Are you an Arrowhead Woods property owner on Lake Arrowhead but lack a proper dock or pier? Or does your current dock need serious repairs? If so, this is a serious undertaking—one that requires you to undergo a permitting and approval process with the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA).

As much as you’d like to, you can’t simply begin work when you feel like it. Before you create a contract with a general contractor, remember there are necessary steps to take first. There are forms to fill, application fees, and several other steps you must take for your new Lake Arrowhead dock. Itching to take guests onto your new dock or boat? Curious what you need to do to get your project rolling? Keep reading to find out the permitting process for large dock-related projects on Lake Arrowhead.

Dock Projects: ALA Permitting Process & Timeline

The primary goal of the ALA is to preserve Arrowhead’s mountain forest setting. This mountain community prides itself in the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. They understand the needs of owners to make improvements and renovations but simultaneously seek to maintain the beautiful lake and shoreline for posterity. Per their mission statement, 

In an effort to preserve the ALA Property, the Association has determined that regulations must be utilized for the installation, construction, replacement, or modification of improvements on ALA Property. ALA also has a procedure in place to approve work on ALA property or on property attached to ALA property for which there may be no apparent guidelines. In the past, the lack of specific regulations and member “self-help” has resulted in non-permitted improvements on ALA’s Property that would not be permitted today. 

Improvements include but aren’t limited to the “construction, replacement, repair or modification” of:

  • Docks
  • Dock slips
  • Walkways
  • Stairs
  • Seawalls
  • Canopies
  • Boat lifts
  • Gangways
  • Dock houses
  • Piers

Dock Project Timeline Overview

In order to get this project rolling, there are several steps that we, here at Kiwi Docks, can help guide you through, including:

  • Discussing dock size – Before you can begin dock construction at your residence, you have to ensure that the additions or changes are ALA approved. Factors that must be considered are:
    • Single slip docks cannot exceed 17’ wide X 32’ long.
    • Double slip docks cannot exceed 30’ wide X 32’ long. 
    • Docks must be within your property lines as extended lakeward.
    • Docks can’t exceed 32’ feet in length.
    • Piers and walkways cannot exceed past elevation 5100’
    • Docks must be made with environmentally friendly materials that meet the EPA’s latest requirements. 

Planning and designing this will likely take seven to fourteen days. 

  • Filing the ALA Application – Once work has been agreed upon, we will give you an estimate to sign. After, Kiwi Docks will file an ALA application for improvements, which includes:
    • Engineered drawings
    • Application fees
    • Proposed and existing site plans 
    • Proof of $1,000,000 commercial comprehensive general liability coverage policy with the ALA (as well as a “no cancellation” insurance certificate)
    • Proof of workers’ compensation
    • Proof of marine liability insurance

This process typically takes about three to four weeks, but it may take longer if you’re filing during the busy season. 

  • Collect dock number plates – Applicants must have four dock number plates on the job site. Also, if there is electrical work to be done on the site, the ALA requires an electrical certification safety letter as well as an updated license agreement. It is crucial you provide evidence of both in order to avoid fines or stalls in your project planning.

Once this is done, all that’s left to do is wait for review and approval. Unauthorized construction is highly frowned upon, not to mention illegal. If members violate the rules or move forward without approval, the ALA maintains the right to levy fines and penalties. They write: 

Any property owner performing construction or placing an improvement on, in, or under the ALA Property without benefit of an ALA permit may be charged up to seven (7) times the cumulative amount of the existing application fees; as well as all costs incurred by ALA, whether administrative, legal fees and costs, or otherwise, in addition to any other remedy ALA has pursuant to its applicable membership rules and law. 

Upon approval, the permit is good for 6 months. That said, if spacing changes, neighboring docks may require to be notified before approval can be granted. Also, before construction can begin, an ALA representative must be called for a Verification of Location. A rep will be sent to perform an initial review of the site in order to confirm the location of improvements or construction.

With that being said, appropriate planning is crucial to making sure you have submitted all necessary documents. The ALA office takes many measures to preserve its beautiful lake and shoreline and it is essential that you comply with their requests and the law.

Applying for Piers and Dock Houses

Naturally, you may be curious about whether or not the building process and timeline significantly differ for piers and dock houses. The good news is that the changes are minimal. If you’re building either one, you can expect the following:

  • Pier – Piers undergo the same process as any dock project. They must be constructed in accordance with the approved and adopted ALA standard. 
  • Dock house – Dock houses go through a similar process as a dock and/or pier, except there’s additional permit time resulting from possible viewshed. It’s also worth noting the following differences:
    • Dock houses require further snow load calculations and lateral engineering.
    • Dock houses, canopies, or similar items that may impact the neighbors’ view of the lake are subject to a 30-day courtesy letter to notify the neighbors. Naturally, this would add another month to any application with possible viewshed. 

Starting the Process

At Kiwi Docks, we have plenty of experience helping Lake Arrowhead residents navigate the ALA permitting process. When you work with us, you’ll have a clear understanding of timelines, costs, and expectations. We act as your liaison, ensuring that you have to spend as little of your time as possible dealing with the ALA office. 

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us and take the opportunity to start the process for your new dock today! 

 

Sources:

Lake Arrowhead. ARC Dock Requirements. https://www.lakearrowheadclub.net/images/DockDesignPhase1-2_042417.pdf

Arrowhead Lake Association. Regulations for Improvements on Arrowhead Lake Association Properties by Members. http://www.ala-ca.org/docs/Shoreline_Regulations_for_Improvements__revised_7-22-17.pdf

Lake Arrowhead Community Inc. Guidelines for Building Permits and Permission Slips. https://www.lacinc.org/homesite/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Building-Permits-Permission-Slips-Guidelines-5.pdf

ALA Application for Improvements. https://www.ala-ca.org/docs/Application_for_Improvements_10-02-2019.pdf