Guidelines for Docks

Introduction

After several years of discussion by members of the SLPID Board, and based on observations of boating activity on Saratoga Lake, the SLPID Board is proposing a set of dock regulations and is seeking public input. Once public opinion has been gathered, a modified rule will be sent to the local communities adjoining the lake. If the communities find the regulations acceptable, the rules will be proposed as site plan review requirements for use of the individual municipalities.

Objective

These regulations are intended to create reasonable and safe use of Saratoga Lake. It is Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District’s intent to minimize the impact to the shoreline environment and its natural character by controlling the number of shoreline structures, maintaining conforming construction standards, and establishing safe fairways for boat navigation around docks.

Proposed Standards

Definition of a Dock

A dock is any structure extending over the water from the shore for the purpose of berthing watercraft and which provides access to and from the docked watercraft.

Dock Standards

• A permit will be required for the construction of any new dock or the complete replacement of an existing dock using the same footprint as of the date of this ordinance.
• The maximum number of docks permitted per residential lot or undeveloped (vacant) parcel is as follows:

• • Extended into the lake along the axis of the property lines as they intersect the lake, or a line extended at a right angle to the mean high water mark, whichever results in the greater setback. Docks, piers, moorings, hoists, boat slips, and swim floats shall be centered between the side lot lines to the greatest extent possible. SLPID will consider variances for lots that are too small to meet these setback standards;
  • The number of docks on communal shared frontage will be at the discretion of member/owners of the shared frontage property. The above requirements for dock setbacks remain applicable;
  • No dock shall be constructed unless designed to withstand forces of flowing water and wave washes; and
  • All docks and floating objects of any kind are prohibited from interfering with the access to or from any riparian property or adjacent docks and will not be a hazard to navigation.

Mooring and Floating Object Standards

• Buoy specifications are that at least one (1) cubic foot of buoy must be above the water line; and every buoy must be white with a one-inch blue stripe and a one inch strip of reflector tape placed around the buoy horizontally and visible above the water line.
• Floating object standards apply to swim floats (including inflatables), boats, seaplanes, etc., which are tied or anchored by rope, cable or other suitable material.
• The maximum setbacks for moorings and floating objects are fifteen (15) feet to adjacent property lines as extended into the lake and at full swing.
• The maximum distance from shore for any floating object is 100 feet from shore. Permits are required from NYSOPRHP for any landowner wanting to place a mooring or floating object beyond 100 feet.
• The maximum size for any moored floating object is 144 square feet. Note that any floating object that is more than 100 square feet, requires a permit from NYSOPRHP.
• No boat or other vessel used for navigation shall be moored, docked, berthed or stored at a swim float.

Marina Standards

• Residential Marina
  • Definition: Any dock on a lakefront lot that is berthing up to 2 boats that are not registered to the owner of the property, a gratuitous guest, or those having deeded lake rights to the shore front from an upland property; and other than the berthing of vessels as offered as a part of the rental of a residential unit.
  • No permit is required and no specific standards apply.

Exemption

• Any dock that existed on the date upon which these regulations first took effect in the municipality where the project is located does not require a permit.

Enforcement

• SLIPD will be responsible for creating a baseline of existing conditions by photographing and collecting data on existing docks.
• Commercial Marina
  • Definition: Any dock on a lakefront lot that is supporting more than 2 boats other than those registered to the owner of the property, a gratuitous guest, or those having a deeded lake right to the shorefront from an upland property, and other than the berthing of vessels as offered as a part of the rental of a residential unit; or any commercial business that is engaged in the sale of watercraft, marine products, or services; rental of personal watercraft, boats over sixteen (16) feet or any type of mechanically powered watercraft; the offering of rides, instruction, or water-based recreation for a fee; and the commercial storage of watercraft.
  • Special Use Permits are required from the Planning Board in the municipality in which the dock is located for the following situations:
• To dock or anchor more than 2 or more boats not registered to the lot owner; and
• To expand commercial marina docks.
  • Specific standards for commercial marinas include:
• Access to fully functioning and available toilet facilities 24hours per day from May 1 to October 31 of each year;
• One on-site parking space or assigned off-site parking space for each non-resident boat slip;
• Adequate garbage disposal;
• Expansions are subject to meeting the test of non-interference with access to or from any riparian property or adjacent docks and will not be a hazard to navigation; and
• Where applicable, proof of compliance with NYS fire code standards and DEC bulk storage standards for the storage of gasoline and hazardous materials.