Q. Are there statewide rules about where I can place my dock?
A. Statewide rules in Minnesota do not specify where a dock needs to be placed. However, there are a few rules to keep in mind. You need to own or control the land from which your dock originates, and avoid posted fish spawning areas. You cannot install a dock that obstructs navigation or creates a water safety hazard.
Docks and lifts should be placed so that mooring and maneuvering of your watercraft can normally be confined within your property lines as if they were extended into the water perpendicular to the shoreline. Due to the curvature of some shorelines and the configuration of lots, sometimes property lines extending into the water can run at angles, rather than perpendicular to the shoreline.
There are some counties and communities around the state that have adopted ordinances that regulate lot line setbacks and other aspects of dock placement. Your local planning and zoning office should be able to answer questions about local restrictions on dock placement.
More info: http://go.usa.gov/VD7 .
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-- Tom Hovey
Hovey is a public waters hydrologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
