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Council approves amendment allowing larger private boathouse on city shoreline
Summary
The council approved an amendment to a prior sale contract permitting a larger boathouse and dock at a private shoreline parcel, noting the existing dock already extends about 20 feet while the code limit is 10 feet. Council cited historical contract language and neighbor impacts in approving the change.
A property owner asked the Olney City Council to amend an existing contract for sale to allow construction of a larger boathouse and dock than current city ordinance dimensions permit. The resident told council the existing dock platform already extends about 20 feet from the shoreline, exceeding the ordinance's 10-foot limit, and asked for contract language that would authorize the larger structure.
Council members discussed the property's historical contract terms, sight-line impacts on neighbors and proximity to aeration pumps and other infrastructure. One councilmember said past councils had wrestled with shoreline dock variances but expressed willingness to make an exception given the property's history. After discussion, a motion to amend the contract to authorize the larger boathouse was made, seconded and passed by the council.
Representative quote: the property owner said the existing structure "is already 20 feet out and, is not in accordance with the current city ordinance," and urged council to permit the larger boathouse so construction could proceed in winter or early spring.
What happens next: The contract amendment authorizes the property owner to pursue construction consistent with the approved contract changes; the council noted that the matter falls under the contract terms rather than a change to the city ordinance itself.
