Proposed lakeshore rules

The Daily Inter Lake

One of the key changes in the proposed Whitefish Lake lakeshore regulations was the merging of chapters on policy considerations, general construction standards, construction standards for specific facilities and nonconforming structures into a single new chapter called "construction standards."

Other significant changes in this proposed regulation update include:

Administration

n Eases regulations to allow an administrative permit for docks up to 60 feet long.

n Allows replacement of an existing shore station or buoy without requiring a new lakeshore permit.

n Allows a variance to be granted for a project or permit that would 'result in a general and universal public benefit."

Erosion, sedimentation and storm runoff

n Clarifies that collected storm runoff must be terminated and filtered prior to entering the lakeshore protection zone.

Vegetation

n Allows sprinkler drip lines in the lakeshore protection zone.

Lawns and grasses

n Clarifies the distinction between grandfathered lawns (which existed prior to lakeshore regulations' versus the establishment of new lawns (which are prohibited). Does not affect or change maintenance of grandfathered lawns in the lakeshore protection zone.

Docks, swim docks

and floating trampolines

n Removes the restriction that shared docks must be T-shaped or that wing length is restricted to 30 feet.

n Allows shared docks to be up to 60 feet wide, regardless of configuration.

Marinas

n Prohibits construction of a marina immediately lakeward of a wetland area (without a variance).

n Increases the maximum allowable boat slip length for a private marina from 20 to 26 feet.

n Permits governing body to establish slip allocation criteria for a public marina.

Riprap and retaining walls

n Clarifies when retaining walls versus riprap may be used.

n Consolidates construction standards for both retaining walls and riprap in an applicant-friendly format.

n Removes conflicting regulations on retaining-wall construction materials.

n Updates construction criteria and permit requirements to help prevent the most common causes of violations in this area.

Dredging and filling

n Allows selective picking of rock from the shoreline without a permit if certain conditions are met.

n Addresses the method of restoring the shoreline from a violation where a shoreline has been altered.