Name:	Poker Player -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 1:36:51 PM

allow me to repeat my question.  Why are homes allowed to build covered boat docks and condos cannot.  asked another way-- could a person build a condo complex with a marina with covered boat docks?

Name:	Friday Pint -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 1:45:57 PM

I'd like to know the answer.  It's my understanding that it may have to do with a particular development's or developer's restrictive covenants.  For example, I do not believe any homes at the Ridge can have covered boat docks and I'm not sure I've seen one on any new house in the recent past.  

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 2:27:29 PM

Certain gated communities don't permit their homeowners to have covered docks or boathouses.  I have a boat house, and I don't live in one of those communities.  I don't know if Alabama power would allow me to cover my dock, although I see a lot of covered docks.  Sometimes it has to do with blocking someone else's view, sometimes it has to do with the whim of Alabama Power that season.

Name:	PTClakefan -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 2:57:05 PM

I do not think there is any prohibition per se by Alabama Power that would prevent a condo development from having boathouses or covered docks.  My best guess is they would assess the proposed development and approve if all relevant conditions for having such structures would otherwise be met.  Most platted subdivisions do not prohibit boathouses, although a few do expressly prohibit them in their Covenants (mine is one of those that does not allow them).  If having one is important to you, you should ALWAYS consult the Covenants and Bylaws of the development you are considering (if they have any, some don't) to be certain that they are allowed (or at least, not expressly prohibited).

Name:	Roentgen -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 3:11:54 PM

It is up the covenants of the association.  For example, all Russell developments (Trillium, Ridge, Willow Point, etc.) forbid any type of roof on your dock and boat slip.  There are new houses at Talisi Cove that do have covered boat slips and docks.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 4:50:53 PM

I'm glad you told me that.  I had always wondered when I occasionally rode by those mansions why they went cheap on the docks.  Just never looked closely to see that none of them are covered.  To me that is a big negative.  I am always looking enviously at those nice two story docks.

Name:	Wakely -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 5:08:25 PM

When looking at an uncovered dock in front of a large house, ask yourself this question: "Is that house in a development or area owned by a developer who also rents stack storage slips at an exhorbitant rate?" Almost always the answer is "yes." And that should answer the original question, too.

Name:	lucky67 -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 5:26:31 PM (updated 4/29/2020 5:27:02 PM)

Poker Player---what a development can/cannot have/do is established in the Covenants and Restrictions --these are recorded at the county court house and are available to each homowner--if you purchase a home in a development --they should be disclosed to you by the agent or homeowner and if you obtain a mortgage, the closing agent must disclose them to the buyer' a condo development can have them if established in the Covenants and approved by Ala power-- remember Ala is a "caveat emptor state"--'buyer beware"--meaning buyer should ask questions before buying//building in a development; does this answer your questions ?

Name:	Poker Player -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 5:38:30 PM

Thanks for your replies which all make sense.  When I was looking at condos last year none of the real estate people seemed to be aware of the reason.  Some even implied that covered boat docks for condos were prohibited.  I'm assuming that revision of the covenants would change this.

Name:	PTClakefan -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 11:11:30 PM

Just be aware that it is extremely difficult to change an existing real estate coveneant.  While most restrictive covenants will allow for changes, they usually require an agreement by a super-majority of the homeowners in the development (i.e. 2/3 or 3/4 vote).  It is somewhat like trying to succcesfully impeach a sitting President--easy to tee-up but really hard to nail it straight down the fairway, to borrow a golf analogy. 

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/29/2020 11:31:40 PM

One of the reasons I assume for the restriction is the appearance of some covered docks and some without covers. This would only work if the association paid to cover all docks. The concept of a condo is based on uniformity. All or none......

Name:	slowtimer -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	4/30/2020 12:57:55 PM

Most of the big nice developments are developed by Russell Lands.  They also own most of the large marinas with dry storage and mechanics on staff.  It is very possible that one of the reasons they restrict boat houses in their developments is to force the owners to dry stack their boats or use their marinas for all maintenence. 

I haven't bought a new boat in over 15 years so I'm not sure if it is still the case but Russell owned marinas would not sell a trailer with their boat at that time.  They wanted to make it harder to take your boat out out of the water to do your own service or to use a non Russell mechanic off the lake.  This caused me to buy from somewhere else that sold the pontoon boat with a trailer.  I have been able to maintain the boat myself easily by putting it on the trailer.  Plus, I can keep it cleaner, it has lasted longer, and I have saved a ton of money.  

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks--AMEN
Date:	5/1/2020 9:49:42 PM

Amen to your post.  My boats have trailers, and they live in a covered boat house.  Would not have it any other way.  I have been amused reading the posts by folks that don't understand the "WHY" of Russell Lands.

Name:	realfast64 -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	5/2/2020 2:39:03 PM

  Short and sweet Russell Lands developments do not allow covered boat slips or piers.  they also have to approve seawalls so to be pleasing to the eye!  They also want to tell what trees to cut and not cut.

Name:	BRRick -	Reply
Subject:	Covered Boat docks
Date:	5/2/2020 6:15:25 PM

Exactly why we are in StillWaters,  first day looking at property was on the west side & I felt very discouraged.  I had a lake house in North Georgia & loved afternoon naps on the pontoon boat, softly rocking on the water, but in the shade under the roof.  The agent said wait until tomorrow and most docks will have roofs.  She was right and we bought.  I feel blessed that we ended up close to Auburn and NOT Alex City.