Boat Houses On Dock: Volusia County Regulations Explained

If you're a resident of Volusia County, Florida, and you're looking to build a boathouse on your dock, there are a few things you should know. Volusia County does permit the construction of docks and boathouses on waterfront properties, but there are specific regulations that must be followed. These regulations include size restrictions, such as a maximum dock area of 750 square feet, and requirements for the height and positioning of the dock in relation to the water and property lines. In addition, boathouses are not permitted to be used for dwelling or living purposes. To ensure compliance with all applicable rules, it is recommended to consult with a professional dock builder or contractor, and to obtain the necessary building permits.

Docks and boathouses are permitted on waterfront property in Volusia County

If you live in Volusia County on a waterfront property, you may be considering building a dock and boathouse. Docks and boathouses are permitted on waterfront property in Volusia County, but there are some specific regulations that you must follow.

Firstly, docks must be constructed no closer than 15 feet to the side lot lines, or their extension into the water. This regulation also applies to walkways, which must not exceed eight feet in width. The total dock area, including any boathouse but excluding walkway extensions, must not exceed 750 square feet. The structure may not be used for dwelling purposes and must not contain any sleeping or living quarters. The highest point of the dock must not exceed 15 feet above the mean high-water mark in tidal areas, or the ordinary high-water mark in non-tidal areas.

Before you begin construction, you will need to obtain a building permit. In some cases, you may also need permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and/or the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. It is recommended that you contact the Zoning Office for specific regulations and permit requirements.

There are companies in the Volusia County area that specialise in constructing docks and boathouses, and they can guide you through the process.

Docks and boathouses must comply with Section 72-282 of the Zoning Ordinance

Docks and boathouses are permitted on waterfront properties in Volusia County, but they must comply with Section 72-282 of the Zoning Ordinance. This regulation applies to all zoning classifications that allow residential dwellings.

According to Section 72-282, the total area of the dock, including any boathouse, must not exceed 750 square feet. This measurement excludes walkway extensions into the water. The area of a boathouse is defined as the square footage under the roof, and walkways must not be wider than eight feet.

Docks can only be constructed on waterfront lots that comply with or are exempt from Article III, Division 2, and they must meet the minimum area and width requirements for their classifications. Only one dock is permitted per single waterfront lot.

It is important to note that docks and boathouses are not allowed to be used for dwelling purposes. They must not contain any sleeping or living quarters. The highest point of any dock or boathouse must not exceed 15 feet above the mean high-water mark in tidal areas or the ordinary high-water mark in non-tidal areas. Docks must maintain a distance of at least 15 feet from any side lot line or its extension into the water.

Building permits are required for docks and boathouses, and in certain cases, additional permits may be necessary from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and/or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The maximum area of docks and boathouses is 750 square feet

If you live in Volusia County and are considering building a dock and boathouse, it's important to understand the regulations that apply. According to Section 72-282 of the Zoning Ordinance, docks and boathouses are permitted on waterfront property with certain restrictions.

One of the key restrictions is that the maximum area of docks and boathouses combined cannot exceed 750 square feet. This limit ensures that waterfront properties maintain a certain aesthetic and environmental balance. The 750 square feet allowance provides ample space for a functional dock and boathouse while also preserving the natural beauty of the shoreline. It's important to note that this limit applies to the total area of the dock and boathouse, and it excludes walkway extensions into the water.

When planning your dock and boathouse, it's crucial to understand what constitutes the area of a boathouse. According to the regulations, the area of a boathouse is defined as the square footage under the roof. This means that any covered structure or enclosed space under a roof will count towards the 750 square feet limit. Walkways, on the other hand, have a separate width restriction of no more than eight feet, as specified in the supplementary regulations.

To ensure compliance with the maximum area restriction, it's advisable to carefully plan the layout and dimensions of your dock and boathouse. Consider the size and configuration that will best suit your needs while staying within the permitted area. Remember that the 750 square feet limit is designed to maintain a harmonious balance between human structures and the natural environment along the waterfront.

In addition to the area restriction, there are other important regulations governing docks and boathouses in Volusia County. For example, docks must be constructed a certain distance away from side lot lines, and they cannot be used for dwelling purposes or contain any sleeping or living quarters. These regulations are in place to ensure the safe and responsible use of waterfront properties, while also preserving the rights and enjoyment of neighbouring properties.

Docks and boathouses cannot be used for dwelling purposes or contain any sleeping or living quarters

Docks and boathouses are permitted on waterfront properties in Volusia County, but there are strict regulations that must be followed. These structures are subject to Section 72-282 of the Zoning Ordinance, which states that docks and boathouses cannot be used for dwelling purposes or contain any sleeping or living quarters. This means that while you can build a boathouse on your dock, it cannot be used as an additional living space or bedroom. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that docks and boathouses are used solely for their intended purpose of storing boats and other watercraft, and not as a means of expanding the living area of a property.

The regulation also outlines other specific requirements for docks and boathouses. For example, the total dock area, including any boathouse but excluding walkway extensions into the water, must not exceed 750 square feet. This limit ensures that docks and boathouses do not encroach excessively on the waterfront and helps to maintain the natural beauty and functionality of the shoreline. Additionally, walkways should not exceed eight feet in width.

The height of docks and boathouses is also regulated. The highest point of any dock or boathouse must not exceed 15 feet above the mean high-water mark in tidal areas or the ordinary high-water mark in non-tidal areas. This regulation is important for ensuring safety and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the waterfront. It also helps to minimize the impact on the natural environment and the views of neighbouring properties.

Furthermore, docks must be constructed with specific setbacks in mind. Docks shall not be permitted within 15 feet of any side lot line, or its extension into the water. This setback requirement allows for unobstructed access to the water and helps to prevent conflicts with neighbouring properties. It is important for property owners to be mindful of these setback requirements when planning the construction of a dock or boathouse.

In conclusion, while Volusia County allows for the construction of docks and boathouses on waterfront properties, it is essential to abide by the regulations outlined in Section 72-282 of the Zoning Ordinance. These regulations ensure the responsible use of docks and boathouses, preserving the natural environment and the enjoyment of the waterfront for all residents and visitors. Any property owner considering the addition of a dock or boathouse should carefully review and adhere to these regulations to avoid violations and maintain compliance with county ordinances.

Building permits are required for docks and boathouses, and additional permits may be required from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and/or the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers

Docks and boathouses are permitted on waterfront properties in Volusia County, Florida. However, there are several regulations that must be adhered to. Firstly, the dock area, including any boathouse but excluding walkway extensions into the water, must not exceed 750 square feet. The area of a boathouse is defined as the square footage under the roof, and walkways must not exceed eight feet in width.

Docks can only be constructed on waterfront lots that comply with or are exempt from Article III, Division 2, and are large enough to meet the minimum area and width requirements for their classifications. Only one dock is permitted per single waterfront lot, and they must not be used for dwelling purposes or contain any sleeping or living quarters.

The highest point of any dock must not exceed 15 feet above the mean high-water mark in tidal areas or the ordinary high-water mark in non-tidal areas. Docks must be constructed at least 15 feet away from any side lot lines, or their extension into the water.

Building permits are required for docks and boathouses, and in certain cases, additional permits may be needed from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and/or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is important to consult with the relevant county offices and review the Volusia County Zoning Ordinance to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and permit requirements before constructing any docks or boathouses.

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