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Board clarifies shoreland definitions: tents, platforms, ice shacks and enforcement policy
Summary
Code enforcement staff explained how the town treats temporary vs. permanent structures in the shoreline zone — tents and seasonal docks are not treated as permanent structures if removed, while platforms with roofs or permanent sheds are considered structures and can trigger restrictions and enforcement.
The board spent time clarifying what counts as a structure in the shoreland zone and how seasonal or temporary items are treated. The code official said several items commonly used near the water — tents and seasonal docks — are not treated as permanent structures if removed seasonally, but things left in place or those with a permanent roof or foundation (sheds, carports, platforms with roofs) are considered structures that can create nonvegetative/impervious surface and trigger enforcement or permitting requirements.
Mark, the town's code official, told the board enforcement will be complaint-driven for seasonal items but that built structures left year-round will be treated as structures under the ordinance and may need to be moved or pulled back to meet setback rules. He also confirmed the office can require replanting or replanting plans when trees are removed and emphasized that erosion‑control plans and monitoring could be required for larger projects.
