Use of Privately-Owned Docks.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 118-36
in effect118-36. Use of Privately-Owned Docks.
1. UNAUTHORIZED USE PROHIBITED. No person having in his or her charge or control any boat, vessel or other watercraft, shall secure, or permit to be secured, the boat, vessel or watercraft to any privately-owned dock or dockwall located in any of the navigable waters of the city without the permission of the owner of the dock or dockwall if there is, in plain view at such dock or dockwall, a sign indicating that securing of a boat without the dock or dockwall owner’s permission is prohibited. All signs installed shall comply with applicable provisions of the code.
2. ENFORCEMENT BY POLICE. The chief of police is authorized to enforce the prohibition of sub. 1 and may issue a citation to the master, owner or other person, or any officer, manager or agent of any corporation, having in his or her charge or control any boat, vessel or other watercraft found to be in violation of sub. 1.
3. PENALTY. Any master, owner or other person, or any officer, manager or agent of any corporation, having in his or her charge or control any boat, vessel or other watercraft found to be in violation of sub. 1 shall, for each offense or conviction thereof, be liable for a penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $500 together with the costs of prosecution, and in default of payment shall be imprisoned as provided by law. Every 24-hour day of violation of sub. 1 shall constitute a separate offense.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH118.pdf#page=19Fetched: 10/26/2026