Wisconsin's NR 115 sets minimum shoreland zoning standards along navigable waters, and the Public Trust Doctrine protects Great Lakes shores. Counties must adopt rules at least as strict as NR 115 statewide.
Wis. Stat. section 59.692 requires counties to adopt shoreland zoning meeting NR 115 minimum standards within 1,000 feet of a lake or pond and 300 feet of a river or stream. Standards include 75-foot setbacks from the ordinary high water mark, vegetative buffer requirements, impervious surface limits of 15 percent, and mitigation when expanding nonconforming structures. The Public Trust Doctrine (Wis. Const. art. IX, sec. 1) protects navigable waters and Great Lakes shorelines below the ordinary high water mark for public use. 2015 Act 55 limits how much stricter counties may go beyond NR 115 minimums.
Violations may result in injunctions, restoration orders, daily forfeitures, removal of unpermitted structures, and replanting of vegetative buffers under Wis. Stat. 59.69(11) and 30.294.
Menasha, WI
Menasha enforces quiet hours in this Fox Valley city between Lake Winnebago and Little Lake Butte des Morts. 18,000+ residents with paper mill heritage. Fox ...
Menasha, WI
Menasha regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Menasha, WI
Menasha considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Menasha, WI
Menasha restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Menasha, WI
Menasha requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Menasha, WI
Menasha enforces parking with winter alternate-side rules for snow removal. Fox River waterfront redevelopment areas have evolving parking needs. Downtown ar...
See how Menasha's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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