• An example of a multi-boat dock.dock image by Chris Roselli from Fotolia.com
  
  The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) defines a dock as any "individual secured and stationary or floating structure (other than a mooring buoy) used exclusively for mooring boats and for similar uses." While the Oregon State Marine Board requires only the registration of boat houses and floating homes, in most cases, the DSL also requires dock registration under a number of specifications before authorization of use is granted.
  
  

Dimensions

• According to DSL regulations, any private, non-commercial dock occupying a space of 2,500 square feet or less must be registered. The registration fee is calculated according to size. For a dock measuring less than 1,000 square feet, the fee is $125. For a dock between 1,001 and 2,000 square feet, it is $250. Any dock measuring between 2,001 and 2,500 square feet will be charged a fee of $300.
  
  Any dock measuring more than 2,500 square feet is not eligible for registration. It should be noted this limitation only applies to the primary structure---adjacent gangways, pilings, dolphins or protective booms do not factor into the measurement. Additionally, these individual elements do not need to be separately registered.
  
  

Exemptions and Exceptions

• While no private-use, non-commercial docks are exempt from registration, there are circumstances in which a dock might not be eligible for registration. For example, if you want to register a dock in front of someone else's property, you will need to provide the DSL with contact information for anyone who owns property within 200 feet of the dock. You will also be required to contact the property owners to find if they have any concerns regarding the registration, then note their comments on the registration form. Based on these comments, it is possible the DSL will not authorize registration.
  
  

Benefits of Registration

• While the most obvious benefit of registering your dock with the Oregon DSL is compliance with state law, there are several other reasons to register. Firstly, upon authorization, dock owners will be provided with the documentation needed to acquire property insurance. This proof of registration will also be needed for any potential property buyers within the immediate vicinity of your dock. Additionally, the data on dock registration collected by the DSL is used to influence decisions concerning state water management and possible investments. The registration will be valid for a period of five years.
  
  

Failure to Obtain Authorization

• If you refuse to comply with DSL regulations and fail to register your dock, the DSL will first seek your voluntary compliance with the law. However, if you still refuse, your dock will then be considered to be trespassing on submerged state lands and incur all relevant civil penalties.