Rosemary's answers are correct but perhaps still don't provide a complete picture of what the NH Department of Environmental Services will issue a permit for when it comes to PWC lifts. Yes, each lift can be considered to provide a slip. However if a property has enough frontage for 2 slips and a standard 6 foot x 40 seasonal dock is installed on the frontage the Department recognizes that there is likely room to tie off a PWC (or two) along the docking structure in the area between the recognized boat slip and the shore. Permitting the placement of a lift or lifts in these areas where you could tie the craft anyway doesn't affect the number of watercraft that are going to be using the frontage. As such the Department routinely permits lifts immediately adjacent to existing docking structures without counting them as additional slips provided. The Department's position on PWC lifts changes when one proposes to install lifts along the frontage away from the existing docking facility because now the installation of the lifts does directly increase the number of watercraft that can be secured on the frontage. Understand that Rule Env-Wt 402.13, Frontage Over 75', begins by stating that the purpose of the rule on slip density is "To lessen congestion, improve public safety and navigation, protect neighboring property values, provide sufficient area for construction of facilities, provide adequate area for boat maneuvering, and protect health, safety, and general welfare." Because installing PWC lifts along the shore, in areas where a watercraft could not otherwise be secured, will increase congestion, and may negatively impact public safety and navigation, property values and so forth, the Department will only permit such lifts where there is sufficient frontage to allow for additional boat slips beyond what any existing docks provide in keeping with the intent and purpose of Rule Env-Wt 402.13.
Respectfully,
D. Forst
Shoreland Section Supervisor
NHDES Land Resource Management Programs
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