Lake Worth Vision

The draft plan is the result of the November 2008 Lake Worth Vision Workshop, during which a five-member consultant panel met with Lake Worth area stakeholders to determine the most appropriate future land use plan, development pattern and forms, and recreational uses and facilities on and around Lake Worth.

The City of Fort Worth presented the draft Lake Worth Vision Plan on October 26, 2009, at C.F. Brewer High School.

Download a meeting summary or the presentation.

Since the October 2009 public meeting, the City has met with neighborhood associations and other groups to further discuss the plan's recommendations. City staff is currently working on updates to the draft plan based on public comments. Another public meeting will be scheduled in fall 2010 to discuss the updated draft plan. Below, I have included the preliminary 2nd revision created October 5, 2010 as well as the 1st Revision and Original Workshop materials from 2008.

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The workshop and draft versions of the Lake Worth Vision are below:

2nd Revision of the Lake Worth Vision - February 2011
Cover, Table of Contents, Executive Summary
Part One: The Context
Part Two: Planning Process
Part Three: Vision Plan
Part Four: Recommendations and Implementation
Appendices


2nd Revision of the Lake Worth Vision - October 5, 2010 (click image to view)










1st Revision of the Lake Worth Vision - October 26, 2009 -

Preliminary Workshop - November 19, 2008 -
Lake Worth Vision Workshop - November 19, 2008 - This was a three day workshop where experts from around the country came to Fort Worth and provided three possible outlines for the area. Download a meeting summary or the presentation.

Problems with Part 2

DRAFT

Boat Dock, Pier and Boat House Construction Standards

Problem: “Boat Dock” does not appear in the easements.

Solution: Replace with “Dock” throughout the document.

DEFINITIONS:

A. Water Use and Access Easement: the lands enclosed on one side by the lakefront property line, on a second side by the waters of Lake Worth, and on the third and fourth side by two lines, each beginning at opposite ends of the lakefront property line and each being a projection of the side lot lines of each lot as shown on the plat of record.

B. Lake Worth Management Office (LWMO): that group in the Water Department responsible for permit review and approval for improvements at Lake Worth and adjacent properties. This group is under the supervision of the Lake Worth Coordinator.

C. Boat Dock Standards Board of Adjustment (BDSBOA): a nine (9) member board appointed by the City Council to review interpretations, special exceptions and variances of the provisions of this ordinance.

Problems:

1) See above.

2) Acronym is long

Solution: Dock Standards Board of Adjustment (DSBA)

GENERAL PROVISIONS:

A. Boat docks approved under these regulations shall be for personal or family use and shall not be used for commercial activity.

B. Boat docks, piers, and boat houses shall be considered accessory structures. A primary structure must be present on the lot to which the boat dock/walkway is attached.

C. The maximum floor to area coverage allowed for boat docks, piers, boat houses and walkways shall be 25% of the area of the Water Use and Access Easement. Provided that every site regardless of the area of the Water Use and Access Easement shall be allowed a minimum coverage area of 1000 square feet and a maximum coverage area of 2500 square feet.

D. The minimum setback from a projected side yard line shall be based on the width of the property at the lakefront property line.

Lot Width Setback

Less than 50 ft. 5 ft.

50-69 ft. 10 ft.

70-99 ft. 15 ft.

100 ft. or more 20 ft.

E. Improvements may extend to a point 100 feet from the lakefront property line into the waters of Lake Worth regardless of the depth of the water at that point, or to the point at which the elevation of the land lying under Lake Worth is not greater than 584 feet above mean sea level, but in no instance to extend further than 150 feet from the lakefront property line into the waters of Lake Worth.

F. No structure shall occupy more than one third of the channel width and in no case shall extend more than 20 ft. from the centerline of the channel.

G. There will be no living quarters allowed on any boat dock, pier, boat house or walkway that extends over the lakefront property line.

Problem:

1) Ambiguous

More Appropriate: “All structures that extend over the lakefront property line shall be classified as Group U Occupancy.”

H. Enclosed structures are not allowed. In order to protect a raised boat within a dock from the elements, solid sides on the boat house will only be permitted for a maximum of two (2) feet downward to the point where the ceiling joist meets the top plate. No additional materials (i.e. lattice, fencing, bars, screen fabric, doors, glass, etc.) may be installed below the two (2) foot sidewalls.

Problems:

1) No clear and compelling reason was given as to why enclosed structures would be prohibited.

2) There was no consensus of the Dock Steering Committee to disallow enclosed structures.

3) The right to build a “boat house” was granted under the easement. The wording above attempts to revoke that right. Even though the city may now regret its former decision, property rights cannot be revoked without eminent domain proceedings and just compensation.

Solution: Remove the wording.

I. A contained storage area not exceeding 27 sq. ft. is allowed on the first floor (lower deck) of the structure for storing tackle, life jackets, etc. Products considered hazardous or which have warning labels prohibiting its use near public water supplies shall not be stored in these areas.

Problems:

1) See “H” above.

2) 27 feet is laughably small anyway.

Solution: Strike part of wording.

J. No toilet facilities of any type will be allowed on any structure built past the lakefront property line. A potable water supply can be plumbed to the first floor (lower deck) provided that required backflow prevention devices are installed and inspected in accordance with the Plumbing Code of the City of Fort Worth.

K. Fuel pumping facilities exceeding fifty-five gallons are not allowed on structures built that extend past the lakefront property line.

L. Structures shall be limited to a single story (lower deck) and a sundeck (upper deck). The floor of the lower deck shall be no less than the 596 foot elevation. The roof of a structure shall have a minimum of 6 in 12 pitch. The upper deck may not have a permanent roof or covering.

Problem:

1) The wording describes a 45’ pitch.

Correction should read: “1/2 in 12 pitch”

M. Any structure that extends more than 100 feet from the lakefront property line shall be equipped with a white photocell light of no less than 60 watts that operates continually from dawn to dusk. The LWMO may require that lighting be placed on structures less than 100 feet from the shoreline when in their opinion it is warranted to enhance boating safety. It is the dock owner’s responsibility to ensure that all required lighting is properly maintained and operational at all times.

Problem:

1) Wattage is a power usage description – not a brightness spec.

2) Modern lighting continues to provide more brightness with less electrical usage. A “traditional” 60 watt incandescent light produces ~800 lumens.

3) Boats and other vehicles successfully use much dimmer lights at night.

4) Many people don’t have electricity on the end of their docks to power bright lights.

5) Modern solar powered LED yard lighting provides a good and inexpensive solution.

Solution: “200 lumens”

VARIANCES AND SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS

A. Creation and appointment. There is hereby created a boat dock standards board of adjustment (BDSBOA), consisting of nine (9) members, all of whom shall be qualified electors of the City of Fort Worth. It is the declared policy that the city council will consider for appointment to the boat dock standards board of adjustment only those persons who have demonstrated their civic interest, general knowledge of the community, independent judgment, understanding of land use and planning and availability to prepare for and attend meetings. Preference will be given, where feasible, to appointees who possess knowledge or background in one (1) of the following fields:

1. Law;

2. Property development;

3. Building design; or

4. Mortgaging and financing.

B. Terms of office. The members of the BDSBOA shall be identified by place numbers one (1) through (9). The odd-numbered places shall expire on October 1 of each odd-numbered year and the even-numbered places shall expire on October 1 of each even-numbered year. BDSBOA members may be appointed to succeed themselves. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms, but no member shall be appointed for a term in excess of two (2) years.

C. Organization. The BDSBOA shall hold an organizational meeting in November of each year and shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman for each panel from among its members before proceeding to any other matters of business. The Lake Worth Coordinator, or a designated representative, shall be the secretary of the BDSBOA. The panel of the BDSBOA shall meet regularly and shall designate the time and place of its meetings. The BDSBOA shall adopt its own rules of procedure and keep a record of its proceedings in accordance with the state statutes, this ordinance, and the City Charter. Newly appointed members shall be installed at the first regular meeting after their appointment.

D. Meetings and quorum. Seven (7) members of the BDSBOA shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business. The members of each panel of the board of adjustment shall regularly attend meetings and public hearings of the BDSBOA and shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement for authorized expenses attendant to the performance of their duties.

E. Decision by BDSBOA. The affirmative vote of seven (7) members of each panel of the board of adjustment shall be required to reverse or modify any order, decision or interpretation of this ordinance.

F. Staff responsibility. The Lake Worth Coordinator and any designated representatives shall be the regular technical advisors to the BDSBOA.

G. Attendance reports. Each month a report shall be submitted to the city council showing the cumulative attendance of each member with a notation of members who have been absent from three consecutive meetings, and a notation of the non-availability of alternate members to attend meetings for which called.

I. Powers and duties. The BDSBOA shall have the powers and exercise the duties of a board of adjustment in accordance with Sections 211.008--211.011, Texas Local Government Code. BDSBOA members are representatives of the city and shall have the right of inspection of premises where required in the discharge of their responsibilities under the laws of the State of Texas and the ordinances of the city. The board of adjustment's jurisdiction shall extend to and include the hearing and deciding of the types of appeals and applications listed below, and to that end shall have the necessary authority to ensure continuing compliance with its decisions. In addition, the BDSBOA shall have the authority to compel the attendance of witnesses necessary to its decision-making.

1. Interpretation. To render an interpretation of those provisions of boat dock ordinance where it is alleged that there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an official in the administration of such provisions. In reaching its decision, the BDSBOA shall establish firm guidelines for future administrative actions on like matters.

2. Special exception. To decide upon applications for special exceptions under General Requirements Section C

3. Variance. To authorize upon appeal in specific cases such variance from the terms of the General Requirements Sections D, E, F and I as will not be contrary to the public interest.

Problems:

1) This section doesn’t exist.

Solution: “General Provisions”

EMERGENCY USE BY PUBLIC AGENCIES: Dock owners shall allow the LWMO, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency personnel to access and use a dock for emergency purposes, without charge or other compensation, or liability for such use.

Proposed Dock Standards - Part2 (Oct 17 2008)

DRAFT

Boat Dock, Pier and Boat House Construction Standards

DEFINITIONS:

A. Water Use and Access Easement: the lands enclosed on one side by the lakefront property line, on a second side by the waters of Lake Worth, and on the third and fourth side by two lines, each beginning at opposite ends of the lakefront property line and each being a projection of the side lot lines of each lot as shown on the plat of record.

B. Lake Worth Management Office (LWMO): that group in the Water Department responsible for permit review and approval for improvements at Lake Worth and adjacent properties. This group is under the supervision of the Lake Worth Coordinator.

C. Boat Dock Standards Board of Adjustment (BDSBOA): a nine (9) member board appointed by the City Council to review interpretations, special exceptions and variances of the provisions of this ordinance.

GENERAL PROVISIONS:

A. Boat docks approved under these regulations shall be for personal or family use and shall not be used for commercial activity.

B. Boat docks, piers, and boat houses shall be considered accessory structures. A primary structure must be present on the lot to which the boat dock/walkway is attached.

C. The maximum floor to area coverage allowed for boat docks, piers, boat houses and walkways shall be 25% of the area of the Water Use and Access Easement. Provided that every site regardless of the area of the Water Use and Access Easement shall be allowed a minimum coverage area of 1000 square feet and a maximum coverage area of 2500 square feet.

D. The minimum setback from a projected side yard line shall be based on the width of the property at the lakefront property line.

Lot Width Setback

Less than 50 ft. 5 ft.

50-69 ft. 10 ft.

70-99 ft. 15 ft.

100 ft. or more 20 ft.

E. Improvements may extend to a point 100 feet from the lakefront property line into the waters of Lake Worth regardless of the depth of the water at that point, or to the point at which the elevation of the land lying under Lake Worth is not greater than 584 feet above mean sea level, but in no instance to extend further than 150 feet from the lakefront property line into the waters of Lake Worth.

F. No structure shall occupy more than one third of the channel width and in no case shall extend more than 20 ft. from the centerline of the channel.

G. There will be no living quarters allowed on any boat dock, pier, boat house or walkway that extends over the lakefront property line.

H. Enclosed structures are not allowed. In order to protect a raised boat within a dock from the elements, solid sides on the boat house will only be permitted for a maximum of two (2) feet downward to the point where the ceiling joist meets the top plate. No additional materials (i.e. lattice, fencing, bars, screen fabric, doors, glass, etc.) may be installed below the two (2) foot sidewalls.

I. A contained storage area not exceeding 27 sq. ft. is allowed on the first floor (lower deck) of the structure for storing tackle, life jackets, etc. Products considered hazardous or which have warning labels prohibiting its use near public water supplies shall not be stored in these areas.

J. No toilet facilities of any type will be allowed on any structure built past the lakefront property line. A potable water supply can be plumbed to the first floor (lower deck) provided that required backflow prevention devices are installed and inspected in accordance with the Plumbing Code of the City of Fort Worth.

K. Fuel pumping facilities exceeding fifty-five gallons are not allowed on structures built that extend past the lakefront property line.

L. Structures shall be limited to a single story (lower deck) and a sundeck (upper deck). The floor of the lower deck shall be no less than the 596 foot elevation. The roof of a structure shall have a minimum of 6 in 12 pitch. The upper deck may not have a permanent roof or covering.

M. Any structure that extends more than 100 feet from the lakefront property line shall be equipped with a white photocell light of no less than 60 watts that operates continually from dawn to dusk. The LWMO may require that lighting be placed on structures less than 100 feet from the shoreline when in their opinion it is warranted to enhance boating safety. It is the dock owner’s responsibility to ensure that all required lighting is properly maintained and operational at all times.

VARIANCES AND SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS

A. Creation and appointment. There is hereby created a boat dock standards board of adjustment (BDSBOA), consisting of nine (9) members, all of whom shall be qualified electors of the City of Fort Worth. It is the declared policy that the city council will consider for appointment to the boat dock standards board of adjustment only those persons who have demonstrated their civic interest, general knowledge of the community, independent judgment, understanding of land use and planning and availability to prepare for and attend meetings. Preference will be given, where feasible, to appointees who possess knowledge or background in one (1) of the following fields:

1. Law;

2. Property development;

3. Building design; or

4. Mortgaging and financing.

B. Terms of office. The members of the BDSBOA shall be identified by place numbers one (1) through (9). The odd-numbered places shall expire on October 1 of each odd-numbered year and the even-numbered places shall expire on October 1 of each even-numbered year. BDSBOA members may be appointed to succeed themselves. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms, but no member shall be appointed for a term in excess of two (2) years.

C. Organization. The BDSBOA shall hold an organizational meeting in November of each year and shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman for each panel from among its members before proceeding to any other matters of business. The Lake Worth Coordinator, or a designated representative, shall be the secretary of the BDSBOA. The panel of the BDSBOA shall meet regularly and shall designate the time and place of its meetings. The BDSBOA shall adopt its own rules of procedure and keep a record of its proceedings in accordance with the state statutes, this ordinance, and the City Charter. Newly appointed members shall be installed at the first regular meeting after their appointment.

D. Meetings and quorum. Seven (7) members of the BDSBOA shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business. The members of each panel of the board of adjustment shall regularly attend meetings and public hearings of the BDSBOA and shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement for authorized expenses attendant to the performance of their duties.

E. Decision by BDSBOA. The affirmative vote of seven (7) members of each panel of the board of adjustment shall be required to reverse or modify any order, decision or interpretation of this ordinance.

F. Staff responsibility. The Lake Worth Coordinator and any designated representatives shall be the regular technical advisors to the BDSBOA.

G. Attendance reports. Each month a report shall be submitted to the city council showing the cumulative attendance of each member with a notation of members who have been absent from three consecutive meetings, and a notation of the non-availability of alternate members to attend meetings for which called.

I. Powers and duties. The BDSBOA shall have the powers and exercise the duties of a board of adjustment in accordance with Sections 211.008--211.011, Texas Local Government Code. BDSBOA members are representatives of the city and shall have the right of inspection of premises where required in the discharge of their responsibilities under the laws of the State of Texas and the ordinances of the city. The board of adjustment's jurisdiction shall extend to and include the hearing and deciding of the types of appeals and applications listed below, and to that end shall have the necessary authority to ensure continuing compliance with its decisions. In addition, the BDSBOA shall have the authority to compel the attendance of witnesses necessary to its decision-making.

1. Interpretation. To render an interpretation of those provisions of boat dock ordinance where it is alleged that there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an official in the administration of such provisions. In reaching its decision, the BDSBOA shall establish firm guidelines for future administrative actions on like matters.

2. Special exception. To decide upon applications for special exceptions under General Requirements Section C

3. Variance. To authorize upon appeal in specific cases such variance from the terms of the General Requirements Sections D, E, F and I as will not be contrary to the public interest.

EMERGENCY USE BY PUBLIC AGENCIES: Dock owners shall allow the LWMO, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency personnel to access and use a dock for emergency purposes, without charge or other compensation, or liability for such use.

Problems with Part 1

Discussion of problems have been put in yellow text.
Problems include several easement violations and severe violation of property owner privacy rights.
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*Chapter 36; added to read as follows:


DRAFT

Chapter 36
Docks, Piers and Boathouses


DEFINITIONS:

A. “Boat Dock, Pier, or Boat House”: a structure extending from the shore into the water to permit the landing and mooring of vessels. The term “boat dock, boat house” or “dock” includes the anchoring system and any walkways or bridges that will attach to the dock itself.
Problems:
1) Definition conflicts with rights granted in easement. This document erroneously implies structures can only be used in the support of boating activities. Easement clearly states that structure can be used for water recreational activities including the storage of boats.
2) Easement uses the words “dock” but never “boat dock.”
More Appropriate: “Piers, docks, and boat houses: structures used for ingress and egress to and from Lake Worth and for water recreational purposes including the storage of boats. These terms include the anchoring system and any walkways or bridges that will attach to the dock itself.”

B. “Walkway” or “Bridge”: a passage that provides access from the land to a boat dock, marina, or other floating facility.
C. “Dead Load”: the permanent inert weight of the dock structure, including fixed or permanent attachments, such as bumpers, railings, winch stands, roof structures, etc.
D. “Decking”: the surface material that forms the floor of the boat dock or catwalk.
F. “Flotation Live Load”: the total load that a dock can carry without capsizing or sinking. The flotation live load is equal to the dead load plus the live load.
G. “Habitable Structure”: any structure on a boat dock or catwalk, whether permanent or temporary.
Problems:
1) Far too ambiguous.
2) Not needed anyway.
Solution: Remove this definition.

H. “Hunt Absorption Test”: a test documenting the rate at which flotation material absorbs liquid, as well as the quantity of liquid absorbed.
I. “Live Load”: any moving or variable superimposed load on the boat dock.
J. “Registered Professional Engineer (RPE)”: a professional engineer currently registered with the State of Texas as a professional engineer with a specialization in civil or structural engineering and experienced in boat dock and pier construction.
K. “Sanitation Device”: any enclosure or equipment used as a toilet or bathing facility,
L. “Lakefront Property Line”: the property line that borders the waters of Lake Worth.
M. “Structural Live Load”: the weight of the dock itself and its ability to support itself.
N. “Working Load Safety Factor”: the ability of a boat dock anchoring system to hold or withstand loads. A safety factor of 3.0 means the anchoring system is rated to hold or withstand a load equal to three times the entire weight of the structure; e.g., if the structure weighs 1,000 pounds, the cable attached to the anchor will be able to hold 3,000 pounds.

Terms Needing Definition:
Lake Worth Management Office (LWMO)
RPE – need to add acronym to definition

3601 Permit Required

3601.1 . No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, or move any dock, pier, boathouse or combination to any body of water within the corporate limits of Fort Worth, that is under the jurisdiction and control of the City of Fort Worth, without complying with the provisions of this chapter. Persons seeking to construct a boat dock must submit to LWMO two complete sets of project plans for the dock, including the anchoring system, and any walkways or bridges that will attach to the boat dock;
(A) When a dock will use existing facilities as part of the new proposed dock, the project plans must include a complete description of the existing facilities, and those facilities must comply with the specifications set forth in these regulations.
(B) The plans must be signed and sealed by a registered professional engineer (RPE), and contain a statement that the proposed dock complies with the specifications set forth in these regulations.
(C) Each plan set also must include a copy of the manufacturer’s certified plans for any components that will be a part of a dock, such as floats, decking, railing, or awning systems.
(D) Both engineered plans and manufacturer’s certified plans must be based upon the actual conditions at the site of the proposed dock.
(E) Upon approval of the plans by the Lake Worth Management Office the plans will be taken to the Fort Worth Development Department and a building permit (missing words).
3601.2 During construction of a dock, a complete set of all permits and approvals required for construction of the dock must be posted in a readily visible location at or adjacent to the construction site, and one complete set of the approved plans must be kept available at the construction site.
3601.3 Construction of a dock must be completed within six months of the date that the permit is approved by the permitting entity.
Problems:
1) The permitting entity already provides for a time limit and extension policy.
Solution: Remove.

3601.4 After a dock is completed, an RPE must submit to the Lake Worth Management Office a signed and sealed certification that it was built in accordance with the requirements set forth in these regulations and the plans submitted to and approved by the LWMO.


3602 Use.

3602.1 Boathouses shall normally be classified as a Group U Occupancy. Other occupancies may be allowed when the use is permitted by the Zoning Ordinance, together with the approval of any other appropriate department of the City of Fort Worth, and the construction complies with this code for said use.

3603. Design and Design Loads.

3603.1 Flotation devices for docks walkways, and bridges shall be designed to support the dead load plus 30-pounds per square foot (PSF) live load applied to deck area.
3603.2 Boat dock and dock structural frame shall be designed to support 50 pounds PSF live load applied to the full surface area of the deck.
3603.3 Roofs on docks shall have a minimum flotation live load of 12 pounds PSF and a structural live load of 15 pounds PSF.
3603.4 Walkways and bridges shall be designed to support a live load of 50 pounds PSF.
3603.5 Walkways and bridge handrails shall be designed to withstand a 200-pound load applied in any direction and at any point along the handrail.
3603.6 Walkways and bridges shall have a maximum slope under dead load of a 4:1 ratio in any direction at the lake level of 594ft. above sea level.
3603.7 Boat docks shall be able to withstand a minimum of four-foot high wave action at lake levels up to 601 ft. above sea level. Floating boat docks must be designed with anchorage footing and piers to remain in place without floating off at the 601 elevation..
3603.8 Boat docks, anchoring systems, and connectors, including cables and chains, shall be designed to resist wind loads per the City of Fort Worth Building Code requirements for residential structures.
3603.9 Cables and chains used in anchoring systems shall be designed with a minimum working load safety factor of 3.0 for cables and 2.0 for chains.

3604 - Dock and Pier Construction

3604.1 Piles. Wood piles shall be a minimum of six (6) inches in diameter. Metal piles shall be a minimum of three (3) inches inside diameter pipe Schedule 40. Such piles shall be driven to a minimum depth of twenty-four (24) inches below the top layer of silt. Such piles shall be driven in pairs, one on either side of the platform, and braced as required by section 3604.5. Such piles shall not be spaced apart more than ten (10) feet center to center.

3604.2 Box cribs. Sets of structural columns of the same size forming a box crib may be used. Such crib shall be braced as required in Section 3604.5 and anchored as required in Section 3605.

3604.3 Beams. Beams shall be defined as those members which connect to piles to support the stringers. All beams when of wood shall be a minimum 2-inch material.

3604.4 Stringers. Stringers shall be defined as those members usually supporting the decking. All stringers when of wood shall be of a minimum 2-inch material. Pipe stringers shall be a nominal 2-1/2-inch I.D. Schedule 40 and spaced not more than eighteen (18) inches O.C.
Problems:
1) This is a narrow stringer distance for a Group U structure.
Solution:
Set distance at 24 inches.


3604.5 Decking.

(A). Wooden platform decking shall be of a minimum nominal 2-inch material.

(B). Other materials, to include lightweight concrete or metal decking may be used when approved by the Building Official. Such decking shall meet the load requirements of Section 3603.

3604.6 Bracing.

(A) All wooden bracing shall be of a minimum nominal 2-inch material.

(B) Bracing shall be accomplished by one or more of the following methods:

1. Cross or “X” bracing. Cross or “X” bracing may be used on each set of pier and box cribs.

2. Beams may be used as bracing, provided the connections give sufficient support to resist horizontal forces equivalent to that of cross or “X” bracing.

3. Knee bracing. Knee bracing shall be used on each pier attached to and paralleling the platform deck. Pipe knee bracing shall be a nominal 2-1/2 inch I.D.
Problems:
1) Proscribing bracing is unnecessary. The engineering requirements have already resolved the horizontal wind loads.
2) There are other bracing solutions than those listed here that would be just as viable.
3) Technology advances may provide additional solutions in the future.
Solution: Remove

3604.7 Attachment of deck. Attachment of the platform deck to beams and piles shall be accompanied by one or more of the following methods:

(A). By attaching the beams to the piles and box cribs by lag bolts.

(B). By caps: Wood caps shall be a minimum nominal 4-inch material and anchored by bolts and welded.
Problems:
1) Proscribing attachments are unnecessary. The design requirements have already resolved this issue.
2) There are other attachment solutions than those listed here that would be just as viable.
3) Technology advances may provide additional solutions in the future.
Solution: Remove

3605. Anchorage of Floatation and Box Crib Structures.

3605.1 Such structures shall be anchored with solid units that will provide the following anchorage:

(A). Docks and piers less than fifty (50) feet in length: An anchor on each corner that will support one-fourth of the total dead load plus one-eight the total live load.

1. Docks and piers fifty (50) feet or more in length: Anchors at the midpoint of the piers.


2. All docks and piers shall be anchored to the shore line.

3. All anchors shall be of masonry, concrete, or steel and shall be securely fastened to the dock or pier by wire rope, cable, chain, or other approved methods.

3606. Required Water Proofing.

3606.1 All wood below one (1) foot above spillway elevation on lakes or below one (1) foot above the 50-year flood elevations on other bodies of water shall be treated lumber. Creosote is not allowed.
Problem:
1) Requires additional calculation by homeowner.
More Appropriate: “All wood below 601 elevation shall be treated lumber.”

3606.2 All metal, including bolts, lag bolts, and fasteners, shall be galvanized or painted with paints of similar materials approved for immersion in water.

3607 Flotation Material

3607.1 Flotation material shall be extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, or a copolymer of polyethylene and polystyrene and shall have a minimum density of 0.9 pounds per cubic foot, and be of consistent quality throughout the float. Beads shall be firmly fused together, and there shall be no voids inside the encasement. Flotation material shall have a water rate absorption of less than 3.0 pounds per cubic foot over 7 days when tested by the Hunt Absorption Test. Other flotation material may be considered if it meets all of the requirements set forth in this section.
3607.2 Flotation material shall be encased in solid polyethylene or a polyurethane type coating, both of which shall be watertight and have a nominal thickness of .125 inches.
3607.3 Drums made of plastic, whether new or recycled, or metal shall not be used for encasements or floats.
3607.4 All floats shall be warranted for a minimum of eight years against sinking, becoming waterlogged, cracking, peeling, fragmenting, or losing beads, and shall not be prone to damage by animals.
3607. 5 Floats that are punctured, exposing the foam to erosion or deterioration, shall be replaced immediately.


3608. Boat House Construction.

3608.1 Construction of boathouses or other structures shall meet or exceed the requirements for framing and coverage as specified in other parts of this code. When, in the opinion of the Building Official, the load of the intended use exceeds the capability of the minimum construction design specified in Section 3604, plans and specification may be required to be designed by an engineer registered in the State of Texas.

3609. Inspections, Removal for Violations.

3609.1 Docks may be subject to inspection by the LWMO or its authorized agents, without notice, at reasonable times.
Problems: (Severely violates rights to privacy.)
1) Violates “exclusive use” granted by easement - “The waters of Lake Worth, except that such use shall be nonexclusive except for such piers and docks constructed thereon.”
2) Violates the Constitution of the United States which protects citizens against unlawful search and seizure.
3) The LWMO (or any citizen for that matter) may use the lake as they wish. Inspections from the lake does not need additional authority.
Solution: Remove

3609.2 Dock owners and boat docks must comply with these regulations and any requirements contained in a permit at all times.
3609.3 Failure to complete inspections, follow inspection guidelines set forth above, or to correct any violations of these rules within thirty days of receipt of written notice, may result in the division or permitting entity requiring removal of the dock at the dock owner’s expense.
Problems:
1) Gives undue authority to LWMO agent.
2) Resolution authority for violations already exists in the permitting and code inspection departments.
Solution: Remove
3609.4 The division or permitting entity may remove docks that become hazards to navigation at the dock owner’s expense.
3609.5 When a boat dock is removed for any reason whatsoever, including at the initiative of the dock owner or at the direction of the LWMO, the dock owner shall be responsible for the complete removal of the entire dock including the boat dock, walkway, anchoring system, cables, floats, and any other related components or materials installed in conjunction with the construction, maintenance, or use of the dock.
Problems:
1) Implies LWMO has sole authority to authorize removal of docks and seizure of property without due process.
Solution: Remove portion of sentence.

Proposed Dock Standards - Part1 (Oct 17 2008)

*Chapter 36; added to read as follows:

DRAFT

Chapter 36

Docks, Piers and Boathouses

DEFINITIONS:

A. “Boat Dock, Pier, or Boat House”: a structure extending from the shore into the water to permit the landing and mooring of vessels. The term “boat dock, boat house” or “dock” includes the anchoring system and any walkways or bridges that will attach to the dock itself.

B. “Walkway” or “Bridge”: a passage that provides access from the land to a boat dock, marina, or other floating facility.

C. “Dead Load”: the permanent inert weight of the dock structure, including fixed or permanent attachments, such as bumpers, railings, winch stands, roof structures, etc.

D. “Decking”: the surface material that forms the floor of the boat dock or catwalk.

F. “Flotation Live Load”: the total load that a dock can carry without capsizing or sinking. The flotation live load is equal to the dead load plus the live load.

G. “Habitable Structure”: any structure on a boat dock or catwalk, whether permanent or temporary.

H. “Hunt Absorption Test”: a test documenting the rate at which flotation material absorbs liquid, as well as the quantity of liquid absorbed.

I. “Live Load”: any moving or variable superimposed load on the boat dock.

J. “Registered Professional Engineer”: a professional engineer currently registered with the State of Texas as a professional engineer with a specialization in civil or structural engineering and experienced in boat dock and pier construction.

K. “Sanitation Device”: any enclosure or equipment used as a toilet or bathing facility,

L. “Lakefront Property Line”: the property line that borders the waters of Lake Worth.

M. “Structural Live Load”: the weight of the dock itself and its ability to support itself.

N. “Working Load Safety Factor”: the ability of a boat dock anchoring system to hold or withstand loads. A safety factor of 3.0 means the anchoring system is rated to hold or withstand a load equal to three times the entire weight of the structure; e.g., if the structure weighs 1,000 pounds, the cable attached to the anchor will be able to hold 3,000 pounds.

3601 Permit Required

3601.1 . No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, or move any dock, pier, boathouse or combination to any body of water within the corporate limits of Fort Worth, that is under the jurisdiction and control of the City of Fort Worth, without complying with the provisions of this chapter. Persons seeking to construct a boat dock must submit to LWMO two complete sets of project plans for the dock, including the anchoring system, and any walkways or bridges that will attach to the boat dock;

(A) When a dock will use existing facilities as part of the new proposed dock, the project plans must include a complete description of the existing facilities, and those facilities must comply with the specifications set forth in these regulations.

(B) The plans must be signed and sealed by a registered professional engineer (RPE), and contain a statement that the proposed dock complies with the specifications set forth in these regulations.

(C) Each plan set also must include a copy of the manufacturer’s certified plans for any components that will be a part of a dock, such as floats, decking, railing, or awning systems.

(D) Both engineered plans and manufacturer’s certified plans must be based upon the actual conditions at the site of the proposed dock.

(E) Upon approval of the plans by the Lake Worth Management Office the plans will be taken to the Fort Worth Development Department and a building permit

3601.2 During construction of a dock, a complete set of all permits and approvals required for construction of the dock must be posted in a readily visible location at or adjacent to the construction site, and one complete set of the approved plans must be kept available at the construction site.

3601.3 Construction of a dock must be completed within six months of the date that the permit is approved by the permitting entity.

3601.4 After a dock is completed, an RPE must submit to the Lake Worth Management Office a signed and sealed certification that it was built in accordance with the requirements set forth in these regulations and the plans submitted to and approved by the LWMO.

3602 Use.

3602.1 Boathouses shall normally be classified as a Group U Occupancy. Other occupancies may be allowed when the use is permitted by the Zoning Ordinance, together with the approval of any other appropriate department of the City of Fort Worth, and the construction complies with this code for said use.

3603. Design and Design Loads.

3603.1 Flotation devices for docks walkways, and bridges shall be designed to support the dead load plus 30-pounds per square foot (PSF) live load applied to deck area.

3603.2 Boat dock and dock structural frame shall be designed to support 50 pounds PSF live load applied to the full surface area of the deck.

3603.3 Roofs on docks shall have a minimum flotation live load of 12 pounds PSF and a structural live load of 15 pounds PSF.

3603.4 Walkways and bridges shall be designed to support a live load of 50 pounds PSF.

3603.5 Walkways and bridge handrails shall be designed to withstand a 200-pound load applied in any direction and at any point along the handrail.

3603.6 Walkways and bridges shall have a maximum slope under dead load of a 4:1 ratio in any direction at the lake level of 594ft. above sea level.

3603.7 Boat docks shall be able to withstand a minimum of four-foot high wave action at lake levels up to 601 ft. above sea level. Floating boat docks must be designed with anchorage footing and piers to remain in place without floating off at the 601 elevation..

3603.8 Boat docks, anchoring systems, and connectors, including cables and chains, shall be designed to resist wind loads per the City of Fort Worth Building Code requirements for residential structures.

3603.9 Cables and chains used in anchoring systems shall be designed with a minimum working load safety factor of 3.0 for cables and 2.0 for chains.

3604 - Dock and Pier Construction

3604.1 Piles. Wood piles shall be a minimum of six (6) inches in diameter. Metal piles shall be a minimum of three (3) inches inside diameter pipe Schedule 40. Such piles shall be driven to a minimum depth of twenty-four (24) inches below the top layer of silt. Such piles shall be driven in pairs, one on either side of the platform, and braced as required by section 3604.5. Such piles shall not be spaced apart more than ten (10) feet center to center.

3604.2 Box cribs. Sets of structural columns of the same size forming a box crib may be used. Such crib shall be braced as required in Section 3604.5 and anchored as required in Section 3605.

3604.3 Beams. Beams shall be defined as those members which connect to piles to support the stringers. All beams when of wood shall be a minimum 2-inch material.

3604.4 Stringers. Stringers shall be defined as those members usually supporting the decking. All stringers when of wood shall be of a minimum 2-inch material. Pipe stringers shall be a nominal 2-1/2-inch I.D. Schedule 40 and spaced not more than eighteen (18) inches O.C.

3604.5 Decking.

(A). Wooden platform decking shall be of a minimum nominal 2-inch material.

(B). Other materials, to include lightweight concrete or metal decking may be used when approved by the Building Official. Such decking shall meet the load requirements of Section 3603.

3604.6 Bracing.

(A) All wooden bracing shall be of a minimum nominal 2-inch material.

(B) Bracing shall be accomplished by one or more of the following methods:

1. Cross or “X” bracing. Cross or “X” bracing may be used on each set of pier and box cribs.

2. Beams may be used as bracing, provided the connections give sufficient support to resist horizontal forces equivalent to that of cross or “X” bracing.

3. Knee bracing. Knee bracing shall be used on each pier attached to and paralleling the platform deck. Pipe knee bracing shall be a nominal 2-1/2 inch I.D.

3604.7 Attachment of deck. Attachment of the platform deck to beams and piles shall be accompanied by one or more of the following methods:

(A). By attaching the beams to the piles and box cribs by lag bolts.

(B). By caps: Wood caps shall be a minimum nominal 4-inch material and anchored by bolts and welded.

3605. Anchorage of Floatation and Box Crib Structures.

3605.1 Such structures shall be anchored with solid units that will provide the following anchorage:

(A). Docks and piers less than fifty (50) feet in length: An anchor on each corner that will support one-fourth of the total dead load plus one-eight the total live load.

1. Docks and piers fifty (50) feet or more in length: Anchors at the midpoint of the piers.

2. All docks and piers shall be anchored to the shore line.

3. All anchors shall be of masonry, concrete, or steel and shall be securely fastened to the dock or pier by wire rope, cable, chain, or other approved methods.

3606. Required Water Proofing.

3606.1 All wood below one (1) foot above spillway elevation on lakes or below one (1) foot above the 50-year flood elevations on other bodies of water shall be treated lumber. Creosote is not allowed.

3606.2 All metal, including bolts, lag bolts, and fasteners, shall be galvanized or painted with paints of similar materials approved for immersion in water.

3607 Flotation Material

3607.1 Flotation material shall be extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, or a copolymer of polyethylene and polystyrene and shall have a minimum density of 0.9 pounds per cubic foot, and be of consistent quality throughout the float. Beads shall be firmly fused together, and there shall be no voids inside the encasement. Flotation material shall have a water rate absorption of less than 3.0 pounds per cubic foot over 7 days when tested by the Hunt Absorption Test. Other flotation material may be considered if it meets all of the requirements set forth in this section.

3607.2 Flotation material shall be encased in solid polyethylene or a polyurethane type coating, both of which shall be watertight and have a nominal thickness of .125 inches.

3607.3 Drums made of plastic, whether new or recycled, or metal shall not be used for encasements or floats.

3607.4 All floats shall be warranted for a minimum of eight years against sinking, becoming waterlogged, cracking, peeling, fragmenting, or losing beads, and shall not be prone to damage by animals.

3607. 5 Floats that are punctured, exposing the foam to erosion or deterioration, shall be replaced immediately.

3608. Boat House Construction.

3608.1 Construction of boathouses or other structures shall meet or exceed the requirements for framing and coverage as specified in other parts of this code. When, in the opinion of the Building Official, the load of the intended use exceeds the capability of the minimum construction design specified in Section 3604, plans and specification may be required to be designed by an engineer registered in the State of Texas.

3609. Inspections, Removal for Violations.

3609.1 Docks may be subject to inspection by the LWMO or its authorized agents, without notice, at reasonable times.

3609.2 Dock owners and boat docks must comply with these regulations and any requirements contained in a permit at all times.

3609.3 Failure to complete inspections, follow inspection guidelines set forth above, or to correct any violations of these rules within thirty days of receipt of written notice, may result in the division or permitting entity requiring removal of the dock at the dock owner’s expense.

3609.4 The division or permitting entity may remove docks that become hazards to navigation at the dock owner’s expense.

3609.5 When a boat dock is removed for any reason whatsoever, including at the initiative of the dock owner or at the direction of the LWMO, the dock owner shall be responsible for the complete removal of the entire dock including the boat dock, walkway, anchoring system, cables, floats, and any other related components or materials installed in conjunction with the construction, maintenance, or use of the dock.