Explanation
Background: This code change will modify private property requirements for a City of Columbus Reservoir neighbor to be eligible for a private boat dock, stake, or mooring. It will remove the qualifier that only residential neighbors are eligible and will open commercial or organizational properties to eligibility. Private docks will still not be authorized to be used for any commercial purpose.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has been working in conjunction with the Department of Public Utilities to study and implement changes to the management of City Property surrounding the three City of Columbus Reservoirs. The focus of the study has been to protect water quality and wildlife habitat while allowing recreational access with minimal impact. Both departments are in agreement that the characteristics of the City Property should dictate if access to a dock, stake, or mooring are permitted, not the use of the private lake contiguous to City Property. This proposed change would allow commercial, or other non-residential, property owners that are contiguous to the reservoir, to have the City Property evaluated for dock, stake, or mooring eligibility through the same process of a residential neighbor. All other dock, stake, and mooring standards will remain in effect and be applied to all contiguous property consistently. No private docks, stakes, or moorings may be used for a commercial purpose, and this code will remain in effect for all properties.
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested due to the extensive timeline of the reservoir study project. The project has lasted almost two years at this point which has doubled the expected time frame. While both City Departments are in agreement on the intention moving forward, the current code prohibits authorization. Emergency action will ensure permission can be given as soon as possible and eliminate any additional waiting for reservoir neighbors.
Benefits to the Pub...
Click here for full text