Waterway & Wetland Permits: Buoys

There are two types of buoys available for placement. Please choose one of the following types:

Mooring Buoys

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), if you place a buoy you must get the written permission of the riparian owner and meet these requirements:

• buoy cannot interfere with public rights,
• buoy cannot interfere with rights or other riparian owners,
• buoy or use of buoy cannot affect fish and wildlife habitat.

In addition to the requirements listed previously, to place mooring buoys more than 150 feet from shore (or 200 feet where regulated by local ordinance) you must:

• Fill out a Waterway Marker Application and Permit (Form 8700-58). 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 local DNR Conservation Warden must review and approve the application.
• Any buoy or 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).

Marker Buoys

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.

Laws

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].