Shoreland Permitting

What is the Shoreland Water Quality Act?

The Shoreland Water Quality Act (SWQA) establishes minimum standards for use of lands adjacent to potected waterbodies. This act covers work within 250' of the reference line of a protected waterbody including the construction, replacement or expansion of structures as well as temporary earth disturbing activities. The SWQA contains rules regulating many shorefront construction activities including the size and location of accessory structures, primary building setbacks and the amount of impervious area on a given lot.

Shoreline or Shoreland?

We agree, it is confusing. While the Shoreland Water Quality Act covers the 250' from the reference line on a waterbody back and into the uplands away from the waterbody, the Shoreline is considered part of the Wetlands Permitting Process and is regulated to the top of bank above the surface water reference line. Simple--right?

Frequently our clients have to get both a Shoreland Permit and a Wetlands Permit for their planned shorefront improvements. If a dock, boatlift, boathouse, pilings, perched beach, stairs to the water, retaining wall repairs or new retaining wall are proposed a Wetland Permit for these Shoreline Structures needs to be obtained. If significant landscaping, patio installation, new house, house additions, sheds, decks and/or driveway projects fall within 250 feet of the reference line a Shoreland Permit must be obtained.

SRE has been serving the permitting needs of shorefront owners for many years. Our staff works closely with shorefront owners developing projects that benefit the environment and water quality while balancing the shorefront owner's goals of maintaining a usable and enjoyable water front property.

Shoreland Permitting

• Patios
• House Rebuilds
• Additions
• Decks
• Walkways
• Driveways
• Retaining Walls
• Sheds/Accessory Buildings