§ 25-474. Piers and docks regulated.

(a)

Piers. In no event shall a pier facility extend more than one-third the width of the channel or cove, measured from the shore at the point of the proposed construction to the nearest point on the opposite shore. Two (2) piers, built from opposite sides of a cove, cannot through their combined lengths extend greater than two-thirds the distance across a cove. The intent here is to reserve at all points an open channel equal to at least one-third of the cove's width at all points.

Individuals who own waterfront property and who cannot build a pier or boathouse facility which will meet the one-third rule may apply for a variance to the one-third rule and, with the approval of all persons who will be affected by the proposed pier, may be granted such variance by the zoning administrator. The zoning administrator shall be limited to granting variances on docks or piers which extend no further than eighty (80) feet into the lake from the 795 level. This exception shall apply only to private pier facilities, including a common pier or boathouse built by a group of waterfront property owners. This section shall not prevent individuals from having their variance request heard in public hearing in the event that all affected persons are not in agreement with the proposed pier.

No pier or boathouse facility shall exceed a height greater than eighteen (18) feet from full pond level, except in areas zoned RPD, B-1, B-2 or M-1 when the width of the structure requires a higher roof line to put an architectural rood [sic] on the boathouse of no greater than a 4/12 pitch, with a height limitation of twenty-four (24) feet.

(b)

Boathouses and similar marine structures. Boathouses and other like structures shall be required to conform to the length requirements set out above for piers. For example, when included on piers and docks, they shall not cause the piers or docks to exceed the 120-foot or one-third distance requirement set out.

No boathouse facility shall exceed a height greater than eighteen (18) feet from full pond level. No boathouse facility shall have a septic hookup or be used for living quarters.

(c)

Nothing in this section shall replace or supersede regulations of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

(Ord. of 5-25-88; Res. No. 10-07-90, 7-2-90; Res. No. 18-09-90, 9-17-90; Res. No. 23-12-91, 12-17-91)

(Ord. of 5-25-88; Res. No. 10-07-90, 7-2-90; Res. No. 18-09-90, 9-17-90; Res. No. 23-12-91, 12-17-91)