Boat Ramps (Landings)

Question: I want to construct a boat ramp and landing. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: A general permit or an individual permit is required to place any material (concrete plank, gravel, rock, etc.) on the lake or streambed. A fee is required.

Follow the steps below before starting your project.

1. Determine if your waterway has a special designation that might affect the exemption or permit requirements.
2. Determine if your project qualifies for a General Permit.
3. Apply for a General Permit.
4. Apply for an Individual Permit.

Step 1

Determine if your waterway has a special designation that might affect the exemption or permit requirements.

Visit the search page below, enter the information about your waterway, and record any designations that it may have.

• Designated Waters Search

Step 2

Determine if your project qualifies for a General Permit.

A General Permit is available for boat ramps if the project meets specific conditions. Key requirements are that the boat ramp may not be located in an "areas of special natural resource interest" (ASNRI), and must be open to the general public or on a lake greater than 50 acres where there is no public boat ramp. Review the permit conditions found in the application materials in step 3 to see if your project will qualify. If your project will not meet the conditions of a General Permit, you'll need to apply for an Individual Permit.

Step 3

Apply for a General Permit.

To apply for a General Permit, open and print BOTH the Instructions and General Permit application below.

• Boat Ramp Application Packet [R1-06, PDF 156KB]

Our permit partner document is intended to provide general information to questions about the general permitting standards and procedures. It does not establish legal rights or obligations and is not determinative for the issues addressed.

• Boat Ramp [R1-06, PDF 351KB]

Submit the completed application materials to the location identified on the form. If your project will not meet the conditions of a General Permit, you'll need to apply for an Individual Permit.

Step 4

Apply for an Individual Permit.

To apply for an Individual Permit, open and print BOTH of the following files:

• Miscellaneous Structures Individual Permit Application [PDF 18KB]
• 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 NR 329, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], [PDF 42KB].

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].