A Message from the Dock Desk

Thank you in advance for your efforts to comply with the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Ordinance No. 5344 and 4065 and assisting the Agency in keeping the Nacimiento Reservoir a safe and enjoyable resource.

UNIDENTIFIED BOAT DOCKS

In the Summer of 2021, the Boat Dock Licensing and Inspection Program staff conducted a review of the docks floating on Nacimiento Reservoir and a total of 25 unlicensed docks were identified. We are asking the reservoir community to assist in identifying the owners of these unlicensed docks. Please click here to see photos of the unlicensed docks. The Agency thanks you in advance for your assistance and cooperation of the Boat Dock Program.

NEW THIS YEAR

The Monterey County Water Resources Agency is pleased to announce that the online registration portal is now active! Please submit payments and all required documents via the online portal at  https://apps.co.monterey.ca.us/wraboatdock/. Stay safe and please feel free to contact our office with any questions you may have. Thank you!

RENEWAL DOCK FEES

Dock license fee renewals are due annually, on or before April 1st. To renew your dock license online simply click on the following link: https://apps.co.monterey.ca.us/wraboatdock/. Notice are mailed out to dock owners around the middle of March.

NEW DOCK OWNERS

Prior to placing a dock on the Nacimiento Reservoir, it must be licenses with the Agency and meet the dock specifications and standards contained in Ordinance No. 5344 and 4065. New dock owners must complete and submit a Dock License Application and all required documents to the Agency prior to receiving a dock license number.  Please note that placing a dock on the reservoir is a privilege, not a right and is at the discretion of the Agency.

DOCK INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Nacimiento Reservoir is the property of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency there, the Agency must be named as "Certificate Holder" on your homeowner's policy with a minimum personal liability coverage in the amount of $500,000.  As a Certificate Holder the Agency is notified of any changes to your insurance policy.  This may be difficult for some insurance carriers to understand.  Your insurance agent is always welcome to give the Dock Desk a call for further information.

PLANNING ON LEAVING YOUR DOCK OUT OF THE WATER?

If you do not plan on floating your dock, it is your responsibility to notify the Agency by completing the Planned Out of Water form and submitting it to the Agency on or before April 1st or charges will incur.

SELLING OR SOLD YOUR DOCK?

As the dock owner, it is your responsibility to notify the Agency immediately regarding the sale of your dock by completing the required Notice of Sale and Release of Liability form and submitting it to the Agency.  Until the Agency has received the completed NOS, you will remain responsible for all fees and liabilities.

BUYING A DOCK?

If you are buying a dock be advised that non-compliant (derelict, improper flotation, etc) docks may not be issued a new license. Dock licenses are non-transferrable, therefore, new owners will be provided with a new license.

ANNUAL DOCK INSPECTIONS

The Agency conducts annual dock inspections to ensure compliance with Ordinance No. 4065 and established regulations and safety requirements.

Dock inspection reminders:

If your inspection does not reveal any deficiencies, you will not hear anything from the Agency.  If your dock fails inspection, a notice will be placed on your dock and you will be notified by mail.  You have 30 days to make the indicating repairs.  Upon reinspection, if your dock is still out of compliance, the license will be revoked and the dock must be removed from the Reservoir at your expense.  Docks not in compliance may be impounded at the owner's expense.

Common Failures:

• Trip hazards
• Loose boards
• Nails
• Pulled up carpet
• Instability
• Incorrect flotations

DOCK MAINTENANCE

Protect your investment with dock maintenance and avoid costly repairs.  Inspect annually:

• Flotation
• Deck Surface
• hinges and Pins
• Anchorage
• Placement

RESERVOIR LEVELS

Special attention should be given to fluctuating reservoir levels.  Docks should follow the water so they do not become stranded "high-and-dry".  The current Nacimiento Reservoir level can be viewed on the Agency website at http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/government-links/water-resources-agency/home/daily-reservoir-dam-data

UNSECURED DOCK WARNINGS

When the reservoir level falls you may lose the ability to use your dock.  When the level rises your dock may become unfastened and carried away, turning your unsecured dock into free floating debris which may damage the dock itself, neighboring docks or other structures.

If your dock has not been secured properly and breaks away from its anchorage, you will need to make arrangements for its retrieval.  Retrieving loose docks uses valuable park ranger and marina staff time.  Your dock is your personal property and if not salvageable, it is your responsibility to dispose of it properly.

SHORELINE DOCK DEBRIS

As the reservoir rises and falls it can cause damage to your dock if not stored properly for the winter.  You may find your dock in need of repair, or even disposal.  Homeowners should take the necessary steps to repair or dispose of their dock.  Remember it is important to remove all dock debris from the reservoir shoreline bottom.  this may include flotation devices, carpeting, plastic chairs, etc.  If dock debris is left behind the shoreline in front of your property has now become a safety hazard.  When the reservoir levels rise, this debris becomes a boating hazard.  In addition, it becomes a hazard to the safety of the reservoir operations and maintenance and the San Luis Obispo County pipeline. Don't let your trash become someone else's problem.

The Dock Desk is available to assist you and ready to answer your questions.  You may email to gonzalese1@co.monterey.ca.us or call Eva Gonzales at (831) 755-4860.