Shoreland policy

Proposed shoreland management rules (NR 115)

On June 24, the DNR Natural Resource Board unanimously approved proposed changes to Wisconsin’s shoreland zoning rule (NR 115), which contains statewide minimum standards for shoreland development in unincorporated areas. The Assembly Natural Resources committee has scheduled a public hearing on this rule (now called Clearinghouse rule 05-08) for September 2 nd ; the Senate Natural Resources Committee has scheduled a public hearing on the rule for September 10 th . The new NR 115 now before the legislature is a consensus product developed over eight years, which has won approval of a key group of development and conservation interests (including the Wisconsin Association of Lakes) that have historically held very different views

Key Provisions of the Proposed Improvements

The proposed improvements apply only to land in unincorporated areas -- areas outside city and village boundaries. Existing homeowners would not be affected until they remodel their home or make a major change in how they manage their property, like clear cutting trees, mowing new areas or paving over areas.

  • Building setbacks and minimum lot sizes stay the same
    • Structures must be at least 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark.
    • Minimum lot size would remain 10,000 square feet with 65 feet of frontage for lots served by sanitary sewers and 20,000 square feet and 100 feet of frontage for lots not served by sanitary sewers.
  • Rules on legal nonconforming structures made clearer and more flexible - Legal nonconforming structures, those built before their counties adopted shoreland standards and now closer to the water than standards allow, could more easily be maintained and repaired. The proposal would:
    • Eliminate dollar limits on the maintenance and repair of legal nonconforming structures.
    • Allow some expansion of buildings at least 35 feet from the water if the owner takes offsetting steps like restoring native plants or taking measures to reduce runoff.
    • Set height restrictions for those portions of buildings within the first 75 feet from the water's edge.
  • New standard seeks to cut runoff pollution by limiting hard surfaces - Construction or expansion of buildings, driveways or other areas which prevent water from soaking into the ground is limited to 30 percent of the lot to reduce runoff and protect water quality in lakes and streams.