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Regulations Affecting Waterfront Home Owners
Rules from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Open Burning Regulations Rural homeowners may dispose of rubbish, leaves, and other items through burning. Burning laws are available at http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire/burning-rp.htm Agricultural Runoff Runoff is water flow occurring when the soil is saturated at its fullest capacity. Runoff water flows over land and joins larger bodies of water such as a streams, rivers, and lakes. Agricultural runoff is water contaminated with topsoil, agricultural chemicals, and/or manure. Agricultural runoff is usually first discovered when physical changes occur in the larger body of water. Examples include, foul odors, changes in the color or clarify of the water, or a change in the number and/or types of plants, fish, and animals in the surrounding area. Agricultural runoff also risks human health through illness and disease. Please see http://dnr.wi.gov/runoff/ag/agcontacts.htm for more information about agricultural runoff or to report agricultural runoff. Floodplains Flooding, floodplains, and flood insurance have been hot topics since the devastation from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Wisconsin Dells flooding of 2008. Unfortunately, flooding is a topic that every waterfront homeowner must face. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a large section devoted to flood information at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/dsfm/flood/. In addition, the DNR has an informational page about flood insurance at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/dsfm/flood/insurance.htm. Wetlands Waterfront property owners often find that part of their property is considered “wetlands.” Specific rules and regulations cover the use and alteration of wetlands. Property owners with wetlands on their property should see http://dnr.wi.gov/wetlands/ for more information. Waterway and Wetland Activities that may require a Permit Like all property owners, waterfront property owners want to make their own mark on their property. However, waterfront property owners face additional scrutiny and the need for special permits. Here is a list of common issues facing the owners of waterfront property with corresponding permitting information. Aquatic Plant Control: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/shoreline_habitat/aquatic_plant.html Beach Construction and/or Beach Maintenance: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/recreation/beach_maintenance.html Beaver Damage: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/shoreline_habitat/beaver_damage.html Boathouses: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/recreation/boathouse_repair.html Boat Ramps and Boat Landings: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/recreation/boat_ramp.html Boat Shelters: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/recreation/boat_shelter.html Bridges: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/water_levels_crossings/bridges.html Buoys: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/recreation/buoys.html Culverts: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/water_levels_crossings/culverts.html Dams: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/water_levels_crossings/dams.html Dredging: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/construction/dredging.html Dry Hydrants: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/construction/dry_hydrants.html Fish or wildlife habitats: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/shoreline_habitat/fish_wildlife.html Ford: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/water_levels_crossings/fords.html Grading: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/construction/grading.html Intake and Outfall Structures: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/construction/intake_outfall.html Irrigation: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/water_levels_crossings/irrigation.html Lake Level Changes: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/water_levels_crossings/lake_levels.html Lake Shoreline erosion control: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/shoreline_habitat/lake_erosion.html Miscellaneous structures: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/construction/misc_structures.html Non-metallic mining: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/construction/nonmetallic_mining.html Pea gravel blankets: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/recreation/pea_gravel.html Piers, docks, and wharves: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/recreation/piers.html Pilings: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/construction/pilings.html Ponds: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/construction/ponds.html Stream bank erosion control: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/shoreline_habitat/streambank_erosion.html Stream realignment: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/shoreline_habitat/stream_realignment.html Swimming rafts: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/recreation/swimming_rafts.html Utility waterway crossing: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/water_levels_crossings/utility_crossing.html Water ski platforms: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/recreation/water_ski.html Wetlands: http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/shoreline_habitat/wetlands.html Waterfront Landowner Frequently Asked Questions Like all property owners, waterfront property owners want to make their own mark on their property. However, waterfront property owners face additional scrutiny and the need for special permits. A short list of questions commonly asked by the owners of waterfront property is found at http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/info_for/landowners.html. Waterfront Construction Contractor Frequently Asked Questions Waterfront property owners can be held responsible when an unscrupulous contractor ignores or violates waterfront property rules and regulations. Therefore, it is always in property owner’s best interests to hire a reputable, licensed, and bonded contractor. A short list of questions commonly asked by contractors working with waterfront property can be found at http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/info_for/contractors.html. Wisconsin DNR Water Management Specialists by County There is no way to anticipate, much less create, answers to every potential question facing a waterfront homeowner. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has at least one designated Water Management Specialist in each county. Homeowners with questions not covered here or who need additional information should go to http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/about_us/county_contacts.html to find their county DNR Water Management Specialist.
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