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VMRC approves private open‑sided boathouse after adjacent‑property protest
Summary
The commission granted a protested permit for a 34x16‑foot open‑sided boathouse and timber access stairs at a private pier in Virginia Beach, citing statutory criteria and staff findings that the design and dimensions were consistent with precedent and local approvals.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on June 23 approved a protested joint permit application for a private open‑sided boathouse and timber access stairs at 2749 West Landing Road in Virginia Beach.
Staff told the commission that most proposed elements of the applicant’s pier were exempt from permitting under statute but that the boat house required commission review because an adjacent property owner had formally protested. Staff reviewed plans, on‑site conditions and local approvals (including City of Virginia Beach Waterfront Operations and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) and recommended approval of the boat house and the timber stairs.
Applicant Thomas Kramer told the commission he had already shifted his pier alignment to reduce impacts on the neighbor and that the roof would protect his boat and provide safer access for his disabled wife. “I just feel that I should be able to put the roof on my pier,” Kramer said.
A nearby property owner raised privacy concerns and argued the full pier layout should be considered together, not as separately handled exempt components and permitted components; a neighboring commenter also urged the commission to weigh cumulative pier elements when assessing impacts on adjacent uplands. Supporters of Kramer, including a nearby resident, told the commission Kramer is a long‑time waterfront neighbor who uses the dock for family recreation.
After discussion the commission adopted staff’s recommendation and approved the application by voice vote.
The commission’s decision applies to the boat house and stair elements before the board; staff noted that other statutory exemptions in the application had already been processed for the exempt components. The applicant must comply with standard VMRC permit conditions and applicable local, state and federal permits.
