Dock length question for Shore Things
 

I know the typical rule for permanent docks where you are allowed 25 feet of dock starting at 3 feet of water at full lake, or normally 30 feet of length and 40 feet on a seasonal. What are the limitations to this, say in an instance of excessively shallow water? I have looked at a few properties recently that have had very shallow water and am curious to see how this would be handled.

Also, what about size limitations for walkways/platforms connecting fingers at the shoreline in this case?

I would check that "starting at 3 feet of water at full lake"
When I put in a permanent dock it had to start at the high water mark on shore.

Dock Length
 

This is a popular question. We just installed a 44 foot crank up dock at a location after permiting with the state. This was due to water height at high water. I have seen as long as 50 feet over the years when it comes to a seasonal structure. You have to prove need for this, and a wetlands scientist like the one we use will be a must for getting this type of permit approved. I suggest you call shane folsom from folsom design of wolfeboro, he does most of our permits. good luck, luke

Check with Watermark
 

I believe they have been around the longest and from what I here have a reputation for the highest quality work on the lake.

Standard permanent length is 30 ft from as measured normal highwater.
Standard seasonal length is 40 ft from as measured normal highwater.

The criteria for requesting additional length is the same for both seasonal and permanent piers. On Winnipesaukee you can request an additional 25 ft in length beyond the point where you reach 3 ft of water depth (lakebed contour elevation 501.32) as measured at normal high water (elevation 504.32). On all other lakes and pond the extension is limited to 20 ft beyond the respective 3 ft depth contour.

In the cases of extremely long dock requests there is no hard and fast rule and it has to come down to the individual circumstance of each site. In general, when people request a dock that is longer than the length of their waterfront or, when the requested length reaches triple digits; red flags go up.

The other issue that is coming up more often is requests to cross large wetlands complexes to reach open water. The Department has on occasion denied boardwalks through wetlands with the finding that the owner did not own navigable frontage on a surface water.

Maximum width for deck surfaces is 6 ft.