The Missouri State Water Patrol has finalized proposed changes to buoy guidelines.
In addition to the proposed changes, dock owners will have the opportunity to purchase a no wake sign for their dock from private vendors. The sign is a reminder of the no wake law within one hundred (100′) feet of docks and includes the Missouri State Water Patrol’s logo, if specifications for the sign are met. A sample of the sign is available on the Water Patrol’s web site as well.
The significant changes to the buoy guidelines are listed below. A completed set of guidelines to be amended is available on the Missouri State Water Patrol’s web site.
- Applications must be submitted forty-five (45) days prior to the hearing date instead of thirty (30) days.
- The applicant must submit a plot map which indicates property owners in the area. The plot map may be combined with the traditional diagram that has always been required by applicants.
- Docks within three hundred (300′) feet of the applicant’s dock must now be indicated on the diagram. The previous requirement was two hundred (200′) feet.
- Generally speaking, if another dock owner has a valid buoy permit within three hundred (300′) feet of the applicant’s dock, the application will be denied.
- Beginning April 1st, 2009, permitted buoys must have the permit number displayed with a minimum one (1″) inch block style black numbers located within three (3″) inches of the top of the buoy (visible from the side). The permit number must be maintained in a legible manner.
- Effective January 1st, 2009, buoy permits previously issued to private non-marina docks will not be transferable upon a change of ownership to the property. New property owners must apply for a new permit under the recommended guidelines.
- Permitted buoys are required to be placed and maintained from April 1st to October 1st of each year. The original guidelines only required this from May 1st to Labor Day.
- Permitted buoys may be left in the water year round as long as the buoy is maintained in compliance with the permit.
Source: Missouri Water Patrol
Links:
Missouri Water Patrol with Buoy Application and Guidelines