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Boat Shelter
We frequently receive questions on various types of boat shelters, both seasonal and permanent. To try to help demystify these shelters we are providing examples here to help you in your search for information about one or both of them.
Seasonal Boat Shelter
Question: I want to place a shore station, boat lift, or other type of seasonal boat shelter on the bed of a lake, flowage, river or stream. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?
Answer: Seasonal boat shelters, boat lifts and boat hoists are generally exempt from permit requirements.
Follow the steps below before starting your project.
Step 1
Determine if your project is exempt.
Seasonal boat shelters, boat lifts and boat hoists are generally exempt from permit requirements. Size limits apply, and a key requirement for boat shelters is that the structure be seasonal, meaning that its removed from the water between December 1 and April 1. Click on the checklist below to help you determine if your project qualifies for an exemption.
If your project will not meet the conditions to qualify for an exemption, you'll need to apply for an Individual Permit.
If you would like assistance from the DNR to determine if an activity is eligible for an exemption, download and print the Exemption Determination Request [PDF 25KB], or obtain the form at your local DNR Service Center. Fill in all of the requested information, sign the form, and submit it by mail or FAX to the address on the form. You will receive a response within 15 days of our receipt of your request (provided the owner of the project site has signed the form).
Step 2
Apply for an Individual Permit.
To apply for an Individual Permit, open and print BOTH of the following files:
- Miscellaneous Structures Individual Permit Application [Form #3500-53P PDF 18KB]
- Fee Sheet [Form #3500-053A PDF 106KB]
Send the completed application materials, along with the fee and Fee Sheet, to the county where your project is located. For more information about how your application is reviewed, see the Permit Process.
Laws
Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.12, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 627KB] and Chapter NR 326, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], [PDF 29KB].
Local permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations may also apply. We advise you to contact your local zoning office and your regional U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office [exit DNR].
Permanent Boat Shelter
Question: I want to construct a permanent boat shelter on the bed of a lake, flowage, river or stream. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?
Permanent Boat shelter example photo.
Answer: An Individual Permit is required for permanent boat shelters. A fee is required.
Permanent boat shelters are not permitted on lakes or flowages having less than 500 acres of surface water or on most rivers, streams or creeks.
Apply for an Individual Permit.
To apply for an Individual Permit, open and print BOTH of the following files:
- Permanent Boat Shelter Individual Permit Application [Form #3500-53Q PDF 38KB]
- Fee Sheet [Form #3500-053A PDF 105KB]
Send the completed application materials, along with the fee and Fee Sheet, to the county where your project is located. For more information about how your application is reviewed, see the Permit Process.
Laws
Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.12, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 627KB] and Chapter Rule NR 326, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], [PDF 29KB].
Local permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations may also apply. We advise you to contact your local zoning office and your regional U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office [exit DNR].
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