Waterfront Land/ Lots.
General:
Land that touches water is considered waterfront, but there are multiple types of waterfront land.
Riverfront land for sale: rivers are larger than streams and are usually navigable by boats. Rivers may have flowages or larger bodies of tributaries or lakes reachable. Watch out for dams that may impede boat traffic.
Lakefront land for sale: Lakes in Wi are usually over 2acres in water surface and may be restricted. Restrictions typically include:
Full Recreation: This classification allows for wakes, water skiing, fishing, boats with motors, wake boarding. etc.
No Wake: Motors are permitted, but boats are not to make waves or a wake when moving.
Time specific: Sometimes there are times of no wake or full rec (9am to 5pm full rec, for example and no wake during the rest of the time)
Streams: Streams are smaller rivers which may or may not include fish and may or may not be passable by boats, canoes.
Man made lakes: These lakes are usually either dammed rivers or man made splash pad / large ponds intentionally created to allow for fishing or swimming, but may be full rec or not depending on water body size or intended use.
Private lakes: Private lakes do not have public boat access and typically are less busy than public lakes with boat access. Private lakes may only allow waterfront or deeded property owners to use the lake with boats.
Public lakes: A lake is public if it has a public access point, a park, a boat launch or access point available to the public.
For additional information on Rivers, check out this page by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) HERE.
For additional information on Lakes, check out this page by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) HERE.
Both sites have general information in addition to specific info.
Finding/ Locating:
Finding vacant land that is build-able is increasingly difficult because it is very popular. It may be possible to purchase a lot with a cottage or home and remove it to build. Land on water typically sells fast so identifying bodies of water you are interested early is important. We recommend traveling to bodies of water to see what will fit your needs best: swimming, fishing, boating reconnaissance is advised. We can help you set up a MLS search for areas or specific bodies of water so you get an email alert when a new property is offered for sale: contact us.
Usability:
What to look out for when purchasing waterfront property:
Setbacks: WDNR and local governments may dictate a distance from the water you may develop (ie 75’ from the high water mark). We recommend consulting on specific pieces of land if you intend to build.
Piers: WDNR and local governments may dictate pier size/ length etc. We recommend checking.
Wetlands: Wetlands are protected in Wi because of the vital role they play in various ecosystems. These can be a barrier to building.
Sewer/Septic: If you are building a home, you need a sewer connection or septic. Fitting a home and a septic on lots can be difficult, we recommend a soil test.
Floodplains: FEMA sets these- if land is within a floodplain. They aire on the side of caution, so removing a portion of land from floodplain is possible via a LOMA (letter of map amendment) completed by a surveyor.
Restrictions: Be it local, state or private deed restrictions, these may dictate the use of the land, home sizes, permeable/ impermeable surfaces allowed.
Overall, waterfront is highly coveted and for good reason- it is highly enjoyable to many people. Yes there are additional barriers but waterfront value is typically highest compared to even most commercial real estate. Feel free to contact us.