All docks, moorings, floats, and boathouses must be at least 15 feet from property lines, including berthed vessels. No structure should interfere with neighbors’ access or navigation.
A zoning permit is required for new construction, installation, or replacement of over 40% of any dock or system (excluding seasonal removal/replacement).
Rentals of docks, moorings, or floats are prohibited, except at licensed marinas.
Dock-Specific Regulations
Design and Size:
Only single-tier docks are permitted.
Maximum length: 40 feet from shore.
Maximum size: 240 square feet and 8 feet in width.
Docks must be designed to withstand wave wash, flowing water, and winter conditions. Materials like pressure-treated lumber (non-leaching type) are allowed, but legs in water must be untreated or use pipe legs with preformed pads.
Number of Docks Allowed:
Shoreline less than 50 feet: 1 dock, berthing on one side only.
50–75 feet: 1 dock allowed.
Over 75 feet: 1 dock per 75 feet of shoreline.
Max shoreline usage: Only 50% of the shoreline can be used for docks, boat slips, or beaching.
Other Rules:
Tarps are not allowed as dock covers.
Beaching is allowed in place of docks but prohibited in swimming areas.
Boat lifts are considered docks and count toward allowable dockage.
Commercial and Special Structures:
Marina docks and contractual access lot docks require Planning Board review.
Covered boat lifts require an area variance from the Zoning Board.
Moorings, Inflatable Platforms, and Floats
Setbacks and Placement:
Must not interfere with navigation or neighbor access.
Maximum distance from shore:
75 feet (general rule).
50 feet for Friends Lake or narrow waterways.
Limits on Moorings:
One mooring per 50 feet of shoreline.
Additional moorings require an extra 50 feet of shoreline.
Swim Floats and Inflatable Platforms:
Only 1 per shoreline lot, maximum size: 100 square feet.
Must have at least two reflectors on each side.
Anchors must be environmentally safe and secured to prevent hazards.
Materials:
Platforms and floats can use pressure-treated lumber (non-leaching), except for parts in constant water contact, which must use untreated wood or eco-friendly materials.
Commercial Use:
Subject to site plan review.
Shoreline Decks
Defined as structures extending over water for purposes other than berthing a vessel.
Decks flush with natural ground are exempt from shoreline structure setbacks but must still meet 15-foot side yard setbacks.
Maximum size: 100 square feet.
Replacement of over 40% of an existing deck requires approval from the Zoning Board.
Deck extensions over water count toward the overall dock size.
