DOCKS, DECKS, AND PLATFORMS

The LMCD follows the 1:50 feet Rule, allowing homeowners to store one watercraft per 50 feet of continuous shoreline on Lake Minnetonka. The Rule allows up to two watercraft for sites existing before 08/30/1978 or four watercraft for sites after, regardless of ownership.

Properties may have up to four watercraft if the following conditions are met: 

  1. The property is a single-family residence that is legally subdivided and adjoined to shoreline property
  2. All dockage is exclusive use by the property's owner
  3. All restricted watercraft is owned and registered to the property owner
  4. The site meets all applicable code conditions or obtains a license to store five or more watercraft

For more information on residential dockage, refer to the LMCD page. 

Purchasing Lakeshore Property

When looking to install dockage, make sure to follow these guidelines established by the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District.

  1. Docks, decks, and platforms can be at most 8 feet in length or width, but not both. An example of this would be owning a dock that is 8 ft x 10 ft but not 9 ft x 9 ft.
  2. Between the movement of a dock to another lake or waterbody, it must be left out to dry for 21 days to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.

PERMITS AND LICENSES

Generally, annual permits and licenses are not required for single-family homes. Permits and licenses are required in the situations listed below:  

    1. A license is required to store five or more watercraft under certain circumstances allotted under the Code. Examples of residential properties allowed to dock five or more watercraft include properties with or sharing at least 226 feet of 929.4 OHW shoreline, homeowner associations, shared docks, etc. 

    2. The installation of permanent docks using machine-driven pilings requires a permit. 

    3. Dock extensions during Low Water Conditions require a permit. 

    4. Permits have been required for nonconforming docks/moorings since 05/03/1978.

LOCATION

All docks, structures, and watercraft must be located in an authorized Dock Use Area. The designated areas are set by setbacks from extended side property lines and length into the lake. To learn more about designated dock use areas, including an illustration, dock length, and setback regulations, refer to the LMCD Residential Docks, Structures, and Watercraft pamphlet below. 

Learn More

Source the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District®

Source the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District®

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Meet Dan Hollerman

Specializing in the homes, lakeshore, lifestyle and history of Lake Minnetonka.

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