Building a Boathouse on Ono Island: A Guide for Waterfront Property Owners on Bayou St. John & Old River
By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.
When it comes to building a boathouse on Ono Island, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach—especially along the big water lots of Bayou St. John and Old River. As a homeowner and local real estate advisor who specializes in waterfront and boater-friendly properties, I’m often asked: What exactly is allowed when constructing a pier or boathouse?
Whether you’re dreaming of sunset cruises, weekend fishing trips, or housing a custom offshore boat, here’s everything you need to know before you design your waterfront setup.
Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Oversight
Before submitting applications to state or federal agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers, ADEM, EPA, or Alabama State Docks, you’ll need pre-approval from the Ono Island Architectural Control Committee (ACC). This is a non-negotiable first step in the process and ensures your design complies with local requirements and protects the ecosystem around the island.
General Guidelines for Boathouses on Bayou St. John & Old River
Setbacks
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Standard setback from lateral riparian lines: 10 feet
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In Units 5, 9, 12, 13, 20 & OE: setback increases to 20 feet
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No structures may obstruct navigable waterways
Pier and Walkway Widths
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Maximum width: 5 feet
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Must be elevated 5 feet above any marsh fringe grass
Maximum Pier Length
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Total structure (pier + boathouse) is limited to 150 feet
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Requests exceeding 150 feet require special review by the ACC
Boathouse Design & Use Regulations
Allowed Structures Per Lot
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One pier
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One boathouse
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One pier deck
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Up to three boat slips per property
Size Limitations
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Maximum boathouse + decking area: 40’ x 40’ (measured from exterior overhangs or pilings)
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Enclosed walls may only account for 10% of the under-roof area
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Structures may not be screened
Rooftop & Height Guidelines
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Maximum roof height: 20 feet above mean high water
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Cupolas allowed up to 3 additional feet
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Flat roof with safety rails permitted as a sundeck (no roof permitted over the sundeck)
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Roofing materials must match the residence in material and color (or vice versa if home is constructed after boathouse)
“It’s the boathouses on Bayou St. John that are some of the most striking structures on the island—but it’s the ones that blend seamlessly with the architecture of the home that truly elevate waterfront living,” shared one Ono Island homeowner I recently worked with.
Additional Considerations
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Floating docks are prohibited
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Separate mooring pilings allowed, provided they stay within setback boundaries
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Trim boards must be included within the 5-foot walkway measurement
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A sand redistribution plan must be submitted for dredging
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No fish carcasses may be disposed of in or near Ono Island waterways
What This Means for You as a Buyer or Owner
Building on Bayou St. John or Old River comes with breathtaking views, deeper water for larger vessels, and quick access to Perdido Pass and the Gulf. But with these advantages come specific regulations and design requirements that must be carefully followed.
If you're considering buying a lot—or already own one—and want to build a pier and boathouse, partnering with a local builder and architect familiar with the Ono Island ACC process is critical. I work closely with a network of professionals who can help you develop plans that align with both your boating lifestyle and regulatory standards.
Let’s Build Your Dream Dockside Life
I help waterfront buyers turn their vision into reality on Ono Island. If you’re considering purchasing or improving a property on Bayou St. John or Old River, I’m here to guide you through the approval process, recommend trusted vendors, and help you design a functional, stylish, and regulation-compliant boathouse.
Start your journey today by visiting:
www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island
Or explore more Ono Island content here:
Ono Island Blog Series
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Ono Island Homes & Land for Sale – Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in Orange Beach Alabama
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