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Docks on Waterfront Lots - The Basics*
One Dock is permitted on any waterfront lot developed with a
single family residence as an accessory to the dwelling if
the lot has
a minimum waterfront footage of 40 feet,
provided it can meet all setback requirements from adjoining
moorage facilities and lateral property lines.
The maximum length or distance waterward
from the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM)
is 100 feet, but in cases where the water’s depth is less
than 10 feet from the mean low water the length may extend
up to 150 feet
or to the point where water depth is 10 feet at mean low
water, whichever is less.
The maximum width of a dock is 8 feet.
The height of the dock shall not extend more than five feet
above the elevation of the OHWM.
No walls, handrails and storage containers located on a dock
or pier may extend up to 3 feet above the decking of the
dock.
The maximum height of a mooring pile is 10 feet above the
elevation of the OHWM.
You can have a diving board, provided it is no higher than
10 feet above the elevation of the OHWM.
Setbacks for Docks:
(1)
A minimum of 35-foot setback from any adjoining moorage
structure.
(2)
A minimum of 10-foot setback from the property line extended
waterward.
Covered moorage is permitted in association with single
family residential lots, subject to the following:
(1)
The maximum height of the covered moorage above the OHWM is
20 feet.
(2)
The maximum area of the covered moorage is 600 square feet.
(3)
Any covered moorage shall have open sides and may not be
enclosed.
Exception:
If a dock/ pier /boathouse was built prior to current
setback restrictions and permitted uses.
Note:
If a dock/pier/boathouse is
“Grandfathered In”,
be aware that there may be restrictions by the City, County
and other departments that could affect any additions to,
refurbishing or rebuilding of that dock/pier or boathouse.
NOTE:
Prior to starting any project particularly on a
“Grandfathered” parcel, please check with the City of Mercer
Island Planning Department for Guidance, because there may
be circumstances which could prevent you from rebuilding or
having a dock at all.
| City of Mercer
Island has the primary responsibility for initiating the
planning required by the act and administering the
regulatory program. Your first place to contact is the City
of Mercer Island Planning Department. They will get you
started the right way. |
Learn more by visiting City of Mercer Island
FAQ
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Building on Waterfront Lots - The Basics*
There is a
25-foot setback from the Original High Water Mark
(OHWM) for all structures.
The OHWM stands for the Ordinary High Water Mark and is
sometimes written as OHW.
This line usually identified by examining the bed and
banks of the water along the shore to determine where
action of the water has created a distinct mark upon the
soil
with respect to upland vegetation.
Impervious surface coverage requirement between 0 and 25
feet from the OHWM is 10%.
Between 26 feet and 50 feet from the OHWM structures
are allowed; however there is a
maximum impervious surface limit of 30%.
A substantial development permit (SDP) is required for
construction of or an addition on to a single family
residence, unless you are the owner, lessee or contract
purchaser and are constructing or altering the residence for
your own use and are complying with all requirements of the
City’s shoreline master program and the ULDC.
In this case, the single family residence is
categorically exempt from applying for a shoreline
substantial development permit.
Construction authorized under this exemption shall be
located landward of the OHWM.
Owner, lessee or contract purchaser must sign an
affidavit at the City verifying that the development is for
his/her own use, and must be filed with the City at time the
building permit is applied for.
Exception:
If a house or structure was built prior to current setback
restrictions and permitted uses.
NOTE: If a house or other structure is
“Grandfathered In”,
be aware that there may be restrictions by the City, County
and other departments that could affect any additions to,
refurbishing or rebuilding of that home in the same place.
Prior
to starting any project particularly on a “Grandfathered”
parcel, please check with the City of Mercer Island Planning
Department for Guidance, because there may be circumstances
which could prevent you from rebuilding or having a dock at
all.
| Ecology's role
is to act primarily in a supportive and review
capacity with an emphasis on providing assistance to
local government
and on insuring compliance with the policies and
provisions of the Shoreline Management |
For additional information please visit City of Mercer
Island
FAQ
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