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Commission approves larger private boathouse at Ferry Landing after neighbor objection
Summary
The commission approved a request for a 48x24 open‑sided boathouse and the existing authorized pier at 9437 Ferry Landing Drive (Long Doe Creek) despite a neighboring property owner’s view and property‑value concerns. Staff noted the pier was already authorized by statute and the current issue before the commission was the larger roof/boathouse.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission approved a private request to construct a 48‑by‑24‑foot open‑sided boathouse adjacent to an already‑authorized private pier at 9437 Ferry Landing Drive on Long Doe Creek (Fairfax County). Staff explained that the pier itself had been authorized in 2023 and that the current application was for a larger boathouse roof to accommodate a 41‑foot vessel; the applicant said he had placed a deposit on the larger boat and needed the larger shelter.
An adjacent property owner objected, arguing the larger boathouse would reduce views and property values and that the applicant did not have the adjacent neighbor’s consent for the larger structure. Applicant representative Brian Fletcher and contractor Ryan Fletcher said the proposed roof dimensions were consistent with numerous larger boathouses already visible in the immediate area and that the open‑sided design would reduce visual obstruction compared with a fully enclosed structure.
Commissioners asked about distances between structures and whether the proposed roof would exceed the 700‑square‑foot statutory threshold that triggers a permit. Staff clarified that an uncovered pier and lift can be authorized by statute up to certain limits but that any roof over 700 square feet requires a permit; the requested boathouse exceeded the 700‑square‑foot by an amount discussed in the packet and was therefore before the commission for authorization. After questions and public comment, the commission approved the boathouse as submitted.
