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Milwaukee, WI Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Construction permit fee
$615
Alteration/repair permit fee
$310
Approving body
Board of Harbor Commissioners
Penalty for no permit
$50-$500 forfeiture, up to 90 days jail

Summary

Anyone building, rebuilding, altering or repairing a dock on Milwaukee's navigable waterways must get Board of Harbor Commissioners approval and pay a $615 construction or $310 repair permit fee under city code.

118-7. Dock Construction. 1. PLANS TO BE FILED WITH BOARD OF HARBOR COMMISSIONERS. Every person, firm or corporation before proceeding with the construction, erection, rebuilding, alteration or repair of any dock along the banks of any navigable river, public canal or water slip within the corporate limits of the city shall, subject to the approval of the board of harbor commissioners, file with said board drawings, plans and specifications sufficient to enable the board to obtain full and complete information as to the extent and character of the work to be done...

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Full Breakdown

Before building, rebuilding, altering or repairing any dock along a navigable river, public canal or water slip within Milwaukee, the owner must file drawings, plans and specifications with the Board of Harbor Commissioners for approval under Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 118-7. Section 118-8 requires the work to conform to the board's on-file standard plans and sets substructure, wall-elevation and ladder specifications. Permit fees are set separately at $615 for new dock construction (§ 81-43) and $310 for alteration or repair (§ 81-42), payable before the permit issues.

Violations & Fines

Building, rebuilding, altering or repairing a dock without the required permit is punishable by a forfeiture of not less than $50 nor more than $500, and in default of payment by 10 to 90 days in the Milwaukee County jail or house of correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a dock in Milwaukee?
Yes. Milwaukee Code § 118-7 requires Board of Harbor Commissioners approval and a permit before building, rebuilding, altering or repairing any dock on a navigable river, canal or water slip in the city.
How much does a Milwaukee dock permit cost?
$615 for new dock construction and $310 for alteration or repair, per §§ 81-43 and 81-42 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances.

Sources & Official References

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All Milwaukee rules

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