Building Your Own Dock. Sam Merriam

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      Once you’ve established that one or more permits are required, you’ll want to become familiar with the specific rules for constructing the dock. Some of the rules originate to ensure the dock is safe for people, such as specifying dimensional lumber sizes to use, the distance between supports, where railing is required, marking for visibility at night, or specifics that prevent it from becoming a navigational hazard. Your code may require pilings that are heavier than practical for a DIYer to install. In that case, you’ll look for a marine contractor to do that part. In many cases, ironically, I’ve seen no rules that reflect a concern for the safety of people, but only the impact on the environment. Environmental rules control things like the size of the dock, its “footprint,” “shading” (which is the blockage of light that can lead to erosion and adversely affect the ecosystem), visual pollution, specific materials that could cause harm to the environment, and anchoring standards to prevent its destruction that could result in littering debris. The plans, materials, and methods of construction that are provided in this book may or may not be permitted in the jurisdiction where your project is going to be built. The rules you’ll need to comply with in building your dock will dictate what methods and designs you’ll be able to choose. My advice is to apply what you can from this book that does meet compliance with your local code. In some cases, a simple alteration of dimensions within the structure or its overall size may be all that is needed. Once you know the rules and what will be allowed, bring that knowledge together with what it is you want to build. Adjust your plan until it complies so that you can arrive at the specific dock you want the permit(s) for.

      When filling out the application(s), include specifically what it asks for. If it wants any drawings attached with dimensions or photos of the site, be sure to meet the criteria of the instructions. If it doesn’t say it has to be a professional drawing, then provide a simple sketch. Do not give more drawings and photos or details than what it asks for. If it doesn’t ask for drawings and photographs, don’t provide them.

      Too much information can cause confusion for the official who reviews it, resulting in questions and misunderstandings that will stall the approval. For example, accessories such as a ladder or bench should go on the drawing and labeled if asked. Otherwise, don’t show them. Also, stick to the language that the application uses. When writing a description, for example, avoid referring to the dock as a “deck.” Though some portion of it may seem like it should be called a “deck,” it is a dock you’re applying for. Ridiculous as it sounds, the reaction from the official could be, “We permit docks over the water, not decks.” Based on your findings, after your inquiry as to what’s required, you may be pleasantly surprised at how simple it is. If that isn’t the case and there is more red tape than what you are willing to get wrapped up in, then I would consider hiring an engineering firm experienced with the process. They know their way around the red tape and are efficient at getting the approval you need.

      If your project involves the replacement of an old dock that has exceeded its life expectancy, there may be characteristics of it that wouldn’t be allowed under the modern code. An example of this could be its size if today’s code for a new dock would allow something smaller than what was there. Depending on the ordinance or zoning, there may be a “grandfather clause” that would enable you to replace it as it was originally built. Be sure to save all evidence of whatever the characteristic is that you want to transfer to the new dock. Maybe you should have the official come out to inspect it. Take plenty of pictures and retrieve any old photos you have of the old dock structures for your files should you wish at any time to make a case for restoring or copying desirable characteristics from the dock you’re replacing.