C-1 General Commercial District C-2 Extensive Commercial District I Industrial District M-1 Mineral Extraction District M-2 Sanitary Landfill District RC Recreation District R-1 Single-Family Residence District R-2 Single-Family Mobile Home Residence District R-3 Multiple-Family Residence District R-4 Rural Residential District AO Adult-Oriented Establishment District”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots and parcels inside Brooklyn town under Green Lake County zoning; district-specific standards and exceptions apply.

    • The general minimum is 100 feet average width and 20,000 square feet area.
    • Wisconsin SPS 383 controls if it requires a larger area.
    • A recorded subminimum lot may be occupied by one family under the cited exception.

    average lot width: >= 100 feet · lot area: >= 20000 square feet (larger area required by SPS 383 prevails)

    “Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every building/structure hereafter erected, moved or structurally altered shall be located on a lot at least 100 feet in average width and 20,000 square feet in area, regardless of the district in which such building is, or is to be, located”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings inside Brooklyn town under Green Lake County zoning.

    • The general maximum is 35 feet and 2.5 stories.
    • Churches, schools, hospitals, sanatoriums, and other public/quasi-public buildings may reach 60 feet or five stories if required yards are increased.
    • Listed farm and utility structures are excepted from the height regulations.

    maximum building height: 35 feet (public/quasi-public buildings may reach 60 feet or five stories under stated yard-increase condition)

    “the maximum height of any building hereafter erected, moved or structurally altered shall be 35 feet (see definition "structure height"), not to exceed 2 1/2 stories”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured and mobile homes occupied by a single family inside Brooklyn town where the parcel is in the Green Lake County R-2 Single-Family Mobile Home Residence District.

    • The home must be permanently mounted on a stone, concrete, or masonry foundation and skirted.
    • The home must be adequately served by sanitary facilities installed in compliance with local ordinances and state laws and regulations.
    • The county zoning ordinance's R-2 district rules apply through Brooklyn's adoption of the county zoning ordinance.
    “Such homes shall be permanently mounted on a stone, concrete or masonry foundation and skirted and shall be adequately served by sanitary facilities installed in compliance with all local ordinances and state laws and regulations.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Human habitation of one detached accessory building inside Brooklyn town in districts where the county zoning ordinance permits it, including the cited A-1 and R-4 provisions.

    • Only one detached accessory building structure per lot or parcel may use the allowance.
    • Human habitation is limited to 20% of the footprint area or 300 square feet, whichever is less.
    • Other district, building, sanitary, and permit requirements remain applicable.

    maximum habitation area: 20% of footprint area or 300 square feet, whichever is less (one detached accessory building structure per lot or parcel)

    “Human habitation of a detached accessory building structure may be allowed; however, it shall be limited to 20% of the footprint area or 300 square feet, whichever is less. This standard shall apply to only one detached accessory building structure per lot or parcel.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Property owners with septic systems inside Brooklyn town.

    • The county page attributes the requirement to state law.
    • Inspection for pumping is required at least once every three years.

    inspection interval: per 3 years

    “All property owners with a septic system are required by state law to have the system inspected for pumping at least once every three years.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development inside Brooklyn town located in regulated floodplain areas.

    • Green Lake County maintains and enforces the floodplain zoning ordinance.
    • A land-use permit is required for land-disturbing activity, including placement or alteration of a building or structure, within the jurisdiction of the ordinances administered by the county.
    • Floodplain zoning is federally required and applies according to the county ordinance and mapped regulated areas.
    “A land use permit is required for any land-disturbing activity, including the placement or alteration of any building or structure, within the zoned Towns or within the jurisdiction of the ordinances this Department administers. These ordinances include the federally-required Floodplain Zoning Ordinance”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Brooklyn or Green Lake County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders performing construction inside Brooklyn town.
  • Lot coverage — Overall lot coverage inside Brooklyn town.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Brooklyn town.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Brooklyn town.
  • Septic permit — Private onsite wastewater systems inside Brooklyn town.
5 more unanswered
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Brooklyn publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Green Lake County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Green Lake County: county rules, score and offices