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.
Waukesha, WI
Waukesha regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Waukesha, WI
Waukesha considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Waukesha, WI
Waukesha enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. County seat city with 73,000+ residents west of Milwaukee. Historic spring water heritage and revitalized d...
Waukesha, WI
Waukesha enforces downtown parking with time limits and meters. Fox River corridor redevelopment areas have evolving parking requirements. Winter alternate-s...
Waukesha, WI
Waukesha restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Waukesha, WI
Waukesha requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
See how Waukesha's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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