Riparian Rights for St. Croix Lake Homes Explained

Owning a Lake St. Croix home near Somerset is about sunrise paddles, dockside evenings, and a front-row seat to river life. It also comes with a specific set of rights and responsibilities that shape what you can do on and along the water. If you understand riparian rights, you can plan projects, avoid costly delays, and protect your shoreline the right way. This guide explains the basics in plain language and outlines next steps for buyers and owners. Let’s dive in.

Riparian rights in Wisconsin

Riparian rights are the rights and responsibilities that come with owning land next to a natural waterbody. In Wisconsin, those rights exist alongside the state’s public trust doctrine, which protects public uses like navigation and fishing. You have important privileges as a shoreline owner, but they are not unlimited.

A key concept is the ordinary high-water mark, often called the OHWM. The OHWM is a physical line on the landscape that separates private upland from the state’s waterway. Many rules, setbacks, and permits use the OHWM to determine what you can build and where you can build it.

How this applies to Lake St. Croix near Somerset

Lake St. Croix is part of the St. Croix River system. It is a navigable waterway, which means the state generally holds title to the lakebed while you hold riparian rights up to the OHWM. Your rights are shaped by Wisconsin law, St. Croix County shoreland zoning, and, in some areas, federal oversight.

Parts of the St. Croix may be within the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Where that designation applies, additional federal review or approvals may be required. Seasonal water levels and shoreline erosion are also practical considerations for owners in the Somerset area.

Your core rights and common limits

Access and reasonable use

As a riparian owner, you can access the water from your property and use it for typical recreational purposes. You can moor a private boat and enjoy swimming and boating. These uses must be reasonable and cannot interfere with public navigation or harm water quality.

Docks and piers

You may have the right to install a private dock or pier, subject to state and county rules. Many dock projects require a permit, and size and placement standards often apply to protect navigation and public use. If your shoreline falls within a federally managed segment, you may need federal review before work begins.

Shoreline stabilization

Erosion control projects like riprap, seawalls, or bioengineered solutions usually require permits, especially if they alter the bed or place fill. Natural stabilization methods are encouraged where feasible. Start with county zoning and the state to learn what is allowed and whether a general or individual permit is needed.

Water use and withdrawals

Normal household and recreational uses are typically allowed. Larger withdrawals or uses that could affect flow or water quality can trigger review. Commercial or irrigation uses may require additional approvals.

Boundary changes over time

Shorelines can move with gradual accretion or erosion. Gradual changes can affect boundaries, while sudden changes, known as avulsion, typically do not. If your shoreline has shifted, consult a surveyor and, where needed, a real estate attorney to evaluate the impact.

Permits and who to contact

Typical approvals

• State permits under Wisconsin’s waterways rules for docks, piers, dredging, or placing fill.
• St. Croix County shoreland permits for setbacks, vegetation management, and impervious surface limits.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers review for certain in-water or wetland work.
• National Park Service review if your property is within the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

A simple permit workflow

1. Confirm your property is riparian and locate the OHWM with a survey if needed.
2. Call St. Croix County zoning to understand local shoreland requirements and setbacks.
3. Contact the state’s regional permitting staff to determine if a general or individual permit is required.
4. If the project may affect wetlands or federal waters, consult the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Park Service where applicable.
5. Hire licensed professionals and obtain written approvals before any site work starts.

Enforcement risks

Unauthorized in-water or shoreline work can lead to stop-work orders and restoration requirements. You could face civil penalties and be required to remove unpermitted structures. Always verify permits before you build or alter the shoreline.

Buying a Lake St. Croix property in Somerset

How to confirm riparian status

Review the deed and plat to ensure the lot actually touches the water at the OHWM. Check county records and maps, and do not rely on a marketing description alone. If anything is unclear, order a boundary survey that shows the OHWM and riparian frontage.

Smart questions to ask

• Does the deed clearly convey riparian rights?
• Is there a recent survey showing the OHWM and structure setbacks?
• Are there existing permits or easements for docks or shoreline structures, and are they transferable?
• Has the shoreline experienced notable erosion or accretion?
• Do any local covenants or federal designations affect the property’s use?

When to hire pros

A licensed land surveyor can confirm the OHWM and boundaries. A real estate attorney can review deed language and advise on riparian rights or disputes. For shoreline projects, consult experienced contractors and permitting staff before you design or bid the work.

Do’s and don’ts for Somerset shoreline owners

Do:

• Check with St. Croix County and the state before building a dock or altering the shoreline.
• Keep natural vegetation where possible to protect water quality and stability.
• Size and place docks to minimize effects on navigation and neighboring properties.

Don’t:

• Start shoreline hardening or dredging without the proper approvals.
• Block public navigation or create hazards in the waterway.
• Place fill in the lakebed or wetlands without permits.

Local tips for Lake St. Croix owners

Expect water levels to vary through the season and plan docks with fluctuations in mind. Where erosion is an issue, budget for long-term shoreline management rather than short-term fixes. If your property lies within a federally managed reach, factor extra time for reviews when planning improvements.

Partner with local expertise

Understanding riparian rights helps you protect your investment and enjoy lake life with confidence. If you are evaluating a Somerset lake home, planning a dock, or considering shoreline improvements, local guidance can save time and reduce risk. For a clear plan tailored to your goals, connect with the Platinum Real Estate Team for trusted, high-touch support.

FAQs

Do I own the lake bottom on Lake St. Croix?

• No. The state generally holds title to the beds of navigable waters. Your riparian rights allow certain uses up to the ordinary high-water mark.

Can I build any size dock on my Somerset property?

• No. Docks are regulated and may require permits. Size and placement must avoid unreasonable interference with navigation and public use.

If my shoreline erodes, do I lose land in Wisconsin?

• Gradual erosion or accretion can change boundaries over time, while sudden changes usually do not. A survey and legal review can clarify your situation.

Do riparian rights transfer when I sell a lake home?

• In most cases, yes. Riparian rights typically run with the land unless limited in the deed. Verify deed language and any recorded easements.

Who enforces shoreline and in-water rules on Lake St. Croix?

• St. Croix County enforces shoreland zoning, the state handles navigable water permits, and federal agencies may be involved where their jurisdiction applies.