Shoreland Permit Procedures
 

WHEN:

A Shoreland Permit is required when one of the following projects occur within the unincorporated Towns of Brighton, Paris, Randall, Salem, Somers and Wheatland.  Note: The more common projects that occur within the County on a regular basis include, but are not limited to the following.

  • Shoreline stabilization – includes projects such as retaining walls, riprap or bio-revetment installation to prevent erosion.
  • Fill placement - includes projects designed to improve drainage in the shoreyard (provided it is not a zoned wetland), or fill used in the foundation of new home construction beyond “usual and customary” amounts normally used for home site development.  NOTE:  for fill projects in the Camp/Center Lake Floodplain Fringe Overlay District please review the “BUILDING WITHIN THE CAMP LAKE/CENTER LAKEFLOODPLAIN FRINGEOVERLAY DISTRICT” Handout.
  • Dredging or removal of sediments from streams or lakebeds – includes agricultural sediment removal projects or dredging near the shoreline for watercraft docking.
  • Earth movement/Grading, Major Landscaping and Berms

For a more comprehensive list of permittable projects, consult the Kenosha County General Zoning and Shoreland Floodplain Zoning Ordinance.  Most projects requiring a shoreland permit from Kenosha County will require a corresponding Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and possibly a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit.  Kenosha County shoreland permits are not valid without the necessary Federal or State permits.

WHY:              

To promote public health, safety, and welfare; and to achieve the purposes of s.281.31, Wisconsin Statutes, which are to “maintain safe and healthful conditions; prevent and control water pollution; protect spawning grounds, fish and aquatic life; control building sites, placement of structures and land uses; and preserve shore cover and natural beauty.”

HOW:

You must submit a complete Stipulated Shoreland Permit Application including a property survey/site plan (example) and submit the appropriate fee based upon the Kenosha County Department of Planning & Development Fee Schedule.