FAQs • Sawyer County, WI • CivicEngage

Why do we regulate land uses within the shorelands?: Sawyer County regulates land uses within the shorelands because:
- Wisconsin Statute 59.692 Zoning of Shorelands on Navigable Waters, states that each county shall adopt a zoning ordinance regulating all shorelands in its unincorporated area.
- Sawyer County recognizes an even greater responsibility to prevent and control water pollution; protect spawning grounds, fish and aquatic life; control building site locations and land uses and to preserve shoreline cover and natural beauty. The lakes, rivers, streams and flowages of Sawyer County are invaluable and irreplaceable natural resources. Their protection is mandated not only by law (the Public Trust Doctrine) but also by common sense.
- Uncontrolled use of the shorelands and pollution of the navigable waters of Sawyer County would adversely affect the public health, safety, convenience, and general welfare and impair the tax base. The legislature of Wisconsin has delegated responsibility to the counties to further the maintenance of 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 to preserve shore cover and natural beauty. This responsibility is hereby recognized by Sawyer County, Wisconsin.

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Shoreland Zoning

1. Why do we regulate land uses within the shorelands?: Sawyer County regulates land uses within the shorelands because:
- Wisconsin Statute 59.692 Zoning of Shorelands on Navigable Waters, states that each county shall adopt a zoning ordinance regulating all shorelands in its unincorporated area.
- Sawyer County recognizes an even greater responsibility to prevent and control water pollution; protect spawning grounds, fish and aquatic life; control building site locations and land uses and to preserve shoreline cover and natural beauty. The lakes, rivers, streams and flowages of Sawyer County are invaluable and irreplaceable natural resources. Their protection is mandated not only by law (the Public Trust Doctrine) but also by common sense.
- Uncontrolled use of the shorelands and pollution of the navigable waters of Sawyer County would adversely affect the public health, safety, convenience, and general welfare and impair the tax base. The legislature of Wisconsin has delegated responsibility to the counties to further the maintenance of 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 to preserve shore cover and natural beauty. This responsibility is hereby recognized by Sawyer County, Wisconsin.

2. How do we regulate land uses within the shorelands?: The regulation of land uses within the shorelands is accomplished through the County’s “Shoreland Zoning Ordinance.” This is not a separate zoning ordinance, but rather it is integrated into the Sawyer County Zoning Ordinance as Section 4.4 Shoreland Regulations.

3. What is regulated by the County’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance?: The Shoreland Zoning Ordinance regulates many activities that could have an adverse impact on water quality and habitat if abused. Among the most critical regulated activities are:
- Minimum building and structure setbacks from navigable waters and wetlands.
- Minimum setbacks minimize disturbance of the shoreline, reduce the opportunity for runoff into the waterway and screen structure from the waterway.