Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

Onshore · 06-04-2006, 10:08 AM

DRH and Gatto Negro Thanks guys) have explained the application processes well enough that I'm not go to go into more detail but I would like to offer some other points for people to consider.

Any seasonal dock can be removed and repaired or even completely replaced, without a permit so long as there is no change in the size, location or configuration of the structure. It's a good idea to take photos of the old structure, in place, any time you're going to completely replace it.

Permits are good for 5 years. If you have recieved a permit within the last 5 years to build or repair your structures and you've taken more damage you can repair them again under the same permit (check the expiration date and make sure it is still valid). It is a really good idea to let the local Conservation Commission know that you are going to be working on a pre-existing permit before the neighbors call them and you should post a photo copy of the permit on site as well. Also... make sure you get a permit from the town if necessary.

There is nothing that says you can't get a permit before structures get damaged. Whether you file a Permit by Notifaction or a Minimum Impact Expedited Application the filing fee is $100. While some people may not want to put up money for a permit before they actually need it. Other may think it is worth it to know that if anything (walls, docks, pilings...) is damaged over the next five years they already have the permit in place and can simply find someone to do the work. It can really cut down on your stress level when the time comes. Once you have done the application it is very easy to copy the information and renew it again when it expires in 5 years. Please note that you can not do this for beach replenishment. All permits for beach replenishment carry a specific condition stating they can only be used for sand [B]once.[B]

The Permit by Notifcation and MInimum Expedited Application have the same fee and require all the same information. Other than the timeframes for processing by the state there is only one difference between them. If you file the Notification you receive a letter stating that your Notification was accepted. If you file the Expedited Application you get an actual permitl. If time is not a factor, I personally prefer to have a permit in hand. Having that piece of paper in hand or on site can put a stop to unnecessary problems before they get started. Also a permit is more easily recorded with the Registry of Deeds (this is required for all dock permits and nofications). Having the recorded permit verifying that the structures are all legal can also be very helpful if you ever decide to sell the property. This is something that more and more realtors seem to be looking for these days.

If you have a permit for a new seasonal, hinged pier, the concrete pad is supposed to be reccessed into the bank. This isn't just for the purpose of keeping fill out of the lake...It also makes it far less likely that the ice will "grab" onto it and relocate it. this will save you some sreious headaches in the future.

Sparrow Hawk please keep in mind that for many people their lake property is not their home and that home may be far enough away to preclude checking on their property immediately after ice out. Every dock on the lake is at risk of ice damage, circulator or not. Most people don't realize their dock has been damaged until the first time they come in for vacation, which is seldom before Memorial Day. Unfortunately this year we had an extreme flood event before Memorial Day. Docks which were already weakened by this winter's ice couldn't stand up to the high water and waves hitting them from angles they just couldn't practically be designed to handle. I'm sure that in many cases the owners of the docks would have made necessary repairs to their structures had they had they opportunity, but they just didn't get the chance. On the other hand, there is a small percentage of people who are in fact, just plain negligent.

As for annual inspections... Just who is going to volunteer to pay for that program?

06-04-2006, 10:08 AM	#66
Onshore Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 503 Thanks: 12 Thanked 425 Times in 146 Posts	thoughts on dock maintenence... DRH and Gatto Negro Thanks guys) have explained the application processes well enough that I'm not go to go into more detail but I would like to offer some other points for people to consider. Any seasonal dock can be removed and repaired or even completely replaced, without a permit so long as there is no change in the size, location or configuration of the structure. It's a good idea to take photos of the old structure, in place, any time you're going to completely replace it. Permits are good for 5 years. If you have recieved a permit within the last 5 years to build or repair your structures and you've taken more damage you can repair them again under the same permit (check the expiration date and make sure it is still valid). It is a really good idea to let the local Conservation Commission know that you are going to be working on a pre-existing permit before the neighbors call them and you should post a photo copy of the permit on site as well. Also... make sure you get a permit from the town if necessary. There is nothing that says you can't get a permit before structures get damaged. Whether you file a Permit by Notifaction or a Minimum Impact Expedited Application the filing fee is $100. While some people may not want to put up money for a permit before they actually need it. Other may think it is worth it to know that if anything (walls, docks, pilings...) is damaged over the next five years they already have the permit in place and can simply find someone to do the work. It can really cut down on your stress level when the time comes. Once you have done the application it is very easy to copy the information and renew it again when it expires in 5 years. Please note that you can not do this for beach replenishment. All permits for beach replenishment carry a specific condition stating they can only be used for sand [B]once.[B] The Permit by Notifcation and MInimum Expedited Application have the same fee and require all the same information. Other than the timeframes for processing by the state there is only one difference between them. If you file the Notification you receive a letter stating that your Notification was accepted. If you file the Expedited Application you get an actual permitl. If time is not a factor, I personally prefer to have a permit in hand. Having that piece of paper in hand or on site can put a stop to unnecessary problems before they get started. Also a permit is more easily recorded with the Registry of Deeds (this is required for all dock permits and nofications). Having the recorded permit verifying that the structures are all legal can also be very helpful if you ever decide to sell the property. This is something that more and more realtors seem to be looking for these days. If you have a permit for a new seasonal, hinged pier, the concrete pad is supposed to be reccessed into the bank. This isn't just for the purpose of keeping fill out of the lake...It also makes it far less likely that the ice will "grab" onto it and relocate it. this will save you some sreious headaches in the future. Sparrow Hawk please keep in mind that for many people their lake property is not their home and that home may be far enough away to preclude checking on their property immediately after ice out. Every dock on the lake is at risk of ice damage, circulator or not. Most people don't realize their dock has been damaged until the first time they come in for vacation, which is seldom before Memorial Day. Unfortunately this year we had an extreme flood event before Memorial Day. Docks which were already weakened by this winter's ice couldn't stand up to the high water and waves hitting them from angles they just couldn't practically be designed to handle. I'm sure that in many cases the owners of the docks would have made necessary repairs to their structures had they had they opportunity, but they just didn't get the chance. On the other hand, there is a small percentage of people who are in fact, just plain negligent. As for annual inspections... Just who is going to volunteer to pay for that program?