A Boater’s Guide to Building a Boathouse on Ono Island Canals
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.
As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, one of the most common questions I receive from clients purchasing canal-front property is: Can I build a boathouse? The answer is yes—with careful planning, the right design, and an understanding of the specific rules that apply to canal lots on Ono Island.
The Ono Island Architectural Control Committee (ACC) has developed a thoughtful set of guidelines to preserve our canal systems while allowing for private enjoyment of waterfront living. If you’re looking to build a pier or boathouse on the canals of Ono Island, here’s a complete guide based on the most recent regulations.
Getting Started: Pre-Approvals and Compliance
Before you even begin designing your boathouse or pier, you’ll need to obtain pre-approval from the Ono Island ACC. This step must be completed before submitting applications to any state or federal agencies, including:
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM)
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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Alabama State Docks
General Boathouse Rules for Canal Lots
Setbacks and Placement
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All piers and related structures must be at least 10 feet from lateral riparian lines, unless stated otherwise in your unit’s covenants.
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For Units 5, 9, 12, 13, 20, and OE, the setback increases to 20 feet over water.
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Structures must maintain a minimum 30-foot navigable channel in all canals.
Dimensions and Layout
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Piers and walkways must be no wider than 4 feet.
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Maximum width of the pier and structures: 14 feet (measured from outermost edge to outermost edge).
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Maximum pier length is calculated by multiplying the water frontage by 0.375.
Roof and Height Limits
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Roofs must match the residence in material and color.
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Maximum roof height: 16.5 feet above mean high water.
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Cupolas are allowed up to 3 feet higher, matching roof slope and color.
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Flat roofs can be used as a sundeck if they have safety railings and no structure above.
Slip and Dock Configuration
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Boat slips must be parallel to the shoreline.
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Enclosed areas are not allowed, except for dock boxes no taller than 3 feet.
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Vertical storage closets and fish cleaning stations are prohibited.
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No floating docks or piers are allowed.
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Maximum intrusion into the canal: 15 feet from the centerline.
Environmental and Shoreline Requirements
Living Shoreline Protection
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Ono Island canals are designated as living shoreline zones.
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Wild grasses, sea oats, and cordgrass at or near the water’s edge must not be cut or trimmed within 2 feet of the shoreline.
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Any marsh or fringe grasses disturbed during construction must be restored once the project is complete.
Shoreline Indentations
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Indentations are prohibited on 60-foot-wide canals.
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Required on 40-foot-wide canals, with a maximum depth of 10 feet and the boat slip mouth located 15 feet from extended property lines.
Special Requirement: Grass Bond
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On 40-foot-wide canals, a $2,000 promissory note or grass bond is required before construction begins.
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This bond ensures proper replanting of marsh grass and is refunded upon successful inspection by the Corps of Engineers.
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If replanting is not completed within 24 months, the bond will be used by the POA to complete restoration.
Canal “Islands” and Mounds
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No docking, walking, mooring, construction, or activity of any kind is permitted on the mounds or islands within the canal system. These were designed to support the natural ecosystem and must be protected.
Best Practices from the Water’s Edge
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Boathouse roofs should ideally be built after the residence, or matched if the residence is constructed later.
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Structures must be at least 12 inches from the fringe of underwater grasses along canal edges.
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No vessel may obstruct the 30-foot-wide navigable channel—this is essential for safety and community access.
I always recommend working with a builder and marine contractor familiar with Ono Island's ACC and environmental review process. There are many nuances to these regulations, and submitting a clear, compliant plan the first time can save weeks or months of delays.
Let’s Make Your Boathouse Dream a Reality
The canals of Ono Island offer a truly special lifestyle—calm waters, quick access to open bays, and scenic surroundings. Building a well-designed, compliant boathouse not only protects the shoreline but adds value and enjoyment to your waterfront home.
If you’re planning to buy a canal-front lot or are ready to begin your boathouse project, I’d be honored to guide you through the process—from concept to compliance. You can explore current listings and more information here:
www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island
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