How close to the water can I build?

The waters edge is not used to measure the setback. The standard setback from any navigable body of water for new construction is 75 feet and is measured from the ordinary high water mark as established by either the zoning office or DNR. This setback is used for all new construction, additions and such things as fences, decks, and patios.

There are some mechanisms in place that may allow a structure to be built closer than 75 feet to the water, such as setback averaging or a variance where appropriate. Setback averaging of like structures on the two immediate adjacent lots may be used in some instances, but is limited to a minimum setback of 50 feet from the ordinary high water mark. Variances require a public hearing and can only be approved if the property and structure meet certain statutory requirements. In these cases, what is being built must be designed to have the least encroachment into the shore yard setback as possible.