County Shoreland Zoning Permit
Required for development activities within shoreland areas (typically 1,000 feet of a lake or 300 feet of a river or stream) in unincorporated areas of Wisconsin. Shoreland zoning is mandated by Wisconsin DNR under NR 115 and enforced by counties. Regulations restrict impervious surfaces, vegetation removal, building setbacks from the water, and lot coverage to protect water quality and habitat.
When Is a County Shoreland Zoning Permit Required?
- New construction within the shoreland zone
- Additions or expansions within the shoreland zone
- Vegetation removal within the shoreland buffer
- Impervious surface additions within the shoreland zone
When Is a County Shoreland Zoning Permit NOT Required?
- Properties outside the shoreland zone boundaries
- Properties within incorporated municipalities (municipal shoreland zoning may apply)
Related Permits You May Also Need
County Shoreland Zoning Permit Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for county shoreland zoning permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Ashland County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Barron County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Bayfield County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Brown County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Buffalo County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Burnett County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Calumet County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Chippewa County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Clark County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Columbia County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Crawford County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Dane County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Dodge County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Door County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Douglas County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Dunn County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Eau Claire County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Florence County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Fond du Lac County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Forest County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Grant County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Green County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Green Lake County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Iowa County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Iron County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Jackson County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Jefferson County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Juneau County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Kenosha County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Kewaunee County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| La Crosse County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Lafayette County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Langlade County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Lincoln County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Manitowoc County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Marathon County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Marinette County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Marquette County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Menominee County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Milwaukee County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Monroe County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Oconto County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Oneida County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Outagamie County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Ozaukee County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Pepin County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Pierce County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Polk County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Portage County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Price County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Racine County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Richland County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Rock County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Rusk County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Sauk County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Sawyer County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Shawano County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Sheboygan County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| St. Croix County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Taylor County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Trempealeau County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Vernon County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Vilas County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Walworth County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Washburn County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Washington County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Waukesha County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Waupaca County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Waushara County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
| Winnebago County | $200-$500 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Wood County | $100-$300 | 2-6 weeks | Current |
Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.
Frequently Asked Questions — County Shoreland Zoning Permit
What is shoreland zoning in Wisconsin?
Shoreland zoning regulates development near lakes, rivers, and streams in unincorporated areas. Under NR 115, the shoreland zone extends 1,000 feet from a lake and 300 feet from a navigable river or stream. Regulations include a 75-foot minimum setback from the ordinary high-water mark, impervious surface limits (typically 15%), and vegetation preservation requirements.
How close can I build to a lake in Wisconsin?
In unincorporated areas under county shoreland zoning, the minimum setback is 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark of a lake or river. Some properties may have nonconforming structures closer to the water that were built before current rules. Expansion of nonconforming structures is limited under NR 115.
Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?
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