Bridges

• I want to build a bridge. Do I need a permit or pay a fee?
• I want to rebuild my bridge after a flood. Do I need a permit or pay a fee?

Clear-span bridge.

Answer: A general permit or an individual permit is required to place a bridge over a navigable waterway.

Follow the steps below before starting your project.

1. Determine if your project qualifies for a General Permit.
2. Apply for a General Permit.
3. Apply for an Individual Permit.

Step 1

Determine if your project qualifies for a General Permit.

A General Permit is available for Clear-Span Bridges and Temporary In-stream Crossings. Key qualifications for Clear-Span Bridges are that the bridge completely span the waterway with no supports below the ordinary high-water mark, and that the waterway is less than 35 feet across. Key qualifications for Temporary in-stream Crossings is that the stream may not exceed 10 feet in width, from ordinary high water mark to ordinary high water mark and that the crossing shall be used to provide temporary access for forest management activities to establish, maintain or enhance a forest. Review the permit conditions found in the application materials in Step 2 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 2

Apply for a General Permit.

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

• Clear Span Bridge Application Packet [R1-06, PDF 113KB]
• Temporary in-stream Crossing Application Packet [R1-06, PDF 113KB]

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.

• Clear Span Bridge [R1-06, PDF 113KB]

Submit the completed application materials, along with the fee and Fee Sheet, 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 3

Apply for an Individual Permit.

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

• Bridge Individual Permit Application [Form #3500-53F, PDF 43KB]
• 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 our Web page on the Permit Process.

Answer: The department has developed a Factsheet [PDF 71KB] that should help identify a clear course of action to take if you are affected by a natural disaster and need to build or rebuild a waterway crossing.

Laws

Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.123, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 627KB] and Chapter NR 320 [exit DNR], [PDF 168KB].

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].