Shoreland zoning has the goal of protecting water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation and natural beauty.
To accomplish these goals, the statewide minimum standards for shoreland zoning ordinances attempt to control the intensity and impacts of development around water and to maintain or establish a buffer between development and the waterway. Local planning and zoning department staff are available to assist landowners who have shoreland zoning questions.
Resources & Publications
The Wisconsin Legislature has made major changes to shoreland zoning in 2015-16. These changes are described in three short video presentations:
- Introduction to shoreland zoning and recent changes to required shoreland lot sizes
- Changes to shoreland setbacks, vegetation protection and impervious surface standards
- Changes to standards for buildings located close to the shoreline
Wisconsin Shoreland Zoning Over the Years
Wisconsin’s Shoreland Management Program
Chapter NR 115: Wisconsin’s Shoreland Protection Program
Local Contacts:
Sauk County Conservation, Planning & Zoning Department
505 Broadway
Baraboo, WI 53913
608-355-3245
Columbia County Planning and Zoning Department
400 DeWitt St
Portage, WI 53901
608-742-9660
