Can I Have a Private Boat Dock on Table Rock Lake?

Because private boat docks have beenand scouting for For Sale signs.
"grandfathered in," on Table Rock Lake, theThere are good reasons for boat dock zoning and
easiest way to obtain a private boat dock is toa limited number of private docks. Limited zoning
purchase a home on the lake that already hascontrols the number of boats on the lake to
one.some degree, which makes for a safer
But, let's suppose you want to purchase awaterway. Capping the number of private dock
lakefront lot, build a new home, and have apermits puts the limited zone to use for the most
private dock?people--the Corps of Engineers will issue new
The first step is to find a lot available for sale thatpermits for 12 to 20-slip boat docks, given that all
is "zoned" for boat docks. The Corps of Engineersof their requirements are met.
has designated 10% of the shoreline in specificDon't let this information discourage you. There
areas as having boat dock zoning.are lots of available boat slips in community docks.
Finding and purchasing such a lot, however, doesSeveral people own boat slips right in the
not necessarily mean that you can startneighborhood where their home is located, often
construction on a private dock. It is imperativewithin walking distance.
that a prospective buyer visit with the Corps ofA slip in a community dock has many advantages
Engineers first, as there are other criteria besidesover a private dock that you may not be aware
zoning that must be met such as distance fromof: maintenace is shared, someone is usually in
other docks, width of the lake at the propertycharge of watching the lake level and adjusting
site, etc.the dock, and getting to meet other people who
If you find a lot that is zoned and approved byenjoy the lake!
the Corps of Engineers for a private dock, theThis is intended as a general explanation of boat
next step is finding an owner of an existingdock zoning on Table Rock Lake. You can obtain
private dock who is willing to sell their permit. Themore information by reading the detailed Shoreline
best avenue to find this is through your Realtor,Management Guide published by the Corps of
the local newspaper, or boating around the lakeEngineers.