HomeMy WebLinkAboutChp 11/regulation of structures within the lake . .
� CHAPTER II
REGULATION OF STRUCTURES WITHIN THE LAKE
Section 2 . 001 . Statement of Findings . The Board of Directors
of the LMCD finds and determines that:
a) Increasing population and development pressure is
occurring and is likely to continue in the future;
b) Such pressures increase the storage of watercraft on
the public waters of the Lake;
c) There is a relationship between watercraft storage on
the Lake and the intensity of watercraft usage; and .
d) The intensity of watercraft use and storage on the
public waters of the Lake has the effect of: diminishing the
aesthetic and recreational qualities of the Lake; increasing
congestion along the shoreline; endangering the safety of users
of the Lake; reducing the total area of lake surface available
for public use; adversely affecting wildlife and its habitat on
the Lake and along the Lake shore; and polluting the Lake and its
- - shore .
Accordingly, in furtherance of the purposes, goals and
policies set forth in Section 1 . 01 of this Code, the Board has
adopted the provisions of this Chapter.
Section 2. 01�. Authorized Dock Use Area.
Subd . 1 . Prohibition. No person shall use any area of
� the Lake outside an authorized dock use area, for docks , moor-
ings, watercraft storage, swimming floats, ski jump storage or
diving towers , unless such use is specifically permitted under
the provisions of this chapter. No perscn shall use any area of
the Lake within any authorized dock use area for docks, moorings,
watercraft storage, swimming float:s, ski jump storage or diving
towers without the consent of the riparian owner. No person who
is in charge or control of any property on the Lake whether as
owner, tenant, occupant, lessee, or otherwise, shall allow any
sunken, wrecked, junked, or discarded watercraft to remain within
any dock use area for a period of longer than one week; provided,
however, that this limitation shall not apply to watercraft
within the dock use area of a commercial establishment engaged in
the business of repairing and rehabilitating watercraft which is ,
so engaged with regard to such watercraft .
, Subd. 2 . Description of Authorized Dock Use Area : An
authorized dock use area is described as follows :
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a) Length - The authorized dock use area for sites
bordering on the Lake extends into the Lake a distance equal to
the site Lake frontage to be measured at right angles to the side
site lines and, except as provided herein, shall not extend into
the Lake a distance of qreater than 200 feet in the case of
commercial docks in existence on August 30 , 1978, and 100 feet in
the case of other docks to be measured on a line parallel to the
site side lines as extended into the Lake. In the case of
commercial docks in existence on August 30, 1978, the lakeward
extension of the dock use area more than 100 feet from the
shoreline shall be limited to the distance from shore of the
docks in existence on said date and that portion of said docks
more than 100 feet from the shoreline may not be altered or
expanded.
A site in existence on February 5 , 1970 , which has a Lake
frontage of 40 feet or more, but less than 60 feet, may have a
dock extending up to 60 feet into the Lake. Any such site which
has a Lake frontage of less than 40 feet may have a dock which
extends beyond the authorized dock use area to the point neces-
sary to reach a water depth of three feet, and no further;
provided that no such dock shall be located or extended more than
60 feet into the Lake. Side setback requirements shall be
observed, however, unless a variance is granted by the Board
under Section 1 . 07 .
- . b) Width - The authorized dock use area for sites border-
ing on the Lake is limited in width by the setback limitations
prescribed herein. The setback from side site lines as extended
in the Lake shall be as follows:
For that portion of the
length of the authorized
� dock use area which extends
from the shore The setback shall be
Zero to 50 feet � 10 feet
50 to 100 feet 15 feet
100 to 200 feet 20 feet
1) Where boat slips open toward a side site line,
the setback provided shall be at least equal to
the slip depth, but shall not be less than 20
feet.
2) Setbacks shall be doubled for all multiple docks
or mooring areas and commercial docks on each
side where such multiple docks are not located
adjacent to another multiple dock or mooring
area or commercial docks; provided, however,
that multiple docks or mooring areas and commer-
cial docks in existence on May 3 , 1978 , shall be
non-conforming structures and shall not be
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�.; -- subject to this subparagraph 2 . ) as long as such
�- structures are not expanded.
3 ) The authorized dock use area, in the case of
sites 50 feet in width or less in existence on
February 2 , 1970 , may be expanded to a side
setback limitation of five feet, provided that
such setback in no way impairs access to neigh- �
boring docks . .
c) Measurement - Authorized dock use areas shall be mea-
sured from the point which forms the shoreline when the Lake is
at elevation 929 . 4, National Geodetic Vertical Datum, 1929 .
d) Temporary dock extensions . During periods when the
Lake level falls below 929 . 4 feet and when so declared by resolu-
tion of the Board, the Executive Director may issue permits for
temporary dock extensions beyond the authorized dock use area
subject to the following limitations :
1 ) Need for the temporary dock extension must be
demonstrated by the applicant .
2) The extension shall be a temporary, seasonal
type dock . No extensions may be on pile driven
i ` or permanent yearround docks .
3 ) The extension shall meet all requirements of
this Code other than the length limitation
described in this section.
4 ) The extension shall only be permitted during the
time the water level is below elevation 929 . 4
feet and, at any given time, shall be permitted
only to the extent of the equivalent dockage and
comparable depth existing at a Lake elevation of
929 . 4 feet .
5 ) The extension, together with the original dock,
shall not be used to provide storage space for a
greater number of watercraft than are authorized
under this Code or for a greater number of
watercraft than are licensed if a license for
the dock is required under this Code.
Subd. 3 . Common Use of Adjacent Dock Use Areas. Two or
more adjoining site owners may by mutual agreement adjust these
side setback requirements or may use their combined authorized
� dock use areas for a single common dock or mooring area for their
respective non-commercial private uses, but in any event, must
; - _ observe these side setback requirements at the outer site lines
� _ of the combined sites involved in such a joint use . A dock or
mooring area located, constructed, installed or maintained under
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I this provision shall not be considered a "multiple dock or
mooring area" unless such dock or mooring area is constructed or
maintained for the storage of five or more restricted watercraft .
Section 2 . 02 . Shoreline Requirements .
Subd. 1 . General Rule. No new docks or mooring areas
shall be constructed or established which provide space for or
are used for mooring or docking a greater number of restricted
watercraft than one for each 50 feet of continuous shoreline in
existence on May 3 , 1978 , unless authorized to do so by special
den.sity license pursuant to Section 2 . 05 . For sites wi�th contin-
uous shoreline greater than 100 feet, when measurements deter-
mining the number of restricted watercraft allowed result in the
provision of a fractional restricted watercraft, any fraction up
to and including one-half ( 1/2 ) shall be disregarded, and frac-
tions over one-half ( 1/2) shall be counted as one additional
restricted watercraft .
Subd. 2 . Special Rule for Sites in Existence on August
30 , 1978 . Unless a greater number is authorized by the provi-
sions of Subd. 1 above, up to two restricted watercraft may be
kept at any dock or mooring facility which is located on a site
-� (as defined in Section 1 .02) which was in existence on August 30,
� , 1978 .
Subd. 3 . Special Rule for Sites Established After Augusti
30 , 1978 . Unless a greater number is authorized by the provi-
sions of Subd. 1 above, up to two restricted watercraft may be
kept at any dock or mooring area facility which is located on a
site (as defined in Section 1 .02) established after August 30,
1978 , provided there. is a residence on the site and the dock and
docking rights are owned solely by the re5idents of that site.
Subd. 4 . Additional Watercraft Allowance for Watercraft
Owned by Residents . Three or four restricted watercraft may be
kept at docks or moorings described in Subdivisions 2 and 3 above
if all restricted watercraft are owned by and registered to the
residents of the site.
Section 2 .03 . Multiple Docks, Mooring Areas, Launching Ramps
and Docks in Excess of 100 Feet in Length.
Subd. 1 . License Required. No person may locate, con-
struct , install or maintain a dock of more than 100 feet in
length or a multiple dock or mooring area or a commercial dock or
a launching ramp on the shoreline of the Lake, or in the waters
of the Lake unless licensed by the Board to do so.
Subd. 2 . Application for License . Application for a
license shall be made on forms provided by the Executive Director. �
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�. The application for license shall contain (a) the name and
address of the applicant, (b) the description of the property on
which the facility is to be located, (c) the name and address of
the owner of the premises, if different from the applicant , (d)
if the applicant is not the owner, an explanation of the interest
which the applicant has in the property, (e) a showing that all
requisite permits, licenses and approvals from the local munici-
pality have been obtained and that the requirements of any other
governmental authority have been met , and ( f) a plan showing the
design and location of the facility including all Boat Storage
Units. The application shall include such other information as
the Executive Director may reguire to assist the Board in consid-
eration of the application for the license. The application
shall also be accompanied by a license fee which shall be estab-
lished from time-to-time by resolution of the Board; provided
that no fee shall be required for applications for launching
ramps owned and operated by municipalities or other governmental
agencies which are available for use by the general public
without payment of fees or other charges . An additional deposit
in an amount established from time to time by resolution of the
Board shall accompany the application to cover legal, surveying,
engineering, inspection, maintenance or other expenses incurred
by the District . The Board shall approve all expenses charged
against the deposit , and the unused portion thereof shall be
_ returned to the applicant. The application shall state that the
� � applicant agrees to reimburse the District for any legal, survey-
� ing, engineering, inspection, maintenance or other expenses
incurred by the District in excess of the amount of the deposit .
No such deposit shall be required in the case of renewal applica-
tions under Subdivision 13 of this Section or new license appli-
cations required by Subdivision 6 of this Section which do not
require a public hearing, unless a hearing is requested by the
applicant pursuant to Section 1 . 06 , Subd. 12 .
Subd. 3 . Issuance of License. Licenses required by this
section may be issued after a public hearing by the Board.
Proceedings for the issuance of a license and the granting of a
variance under Section 1 . 07 may be combined and conducted as one
proceeding. The Board may impose conditions on the granting of a
license, which conditions shall be in writing.
a) Review Criteria . In exercising its � discretion in
granting or denying licenses, the Board may consider, among other
things, the following:
1 ) Whether the proposed facility is compatible with
the LMCD watercraft den�ity classification criteria .
2 ) Whether the proposed facility will be structur-
� ally safe for use by the intended users . �
' 3 ) Whether the facility will comply with the reg-
ulations contained in this ordinance.
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4) Whether the proposed facility will create a
--� volume of traffic on the Lake in the vicinity of the
facility which will tend to be unsafe or which will cause
an undue burden on traffic upon the Lake in the vicinity of
the facility.
5 ) Whether the proposed facility will be compatible
with the adjacent development .
6 ) Whether the proposed facility will be compatible
with the maintenance of the natural beauty of the Lake .
7 ) Whether the proposed facility will affect the
quality of the water of the Lake and the ecology of _ the
Lake.
8 ) Whether the proposed facility, by reason of
noise, fumes or other nuisance characteristics, will tend
to be a source of nuisance or annoyance to persons in the
vicinity of the facility.
9 ) Whether adequate sanitary and parking facilities
will be provided in connection with the proposed facility.
� 10 ) Whether the proposed facility will serve the
general public as opposed to a limited segment of the
public or a limited geographical area .
11 ) Whether the facility will obstruct or occupy too
great an area of the public water in relationship to its
utility to the general public.
b) Factors Not Considered. The use of multiple dock or
mooring areas or launching ramps on the Lake for the purpose of
increasing non-riparian property values is not a valid considera-
tion in licensing such facilities .
Subd. 4 . Implied Consent to Inspection. By making appli-
cation for a lieense, the applicant consents to permitting
officers and agents of the district to enter upon the applicant ' s
premises at all reasonable times to investigate the application
and to determine whether the ordinances of the district are being
complied with. The application form shall contain a statement to
this effect .
Subd. 5 . Construction and Maintenance Standards . Gon-
struction of licensed multiple docks or mooring areas, launching
ramps and commercial docks must comply with all local , state and
federal regulations applicable to facilities and services pro-
vided; municipal zoning, parking and other land use regulations
� applicable to the facility; and the rules and regulations• con-
_ tained in this code pertaining to Lake use and structures in the
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� - Lake. All licensed multiple docks and mooring areas, launching
ramps and commercial docks shall be maintained in a structurally
safe condition and shall be maintained in a neat, clean and
orderly condition at all times .
Subd. 6 . Compliance with Conditions . A violation of any
condition imposed by the Board shall be a violation of this
section and grounds for revocation, suspension or modification of
conditions of the license pursuant to Section 1 . 06 , Subd. 9 .
Subd. 7 . New Licenses Required. Any change in slip size,
ownership, length, width, height or location of a structure or
launching ramp requiring a license under this section requires
the issuance of a new license therefor. The Board of Directors
shall issue a new license without a public hearing and without
requiring the payment of a fee therefor, provided:
a) all information required by the Executive Director has
been submitted by the applicant;
b) �. the dock, ,mooring area or launching ramp is in compli-
ance with the provisions of this code;
c) there is no change in the number of watercraft to be
stored at the dock or launched from a ramp;
- d) there is no substantial change in the slip size,
length, width, height or location of the dock or launching ramp,
the amount of the Lake obstructed or occupied by the dock or
launching ramp, the use of the dock or launching ramp, or the
type of watercraft stored at the dock or launching ramp; and
e) the change will not adversely effect nearby proper-
ties, navigation, safety or the environment .
Subd. 8 . Specification of Boat Storage Units .
a) Specification of Boat Storage Units. At the time of
the issuance of a license pursuant to this section, all author-
ized Boat Storage Units at the licensed facility will be speci-
fied by number on a copy of the dock or mooring area plan for the
facility.
b) Storage Rule. No watercraft may be kept, stored, tied
or moored except at the location of a Boat Storage Unit desig-
nated as such on a current license issued pursuant to this
section, and no facilities requiring a license under this Section
may be used to keep, store, tie or moor a greater number of
watercraft than the total number of designated Boat Storage Units
for that facility.
c) Special Rule for Transient Facilities . At the time of
the issuance of a license pursuant to this Section for transient
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, use facilities or portions of facilities designated for transient
� use, the Board shall specify the extent to which such facilities
or portions of facilities are subject to the requirements of
subparagraph c) above. If the Board does not so specify, the
following rule shall apply to transient facilities or portions of
facilities designated for transient use: No watercraft may be
kept, stored, tied or moored except at the location of a Boat
Storage Unit designated as such on a current license issued
pursuant to this section; however, more than one watercraft may
be tied or docked at a Boat Storage Unit, on a transient basis
only, provided such use of the facilities do not represent a
hazard to navigation or to the safety of the public or persons
using such facilities .
Subd. 9 . Dock Extensions . N� multiple dock or mooring
area or commercial dock shall extend across the extended zone
line between sites zoned differently by a municipality.
Subd. 10 . Fuel Sales Facilities . A 25-foot addition may
be allowed, in the discretion of the Board, at the outer end of a
commercial dock for the purpose of fuel sales and related ser-
vice, but in no case for the storage of watercraft or rental of
dock space.
Subd. 11 Service Consoles . The Board may authorize the
' construction and maintenance of service consoles as part of an
- - annual multiple dock license under this section subject to the
following limitations :
a) the construction and maintenance of consoles may only
be authorized for use in conjunction with the sale of fuel to the
public;
b) the size of the console may not exceed four and
one-half feet in height , three feet in width and six feet in
length or such smaller dimensions as may be specified by the
Board;
c) the size, configuration, design and location of
� service consoles may be specified by the Board . The Board will
make its decision on the basis of considerations set forth in
Subd. 3 of this section and on the applicant ' s demonstrated need
for a service console for the storage of such items as fire and
safety equipment, motor oil , and credit card machines;
d) Upon application, the Board may authorize as a part of
a service console, the construction of a canopy for protection
from the elements of the console and personnel engaged in related
sales of gasoline and motor oil . The size, configuration, design
and location of such canopy may be specified by the Board; but in
no case shall a canopy; �
1 ) include an opaque vertical surface other than
poles and rigging needed to support the canopy, or
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( ._ :_.- 2) have any horizontal dim.ension greater than 8 feet,
� or
3 ) have a greater horizontal surface area than 36
' square feet, or
4) be used for advertising.
Subd. 12 . Lighting. Multiple docks or mooring areas and
commercial docks shall be suitably and adequately lighted in
accordance with district regulations . No oscillating, rotating,
flashing or moving sign or light may be used on any dock . Dock
lighting shall not be directed toward the Lake in such a manner
that it impairs the vision of or confuses operators of �tater-
craft . No lighting in the area of the Lake shall be installed or
directed so as to affect adjoining dock use areas or create a
hazard to navigation.
Subd. 13 . No Vested Rights. It is anticipated that in the
future it may become necessary for the LMCD to attempt to make an
allocation or apportionment of multiple dock , mooring area,
commercial dock and launching facility privileges on and within
the Lake, on an equitable basis, in order to avoid overcrowding
of the Lake, or portions thereof and in order to balance the many
conflicting demands upon the Lake. In order to give notice to
licensees that the license does not create any vested rights and
-- that future regulatory actions by the LMCD may necessitate
modifying or discontinuing the facility for which the license is
granted, each license shall state upon its face that the licensed
facility is subject to existing and future density polices and
regulations adopted by the Board.
Subd. 14 . Renewal of Licenses . Applications for renewals
of licenses under this section shall be made no later than
December first of the year preceding the year for which the
license is sought . The Executive Director shall not accept
license applications received after December lst unless the
application is accompanied by a late fee, which shall be estab-
lished from time to time by resolution of the Board. A public
hearing is nat required for a license renewal unless requested
pursuant to Section 1 . 06 , Subd. 12 .
Subd. 15 . Transient Authorized Dock Use Area. The transi-
ent use of docks or specified portions thereof may be authorized
by the Board for commercial docks . Such docks or portions there-
of may be used only for transient uses of the commercial estab-
lishment and no watercraft shall be permitted to remain overnight .
Section 2 . 04 . District Mooring Areas .
_ Subd . 1 . Establishment . District mooring areas may be
established and maintained in the Lake beyond the authorized dock
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