Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 300-399 - Environmental Protection - Water Regulation
Chapter NR 326 - Piers, boat shelters and swim rafts in navigable waterways
Section NR 326.04 - Pier standards

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง NR 326.04

Current through November 25, 2024

(1) Except as provided in sub. (2) or (8), piers shall not extend into the water from the shoreline beyond the line of navigation or the length of the boat using the pier unless a need can be demonstrated by the riparian that boats using the pier require a greater depth of water. The depth of water necessary for nonfixed keel sailboats shall be measured with the centerboard or dagger boards raised.

(2) Piers may extend out to any pierhead line.

(3)

(a) Solid piers may be permitted under s. 30.12(2), Stats., only on the following waters:

Note: 2003 Wis. Act 118 repealed s. 30.12(2), Stats.

1. Outlying waters;

2. Harbors connected to outlying waters;

3. Fox river from the DePere dam to Lake Winnebago;

4. Lake Winnebago; and

5. Mississippi river.

(b) Solid piers shall be provided with a sufficient opening to provide for the passage of littoral drift. The opening size shall be adequate to prevent the deposition of littoral drift considering wave energy, littoral drift supply and near-shore water depths.

(4) A pier shall not totally enclose any portion of a navigable waterway.

(5) Piers shall not unreasonably obstruct navigation or otherwise interfere with public rights in navigable waters.

(6) Piers shall not interfere with the rights of other riparians.

(7) Piers shall not interrupt the free movement of water nor cause the formation of land by deposition of littoral drift upon the bed of the water.

(8) Piers associated with marinas and other similar mooring facilities shall not extend into the water from the shoreline beyond the line of navigation unless a permit is obtained under s. 30.12(2), Stats. Such marinas shall be open to the public. Use of the facility by the public may be conditioned only on the payment of a reasonable mooring or anchoring fee.

Note: 2003 Wis. Act 118 repealed s. 30.12(2), Stats.

Note: As an example, the use of such an extended pier shall not be conditioned upon membership in a private club or organization, purchase of a parcel or property, or purchase of a boat.

(9) Piers shall not be constructed or maintained with a screen or in any other manner which would trap or accumulate aquatic plants.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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