CSV.7.5.060 Piers

(a) A pier is a structure extending into navigable waters from the shore with water on both sides, built or maintained for the purpose of providing a berth for watercraft or for loading and unloading cargo or passengers onto or from watercraft. The proper management of piers has the potential to reduce user conflicts, maintain boating densities consistent with the carrying capacity of the water, minimize adverse human impacts in the sensitive near shore zone within the waterway, enhance the natural beauty of the shoreline and protect water quality by minimizing the potential for debris, sediment and other miscellaneous objects from entering the waterway.

(b) General Standards. A pier is permitted provided that:

(1) It is constructed so as not to interfere with the rights of other waterfront owners;

(2) It does not unreasonably obstruct navigation or otherwise interfere with public rights in navigable waters;

(3) It does not totally enclose any portion of a navigable waterway;

(4) It shall not interrupt the free movement of water nor cause land to be deposited on the lakebed;

(5) The placement of the pier shall not damage sensitive spawning areas, endangered vegetation or waterfowl or loon nesting areas.

(6) The width of the pier is less than or equal to four feet;

(7) Finger piers ("T's" or "L's") may be used to provide mooring slips or stabilize a pier. Larger decks or platforms, roofs, canopies, water slides or other construction not essential for mooring watercraft are prohibited.

(8) Piers may include a temporary boat hoist. The temporary hoist may have a roof or canopy, which blends with the shoreline background, but it may not have sides or walls.

(9) The pier must be located directly waterward of the access corridor.

(c) Density Standards. The number of berths and moorings shall not exceed 2 per the first100 feet of shoreline. One additional berth or mooring is permitted for each additional 50 feet.

(d) Length Standards. A pier may extend waterward the greater of:

(1) The boat length.

(2) The three foot water depth contour.

(3) A deeper contour if required by the draft of the craft using the pier.