Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post - Dock setback from property line

Descant · 04-26-2019, 02:37 PM

Yes, the side;line setback is usually 20 feet. There are some complex legal battles when you go below that, trying to prove to the judge that you are grandfathered with old pictures that are of uncertain dates. In some cases, DES has permitted a smaller setback when there is written permission from the abutter. That may or may not run with he deed if it was (not) filed at the county registry. If there is a permit, it may restrict use of one side of the dock so that a boat does not intrude over the extension of the lot line. Size of the lot frontage also plays a part in this.
Best info is to call DES Water Pollution Bureau (271-4067) so you can be very specific about your situation. It's friendly and free. There are too many variables for a reliable answer on this forum.
There is a House bill pending that establishes a dock registration procedure (HB645) that may solve some of these issues moving forward. Next hearing is in the Senate, April 23. There is also an ongoing study commission that may re-write all of the statutes relating to inland docks. If the dock location is important to you, get an attorney to address the issues for you. Verbal statements from seller, abutter, Realtor etc can be troublesome in the future

04-26-2019, 02:37 PM	#6
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,031 Thanks: 1,211 Thanked 1,511 Times in 983 Posts	Complex rules Yes, the side;line setback is usually 20 feet. There are some complex legal battles when you go below that, trying to prove to the judge that you are grandfathered with old pictures that are of uncertain dates. In some cases, DES has permitted a smaller setback when there is written permission from the abutter. That may or may not run with he deed if it was (not) filed at the county registry. If there is a permit, it may restrict use of one side of the dock so that a boat does not intrude over the extension of the lot line. Size of the lot frontage also plays a part in this. Best info is to call DES Water Pollution Bureau (271-4067) so you can be very specific about your situation. It's friendly and free. There are too many variables for a reliable answer on this forum. There is a House bill pending that establishes a dock registration procedure (HB645) that may solve some of these issues moving forward. Next hearing is in the Senate, April 23. There is also an ongoing study commission that may re-write all of the statutes relating to inland docks. If the dock location is important to you, get an attorney to address the issues for you. Verbal statements from seller, abutter, Realtor etc can be troublesome in the future

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