No such thing as a temporary dock no matter how impermanent it seems

Another summer season starts and docks are going in. With the more prevalent use of the convenient roll-in dock systems, the need of being sure the dock goes back in the same location as was approved in the permit for the dock, becomes very important… “Oh, a permit was required for the dock?”…you ask?

Yes, a permit is required for any dock, any replacement, any expansion and most repairs.

Whether it rolls in, floats, sits on legs, mounted on cribbing, stationary or permanent, has a board ramp to shore, is bolted to shore or is even detached from shore, a permit is required.

There is no such thing as a temporary dock, as this office is so often told. A dock is a dock and the regulations apply.

For single family, individual docks, the regulations are pretty simple.

Eight foot wide maximum, not to exceed 300 sq. ft. in size, not any longer than 40 from the mean high water mark at the shore and cannot impede boat navigation.

In the majority of shoreline areas, a 25 foot projected side property line setback is required.  Continue reading →

Garage Safety

Fire code evolves to separate homes more safely from their garages

Ever since there has been a state building code the requirement of providing a fire-rated separation between the garage and the house has always been part of the code. This goes back into at least the early 1960’s.

Why is this? Think about the things you keep in the garage. Lawn mowers, gas, cars, more gas, propane tanks, paint, firewood and all kinds of flammable or combustible stuff.

And usually, lots of it.

Through the years, as the state has updated or revised the codes, changes to the criteria of providing the fire separation have been adopted.

Here is a brief history of those changes taken straight from the old codes:

Before 1984: Garages should not be attached to, or built into, one or two family dwellings, unless fire separations with a fire resistance of at least 1/2 hour are provided.

Attached of built-in garages should be fire protected as follows:

(A) Non-combustible finish providing protection against ignition to combustible parts of the structure.

(B) Self-closing door not opening directly into a room used for sleeping purposes. No other opening shall be allowed between an attached or built-in garage and a dwelling.

(C) Floor of noncombustible material that will not absorb flammable liquids.

(D) Firestopping at garage end of breezeway. Where the breezeway is less than five feet or is closed on the sides, the garage shall be fire protected as though directly attached or built into a dwelling. Continue reading →