Buoys

• Mooring Buoys
• Marker Buoys

Mooring Buoys

Question: I want to place a mooring buoy. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: A permit is required in some cases. A mooring buoy must meet certain size, shape, and placement requirements, as outlined below.

Mooring buoys within 150 feet of shore generally do not require a DNR permit. A permit may be required from the local municipality if they have enacted a local ordinance regulating mooring. Local municipalities may enact ordinances regulating mooring up to 200 feet from shore.

Even though permit approval may not be necessary for buoys within 150 feet of shore (200 feet if regulated by local ordinance), persons placing buoys must meet the placement requirements listed below and riparian owners must give written permission.

For mooring buoys placed more than 150 feet from shore (or 200 feet where regulated by local ordinance):

• A Waterway Marker Application and Permit (Form 8700-58) must be filled out. Local government approval is required on Section II of the form. The applicant must be the riparian owner.
• An Individual Mooring Justification Worksheet (Form 8700-192) must be completed.
• The buoy must meet the placement requirement outlined below.
• The local DNR Conservation Warden must review and approve the application.
• Any boat moored more than 200 feet from the shoreline is required to be lighted from sunset to sunrise by a white light visible all around the horizon. (Boats moored in a DNR-approved designated mooring area are exempt from this lighting requirement).

Contact your nearest DNR Service Center for forms.

Notes

Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.74(2), Wis. Stats. [exit DNR, 627KB] and Chapter NR 5.09, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], [PDF 95KB].

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].

Marker Buoys

Question: I want to place an informational, regulatory, warning, or beach marking buoy. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: The placement of informational and regulatory buoys must be approved by the local DNR Conservation Warden and by the local unit of government. You will need to obtain a copy of the Waterway Marker Application (Form 8700-58) and submit it to the appropriate Conservation Warden.

For more information, see Waterway Markers.

Notes

Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.74(2), Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 627KB] and Chapter NR 5.09, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], [PDF 95KB].

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].