Wisconsin Statewide Rule

Wisconsin Shoreland and Great Lakes Zoning

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Wisconsin (2026)

Key Facts

Code: NR 115
Lake jurisdiction: 1,000 feet from OHWM
Stream jurisdiction: 300 feet from OHWM
Building setback: 75 feet from OHWM

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Wisconsin State Legislature

Summary

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.

1. 'Shoreland setback.' Except where exempt under subd. 1m., a setback of 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable waters to the nearest part of a building or structure shall be required for all buildings and structures. Where an existing development pattern exists, the shoreland setback for a proposed principal structure may be reduced to the average shoreland setback of the principal structure on each adjacent lot, but the shoreland setback may not be reduced to less than 35 feet from the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable waters.

Source: Wisconsin State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

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 & Penalties

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shoreland setback in Wisconsin?

Principal structures must sit at least 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark of any navigable lake, pond, river, or stream, with limited reductions allowed.

Can my county require stricter shoreland rules?

Counties must meet NR 115 minimums but 2015 Act 55 generally caps stricter local standards. Existing stricter ordinances are preempted unless authorized by statute.

Who owns the Great Lakes shoreline?

Lands below the ordinary high water mark are held in trust for public use under the Public Trust Doctrine. Private upland owners have qualified riparian rights.

Sources

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