Prairie du Sac Shoreline Authorization Program FAQs
This FAQ builds upon information on our Lake Wisconsin Shoreline Authorization Program (SAP) page.
My lot extends to the shoreline. I’d like to build a storage shed on a part of my property that is not located on the shoreline. Do I need to contact Alliant Energy?
No, you do not need SAP approval to build on private land located outside the immediate shoreline within the project boundary. You may, however, need to acquire permits from local, state or other agencies. If you are unsure if your proposed project area is located within the boundary, contact us at 1-800-ALLIANT (255-4268).
We want to build a project along the Lake Wisconsin shoreline, but we don’t know what we are allowed to build or which permits we need. Who should we contact?
Contact your local county planning and zoning departments:
You should also review the Wisconsin DNR shoreland zoning website.
I’d like to repair an existing rock wall along the shoreline. My property extends to the water’s edge. Do I need to contact Alliant Energy?
Minor repairs to structures in place before September 15, 2020 do not require Alliant Energy’s approval. We define minor repairs as those that alter or improve less than 50% of a structure.
A new improvement, alterations that exceed 50% of the structure, and/or it is along the immediate shoreline would likely require Alliant Energy approval.
I am putting my pier back in the water this spring. Do I need to contact Alliant Energy?
If the pier was in place prior to September 15, 2020, you do not need to contact Alliant Energy.
Our property does not extend to the water’s edge, but it’s adjacent to shoreline we believe is owned by Alliant Energy. We must cross this land to get to the water. We’d like to build a new dock on this land. Do we need permission to do so?
Building a new dock within the project boundary requires approval from the SAP. Alliant Energy would also require a separate agreement to use any of our land located outside the project boundary. When we review proposals from our neighboring landowners, we must consider both FERC requirements and our role as stewards for our land and the area’s natural resources.
We are committed to partner with landowners who wish to plan shoreline projects that may require use of our adjacent lands.
I plan to remodel a boathouse located entirely on my own property. Do I need to contact Alliant Energy for permission?
How did Alliant Energy approve shoreline use in the past?
We worked with landowners adjacent to the project boundary on a case-by-case basis. Advancements in technology like geographic information system (GIS), drones, and online processes now allow us to offer a more consistent and streamlined approval process to all landowners within the project boundary.
Will Alliant Energy oversee all approvals within the project boundary?
No. All structures and facilities placed and maintained within the project boundary must comply with applicable local, state and federal regulations. Our authority over activities in the project boundary is in addition to other applicable laws.
How does Alliant Energy monitor landowners for compliance?
We took aerial imagery of the Lake Wisconsin shoreline during the fall of 2020. We use this information, along with other publicly available imagery, to establish baseline shoreline structure presence and conditions. We will monitor the entire shoreline and compare those conditions with this historic imagery. We also use our records of newly permitted facilities and alterations to identify non-permitted activities within the FERC project boundary and on our adjacent fee-owned lands.
I have additional questions related to the SAP. Who can I contact?
Email us at [email protected].
How do I know my email was received? I’d like to start on my project as soon as possible.
We review and respond to applications within 60 days of receiving all required information. In most instances, you will receive a confirmation email within a week.