Dane County Shoreland Zoning Ordinance Ch. 11 enforces WI NR 115 buffers: 75-foot setback from Yahara lakes (Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa) and navigable streams. Impervious surface capped at 15% within 300 feet of OHWM.
Wisconsin has no ocean coast, but Dane County regulates shoreland development around the four Yahara lakes (Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa), Lake Wingra, and all navigable streams under Dane County Code Chapter 11 (Shoreland Zoning) implementing WI NR 115 and NR 151 state minimums. Principal structures must be set back at least 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of lakes and 75 feet from navigable streams. Within 300 feet of the OHWM (or 1,000 feet of lakes), impervious surface is capped at 15% without mitigation, 30% with approved mitigation. A 35-foot vegetative buffer must be preserved or restored on waterward side. Shoreline alterations (riprap, piers, dredging) require a DNR Ch. 30 permit. Wetland fill requires Army Corps 404 and DNR 401 certification. Madison's Lake Mendota and Monona shoreline adds MGO Ch. 28.138 lakefront yard standards.
Building within 75-foot setback without variance: removal order and forfeiture $500-$5,000 plus $100 per day. Unpermitted pier or shoreline alteration: DNR forfeitures up to $10,000. Wetland fill without permit: federal penalties up to $37,500 per day.
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