This bill amends existing regulations regarding the expansion of dwellings over water, allowing for certain modifications while maintaining environmental protections. Specifically, it permits the addition or expansion of legally existing exterior features such as decks, balconies, stairs, rooflines, or eaves, provided that these modifications do not increase the interior floor space or convert recreational water-based activities into land-based residential or commercial activities. The cumulative area of these modifications is limited to 100 square feet for properties with 100 linear feet or less of shoreline frontage, and one square foot per linear foot of shoreline for properties exceeding that length. Additionally, any modifications must not penetrate the water or bank and require approval from the department of environmental services.

The bill also introduces a fee structure for these modifications, which will be based on the square footage of the dwelling and deposited into the water resources fund. The commissioner is tasked with adopting rules regarding the approval process for these additions, the fee amount, and the collection of fees. The department of environmental services is prohibited from approving any expansions until these rules are established, which must occur within 120 days of the bill's effective date. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 482-A:26
As Amended by the House: 482-A:26
Version adopted by both bodies: 482-A:26
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 482-A:26