Scuttlebutt Magazine - May 2008 - (Page 10) Page 10 • May 2008 www.scuttlebutt.com Docks and access in public waters should be contacted. What you should A shoreline owner know about docks and may request a permit other water access to install a dock wider structures – than eight feet. The Docks and waterpermit applicant must craft lifts are commonshow a specific need ly used access strucThis dock is wider than eight feet, so it tures on Minnesota needs a DNR permit. Refer to the blue box and show that the wider dock represents lakes and rivers. If you at right for other guidelines relating to the minimal impact own waterfront prop- dock permitting. solution to that need. erty, a temporary struchabitat. If you follow these Docks serving single famiture that provides access guidelines, no permit is ly homes or residential to a lake or river is preneeded from the planned unit developferred to a permanent Department of Natural ments generally will not structure. Resources (DNR). Local need a dock wider than Permanent structures units of government may eight feet. Public docks are more likely to sustain have additional dock rules and mooring structures ice damage, and a snowrelated to public safety that are otherwise not covered structure over the serving as a marina may ice poses a hazard to recre- and other local issues and need to be a wider ational vehicle structure and will users. be reviewed indiThe guidevidually. Docks lines in the blue that have no perbox at right list mit and that installation exceed the eightguidelines for foot-wide limit docks and are subject to access structures enforcement like boat lifts. action, including a These guidelines citation, an order are intended to If your lake access is on a shallow area where emergent to remove the minimize vegetation is common, a boardwalk, floating walkway, dock, and fines for impacts on both the landownwater resources or dock across the vegetation may be needed to reach open water. er and the dock and shoreline installer. Design and locate your dock and boat lift to avoid interfering with your neighbor’s use of the water. Docks and boat lifts should be placed so that mooring and maneuvering of watercraft can normally be confined within the property lines if they were extended into the water. Purpose of the dock rules Intensive shoreland development causes deterioration of a lake’s ecosystem. Dock installations and their associated uses are factors in this deterioration. Studies of lakes in DOCKS AND ACCESS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 Do I need a permit for my dock?* No permit is needed to install, construct or reconstruct your dock on property you own if you comply with the following: • A dock is a narrow platform or structure extending toward the water from the shoreline. A dock may provide access to moored watercraft or deeper water for swimming, fishing, and other recreation. • The structure, other than a watercraft lift or watercraft canopy, is not more than eight feet wide and is not combined with other similar structures so as to create a larger structure. • The dock is no longer than needed to achieve its intended use, including reaching navigable water depth. • The structure is not a hazard to navigation, health, or safety. • The structure will allow the free flow of water beneath it. • The structure is not used or intended as a marina. • The structure is consistent with the guidelines of the local unit of government. • Docks placed on rock-filled cribs are located only on waters where the bed is predominantly bedrock. Restrictions on docks and other structures* You may not place a dock or other structure in public waters if the structure: • obstructs navigation or creates a hazard; • is detrimental to fish or wildlife habitat or is placed in a posted fish spawning area; • is intended to be used for human habitation; • includes walls, a roof, or sewage facilities; or • is located on property you do not own or have rights to use. If you have questions concerning the contents of this brochure, contact your DNR Area Hydrologist. *Based on Minnesota Rules, Chapter 6115. http://www.scuttlebutt.com http://www.ericksonmarine.com
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