Resources for Local Government

This webpage provides access to information on adoption and administration of shoreland zoning ordinances for local goverment officials and staff.

Accessing these links will open a new browser window.

Laws and Regulations

Publication Number Publication Information
Chapter NR 115
[PDF 31KB]
Wisconsin's Shoreland Management Program. Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Chapter NR 116
[PDF 93KB]
Wisconsin's Floodplain Management Program. Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Chapter NR 117
[PDF 27KB]
Wisconsin's City and Village Shoreland-Wetland Protection Program. Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Chapter NR 118
[PDF 32KB]
Standards and Criteria for the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Wisconsin Administrative Code.

Model Zoning Ordinances

Publication Number Publication Information
WT-542-2000 Creating an Effective Shoreland Zoning Ordinance: A Summary of Wisconsin Shoreland Zoning Ordinances. DNR.
WT-508-1997
[PDF 306KB]
Shoreland Zoning Resource Guide: An Annotated Model Shoreland Zoning Ordinance. DNR.
No Pub Number
[PDF 232KB]
Model Shoreland Zoning Ordinance. DNR. Revised June 1985.
No Pub Number
[PDF 1.55MB]
Model Shoreland-Wetland Zoning Ordinance for Cities and Villages. DNR.

Newsletters

Publication Number Publication Information
DNR Series Floodplain and Shoreland Management Notes.
UWEX Series [exit DNR] Water & Law Newsletter.

Handbooks and Other Publications

Publication Number Publication Information
No Pub Number
[PDF 1.2MB]
Plan Commission Handbook. Center for Land Use Education. May 2002.
[exit DNR] Zoning Board Handbook for Zoning Boards of Adjustment/Appeals. Center for Land Use Education. 2nd Ed. 2006.
WT-540-2004 Zoning Case Law Summary in Wisconsin. DNR.

This list of resources should not be construed as being complete. It is only part of a collection of resources and research that WDNR employees use as a reference in their day to day work. This list is in no way an endorsement of these organizations, but rather a resource for the public who may be interested in shoreland related issues.

For more information, contact:
Gregg Breese, Shoreland Team Leader
(608) 261-6430

Last Revised: Wednesday July 30 2008