Permit required for seasonal boat lift?

Jetman · 09-08-2008, 08:30 PM

Hi, Can anyone tell me if a permit is necessary for a seasonal boat lift? I would like to put a Lift adjacent to my permanent dock to elevate my boat out of the water. Estimate a 4000 lb lift with a canopy. It is basically a large Jetski lift, only for boats. Is there a minimum of fontage required? Thanks

fatlazyless · 09-08-2008, 08:55 PM

As I understand it, one boat-lift is allowed without an additional permit if you already have a permitted dock. The canopy needs a seperate permit from the state, specifically for the canopy.

Just my opinion here; the reason for a seperate canopy permit is because a canopy can easily impede a neighbor's view, especially on smaller lots.

bilproject · 09-08-2008, 10:39 PM

You will need a permit from the DES for a boat lift. Go to their web site and download the Permit by notification form and instructions. Be sure you can comply with the requirements before filing as the fee is $200.00. The lift must be installed adjacent to an existing legal dock in a legally existing boat slip. Legal can mean grandfathered or permitted by the state after permits were required. You will need pictures of the location and a sketch of your planned installation. If your dock is a grandfathered structure and is closer than 20 feet to your neighbor's property you will need to send a letter certified to all abutters. No part of the boat lift can be closer than 20 feet. You will pay the fee and file with your town clerk where the conservation commission will review the application and if they have no objection they sign off and it is sent to the state. You will be able to check on your permits progress on line. Concord then has 10 days to approve, disapprove or request more information. If they fail to act in 10 days then the project is automatically approved. After approved and installed you will send in a form that is part of the packet along with pictures of the completed project. You will also take your completed paperwork to you county registrar of deeds and file it under your lot and block number. The permit for the lift is then complete and part of your property record.
A seasonal boat lift or jet ski lift is considered an "accessory docking structure" It is allowed to be installed at either a non-conforming or permitted dock as long as the non-conforming structure is legal (grandfathered). If you apply and get turned down because your dock is non-conforming but grandfathered, please e-mail me and I will provide the documentation that will show the reviewer he or she is wrong. The process is a bit time consuming but not hard for a first timer. Good Luck!
PS You can try for the canopy but I doubt they will approve it as it effects too great an area of the lake bottom. The DES really does not care about your neighbor's view.

ApS · 09-09-2008, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

"...Just my opinion here; the reason for a seperate canopy permit is because a canopy can easily impede a neighbor's view, especially on smaller lots..."

...and...

Quote:

Originally Posted by bilproject

"...A seasonal boat lift or jet ski lift is considered an 'accessory docking structure'...The DES really does not care about your neighbor's view..."

This is a brand-new structure: Somebody should be caring about neighbors' views...

fatlazyless · 09-09-2008, 09:09 AM

Let me make an uneducated guess that the large white, permanent, wood & shingles, boat-port in the above photograph was permitted by the old rules. And, the new DES Shoreline Protection Act, effective July 1, will not allow it.

When viewing the Shoreline Protection Act from the distance of five years time, will real estate sales people take a look at that boat-port and say that was only doable before July 1, 2008?

Just too bad if it cluttered up the old, wide-open, view!

codeman671 · 09-09-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Let me make an uneducated guess that the large white, permanent, wood & shingles, boat-port in the above photograph was permitted by the old rules. And, the new DES Shoreline Protection Act, effective July 1, will not allow it.

When viewing the Shoreline Protection Act from the distance of five years time, will real estate sales people take a look at that boat-port and say that was only doable before July 1, 2008?

Just too bad if it cluttered up the old, wide-open, view!

A permanent structure such as the one pictured was illegal prior to July 1, 2008. I am not sure how long ago this was outlawed, but when I applied 4 years ago for my canopies the rule was that they had to be seasonal and made of fabric, removed for at least 6 months out of the year.

I also believe that a seasonal boat lift will require more than just a PBN. A seasonal jet ski lift can still be covered by the PBN process but a 4000lb lift is certainly much larger in size than a jet ski lift. It would definitely have to be in a current slip and cannot be set off the dock to create additional docking.

AC2717 · 09-09-2008, 11:30 AM

what about those small aluminum jet skit lifts youc an buy for $1k or less, they ones you pull or drag out of the water every season, with the little wheel on the side to lift the jet ski right above the water line?

do these need permits every year as well on private property?

bilproject · 09-09-2008, 11:57 AM

The key to PBN is seasonal #9 choice out of 10 possible projects under PBN. I agree that a 4000# lift might be hard to get out of the water each year, but the original question was "seasonal". The DES deals with environmental issues. Views are for zoning, land use or the conservation commission which reviews the application prior to submission to the state.

fatlazyless · 09-09-2008, 01:29 PM

A 4000lb capacity boatlift is made mostly with aluminum, and could weigh about 450lbs.

Some wf'ers remove them all by themselves using a come-along, and a few 10' boards, while other wf'ers pick up the phone and make a call. Have no idea what that costs?

Gatto Nero · 09-09-2008, 02:27 PM

I've heard that some people actually float them into deeper water and sink them below where they would be affected by the ice then raise them again in the spring. I thought that was a pretty clever.

Onshore · 09-09-2008, 02:37 PM

Yes you need a permit for any lift, even PWC lifts. Folks have done a good job of explaining the process so I won't go over that. As for the structure that Acres posted a picture of... I'm fairly certain that it replaced a pre-existing, larger structure. Nothing that happened on July 1, 2008 would have effected it as it is in the lake and not in the protected shoreland. As a note, even as revised the CSPA does not prohibit dug-in boathouses.

Gatto Nero · 09-09-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shore things

As a note, even as revised the CSPA does not prohibit dug-in boathouses.

That seems so odd to me. I just watched one being built near me and it seemed as though by digging it in you are causing so much more havoc to the area than just building one out over the water. What is the rational to allowing the dug in boat houses and not the typical over water boat house?

bilproject · 09-09-2008, 03:13 PM

Dug in boat houses do not effect existing lake bottom and in fact create more lake habitat. If construction is done properly little or no damage is done to the lake bottom.

Quote:

I've heard that some people actually float them into deeper water and sink them below where they would be affected by the ice then raise them again in the spring. I thought that was a pretty clever.

Might be a clever idea but is illegal as " seasonal boat lift" must be removed from the water for at least 5 months to be seasonal.

Lakegeezer · 09-09-2008, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bilproject

I've heard that some people actually float them into deeper water and sink them below where they would be affected by the ice then raise them again in the spring. I thought that was a pretty clever.
Might be a clever idea but is illegal as " seasonal boat lift" must be removed from the water for at least 5 months to be seasonal.

Five months of the year, it is not a boat lift, it is a mooring

Seeker · 09-09-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

Five months of the year, it is not a boat lift, it is a mooring

Makes fish habitat for ice fishing?

Orion · 09-09-2008, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bilproject

Dug in boat houses do not effect existing lake bottom and in fact create more lake habitat. If construction is done properly little or no damage is done to the lake bottom.

Dug-in boathouses create more impervious surface right at the water's edge. This creates accellerated runoff around the sides of the boathouse and along the remaining shoreline. Under the new rules, the percentage of impervious surface allowed is reduced and may prevent most boathouses from being built. This is all aside from cutting all the trees and shoreland shrubs to put them in, thereby obliterating an otherwise picturesque shorefront. I can't imagine why anyone would want one blocking their own view.

tis · 09-09-2008, 05:04 PM

Shore things is right, the boathouse that Acres posted did replace an existing one.

I am with you though Gatto, I still cannot see how digging in doesn't do more damage.

Lakegeezer · 09-09-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shore things

As a note, even as revised the CSPA does not prohibit dug-in boathouses.

Can you explain this? A dug-in boat house would be new construction within the 50 foot boundary.

09-08-2008, 08:30 PM	#1
Jetman Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Permit required for seasonal boat lift? Hi, Can anyone tell me if a permit is necessary for a seasonal boat lift? I would like to put a Lift adjacent to my permanent dock to elevate my boat out of the water. Estimate a 4000 lb lift with a canopy. It is basically a large Jetski lift, only for boats. Is there a minimum of fontage required? Thanks

09-08-2008, 08:55 PM	#2
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,768 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,018 Times in 740 Posts	As I understand it, one boat-lift is allowed without an additional permit if you already have a permitted dock. The canopy needs a seperate permit from the state, specifically for the canopy. Just my opinion here; the reason for a seperate canopy permit is because a canopy can easily impede a neighbor's view, especially on smaller lots. __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

09-08-2008, 10:39 PM	#3
bilproject Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Bear Island/Fort Myers, Fla Posts: 231 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1 Thanked 59 Times in 41 Posts	PBN required You will need a permit from the DES for a boat lift. Go to their web site and download the Permit by notification form and instructions. Be sure you can comply with the requirements before filing as the fee is $200.00. The lift must be installed adjacent to an existing legal dock in a legally existing boat slip. Legal can mean grandfathered or permitted by the state after permits were required. You will need pictures of the location and a sketch of your planned installation. If your dock is a grandfathered structure and is closer than 20 feet to your neighbor's property you will need to send a letter certified to all abutters. No part of the boat lift can be closer than 20 feet. You will pay the fee and file with your town clerk where the conservation commission will review the application and if they have no objection they sign off and it is sent to the state. You will be able to check on your permits progress on line. Concord then has 10 days to approve, disapprove or request more information. If they fail to act in 10 days then the project is automatically approved. After approved and installed you will send in a form that is part of the packet along with pictures of the completed project. You will also take your completed paperwork to you county registrar of deeds and file it under your lot and block number. The permit for the lift is then complete and part of your property record. A seasonal boat lift or jet ski lift is considered an "accessory docking structure" It is allowed to be installed at either a non-conforming or permitted dock as long as the non-conforming structure is legal (grandfathered). If you apply and get turned down because your dock is non-conforming but grandfathered, please e-mail me and I will provide the documentation that will show the reviewer he or she is wrong. The process is a bit time consuming but not hard for a first timer. Good Luck! PS You can try for the canopy but I doubt they will approve it as it effects too great an area of the lake bottom. The DES really does not care about your neighbor's view.

09-09-2008, 09:09 AM	#5
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,768 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,018 Times in 740 Posts	Let me make an uneducated guess that the large white, permanent, wood & shingles, boat-port in the above photograph was permitted by the old rules. And, the new DES Shoreline Protection Act, effective July 1, will not allow it. When viewing the Shoreline Protection Act from the distance of five years time, will real estate sales people take a look at that boat-port and say that was only doable before July 1, 2008? Just too bad if it cluttered up the old, wide-open, view! __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! Last edited by fatlazyless; 09-09-2008 at 10:14 AM.

09-09-2008, 11:30 AM	#7
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,577 Thanks: 755 Thanked 355 Times in 267 Posts	question what about those small aluminum jet skit lifts youc an buy for $1k or less, they ones you pull or drag out of the water every season, with the little wheel on the side to lift the jet ski right above the water line? do these need permits every year as well on private property? __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

09-09-2008, 11:57 AM	#8
bilproject Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Bear Island/Fort Myers, Fla Posts: 231 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1 Thanked 59 Times in 41 Posts	clarification The key to PBN is seasonal #9 choice out of 10 possible projects under PBN. I agree that a 4000# lift might be hard to get out of the water each year, but the original question was "seasonal". The DES deals with environmental issues. Views are for zoning, land use or the conservation commission which reviews the application prior to submission to the state.

09-09-2008, 01:29 PM	#9
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,768 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,018 Times in 740 Posts	A 4000lb capacity boatlift is made mostly with aluminum, and could weigh about 450lbs. Some wf'ers remove them all by themselves using a come-along, and a few 10' boards, while other wf'ers pick up the phone and make a call. Have no idea what that costs? __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

09-09-2008, 02:27 PM	#10
Gatto Nero Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Isola Gatto Nero Posts: 697 Thanks: 162 Thanked 263 Times in 81 Posts	I've heard that some people actually float them into deeper water and sink them below where they would be affected by the ice then raise them again in the spring. I thought that was a pretty clever. __________________ La vita è buona su Isola Gatto Nero

09-09-2008, 02:37 PM	#11
Onshore Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 503 Thanks: 12 Thanked 425 Times in 146 Posts	Yes you need a permit for any lift, even PWC lifts. Folks have done a good job of explaining the process so I won't go over that. As for the structure that Acres posted a picture of... I'm fairly certain that it replaced a pre-existing, larger structure. Nothing that happened on July 1, 2008 would have effected it as it is in the lake and not in the protected shoreland. As a note, even as revised the CSPA does not prohibit dug-in boathouses.

09-09-2008, 05:04 PM	#17
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,750 Thanks: 753 Thanked 1,459 Times in 1,016 Posts	Shore things is right, the boathouse that Acres posted did replace an existing one. I am with you though Gatto, I still cannot see how digging in doesn't do more damage.