§ 50-171. Construction standards.

(a)

Manatee protection. Docks, mooring pilings and other such structures proposed for location on the Withlacoochee River shall be built in a manner which reduces or restricts the impact of these structures on the manatee and the physical and biological resources on which it depends. This will be accomplished through the enforcement of construction standards which limit dock intrusion into waterways; restrict dredge and fill related to residential dock construction; and require submerged structures to be designed in a manner which will prevent injury to manatees.

(b)

Water depth and waterward extension. On rivers and canals, no dock shall extend waterward of the mean or ordinary high water line beyond a point which would impede navigation as determined by the Army Corps of Engineers. On waterways not regulated by the Army Corps of Engineers, the county will utilize Army Corps of Engineers guidelines to regulate dock construction.

(c)

Single-family docks.

(1)

Single-family docks shall conform to a terminal platform size of no more than 210 square feet for the first 50 feet of shoreline. For each additional foot of waterfront, the owner will be allowed to add two square feet of terminal platform, up to a maximum of 500 square feet for the combined terminal platform plus walkway or access dock.

(2)

There can be no dredging, except for pilings or mooring space; and, no residential single-family or multifamily docking facility shall be approved which requires either dredging or filling to provide access by canal, channel, road or any other means.

(3)

The dock cannot be designed or constructed to accommodate more than two boats.

(4)

Nonwater-dependent structures or activities cannot be allowed (Examples are: gazebos, sun decks, and screen houses).

(5)

The dock and all associated structures can be no closer than 25 feet from the side riparian property line except as provided by F.S. § 403.813.

(6)

If a boathouse is constructed, the total activity area, including the terminal platform, catwalks and boathouse, cannot exceed a total of 500 square feet and the boathouse cannot have enclosed side walls.

(d)

Multi-slip residential docks. Multi-slip residential docks shall conform to the following criteria:

(1)

Main access docks and connecting or cross walks shall not exceed six feet in width.

(2)

Terminal platforms shall not exceed eight feet in width.

(3)

Finger piers shall not exceed three feet in width, and 25 feet in length.

(4)

The dock decking design and construction will ensure maximum light penetration, with full consideration of safety and practicality.

(1991 LDR ch. 49, art. 3)