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Attorney for three families argues for 100-foot dock; staff recommends 88-foot minimum
Summary
Attorney Nathan Hall represented three families seeking a 100-foot dock to address low water and navigation issues; staff recommended an 88-foot minimum variance and commissioners favored a conservative approach with the option for the applicants to return if additional length proves necessary.
Attorney Nathan Hall (speaker 11) told the commission his clients — owners of deeded rights for four berthing spots — were seeking approval for a 100-foot-long dock (98 feet from the mean high water mark on the application) to address low water levels and safe navigation. "We requested a 100 foot by 4.5 foot dock…that's what has historically been there," Hall said, adding his clients had voluntarily shortened the dock during the season while the variance was pending.
Staff and commissioners questioned whether the full 100 feet was necessary and presented a conservative analysis showing an 88-foot dock could provide safe berthing based on measured boat footprints and spacing. Staff emphasized the exercise was to identify the "minimum variance necessary" rather than automatically restoring the historic length; one commissioner suggested approving 88 feet now and allowing the applicant to return if evidence shows the extra 12 feet are required.
The commission clarified permit conditions would limit the subject dock to one vessel per deeded parcel (four vessels total) and discussed construction method (stake-supported metal sections removed each winter). Nathan Hall said his clients reserve the right to come back if practical navigation at 88 feet proves insufficient. There was no recorded final vote on the exact length during the discussion recorded in the transcript; staff said the conversation would inform the commission’s forthcoming decision.
