Ask a conservation officer

[Lee Borgersen]

Ask a conservation officer:

     Neighbor’s dock disrupts swimming in front of cabin.

   Today at 1:00 a.m. 






Q: We have a cabin on a lake near Duluth that we use seasonally. The neighbors, also seasonal users, have moved their dock so the end of it is on the edge of our property. They then angle the dock out so it is entirely in front of our property, which blocks our use and disrupts our swimming beach. Is it legal for them to have their entire dock angle over the water in front of our property?


 






A: The DNR recommends that you design and locate your dock and boat lift to avoid interfering with your neighbors’ use of the water, but there are not specific state laws that prescribe positioning of docks.
 
  ..
Docks and other structures should be placed so that mooring and maneuvering of watercraft can normally be confined within the property lines if they were extended into the water. The placement of a structure is prohibited if it obstructs navigation or creates a water safety hazard, and may require a county permit.

[Dakota Dude]

So there was no answer given here?

It sounds like the neighbors have moved their dock onto the next door neighbors shoreline. How is that not illegal? If a dock was moved onto my shoreline I would simply move it onto the owners property.

[cookie]

Look up riparian laws?

[Boar]

my understandin is its coming off of their own shore line but taking a 90 degree turn out in the water in front of the neighbers shoreline which they dont own cause its navigable waters which is public. its justa nuescence to the neighboring land owner and disrespect and no laws are broken. their just being an ass, cause they can

[glenn57]

maybe have a discussion with the neighbor!!!!!!

[Gunner55]

I think Boar nailed it.

[glenn57]

I think Boar nailed it.

no way!!! I'll never agree boar was right!