Pilings

Question: I want to protect my existing or proposed shoreline structure (such as a boathouse) from severe ice damage by placing pilings or I want to place pilings to direct navigational traffic by providing a pivot point for turning watercraft.

Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: Installing pilings in a navigable waterway is exempt from permit requirements, provided your projects meets certain standards and is not in a specially-designated water. For projects in designated waters, a general permit is available.

Note that pilings may not be used for mooring a boat except in Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River.

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 is exempt.
3. Determine if your project qualifies for a General Permit.
4. Apply for a General Permit.
5. 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 is exempt.

Pilings are generally exempt from permit requirements. This exemption is not available for waters designated as "areas of special natural resource interest."

If your project will not be in an ASNRI, you may qualify for an exemption if your project meets specific standards. Click on the checklist below to help you determine if your project qualifies for an exemption.

• Checklist: Pilings [PDF 76KB]

If you would like assistance from the DNR to determine if an activity is eligible for an exemption, download and print the Exemption Determination Request [PDF 25KB], or obtain the form at your local DNR Service Center. Fill in all of the requested information, sign the form, and submit it by mail or FAX to the address on the form. You will receive a response within 15 days of our receipt of your request (provided the owner of the project site has signed the form).

If your project is not exempt, you'll need to apply for a General Permit or an Individual Permit.

Step 3

Determine if your project qualifies for a General Permit.

A General Permit is available for Pilings located in ASNRI waters. Review the permit conditions found in the application materials in Step 4 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 4

Apply for a General Permit.

To apply for a General Permit, open and print the Application Packet and Fee Sheet found below.

• Pilings Application Packet [PDF 153KB]
• Fee Sheet [Form #3500-053A, PDF 105KB]

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 5

Apply for an Individual Permit.

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

• Miscellaneous Structures Individual Permit Application [Form #3500-53P, 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 our web page on 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].