ONO ISLAND BOATHOUSE RULES, RESTRICTIONS, AND PERMITS
By Meredith Folger Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Folger Amon.
When it comes to owning waterfront property on Ono Island, one of the most frequent questions I hear is about building or maintaining a boathouse. Because Ono Island is a private, gated community in Orange Beach, the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) enforces strict guidelines to protect property values, water quality, and navigability. Below, I’ve outlined the most important rules, fees, and restrictions every homeowner should know.
Boathouse Placement & Setbacks
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Shoreline indentions are allowed on 40-foot-wide platted canals with a max depth of 10 feet.
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The mouth of the boat slip must be 15 feet from extended property lines.
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Boathouses must be at least 12 inches from the underwater grass fringe along the canal.
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Structures cannot extend more than 15 feet from the canal centerline.
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Piers and walkways beyond the waterside setback cannot exceed 4 feet in width.
Ono Island Homes & Land for Sale – Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in Orange Beach Alabama
Roofs, Sundecks & Appearance
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Roofs must be the same material and color as the residence.
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Roof slope suggestion: 4 in 12.
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A flat roof with safety rails may be used as a sundeck, limited to 16.5 feet in height from mean high water.
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No roof allowed above a sundeck.
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Drop-down sides up to 24 inches are permitted, and soffits may be enclosed.
Storage & Use Restrictions
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No vertical storage closets.
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Overhead storage and dock boxes are allowed.
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No fish cleaning stations permitted.
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No floating piers, docks, or slips.
Environmental Rules
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Canal marsh grass must be reconstructed if disturbed, per ACC and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements.
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Homeowners must post a $2,000 grass bond, refunded once the Corps approves reconstruction.
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All canal banks are considered living shorelines; cutting or trimming natural grasses (cordgrass, sea oats, etc.) is prohibited within 2 feet of the waterline.
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Canal “mounds” are protected; no mooring, docking, or construction is allowed on them.
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A 30-foot-wide unobstructed channel must be maintained for navigation at all times.
Permits & Impact Fees
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All boathouses and piers require ACC approval before construction.
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The $2,000 grass bond is due at the time of permit issuance. If grass restoration is not completed within 24 months, the POA will use the bond to complete the work.
Why This Matters
These rules may seem strict, but they ensure that Ono Island remains a pristine, navigable, and highly desirable boating community. Neighbors often share that the consistent look of boathouses and protection of the living shoreline are part of what makes Ono Island unique.
As a homeowner on Ono Island myself, I can help you:
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Find the right Ono Island lot that allows for a future boathouse.
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Connect with trusted engineers, architects, and builders who know the ACC process inside and out.
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Avoid costly mistakes by ensuring your design complies from the start.
If you’re considering buying or building a waterfront home with boating amenities on Ono Island, let’s talk. You’ll want a real estate advisor who knows the rules and approvals process firsthand.
Meredith Folger Amon is a Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.
Ono Island Boathouse Permit Checklist For Canal Properties
- Confirm lot constraints
Verify canal width, property lines as extended, and any recorded easements. I’ll help you pull surveys and compare to ACC parameters.
- Site survey and mean high-water reference
Provide a recent boundary/topographic survey showing the shoreline, canal centerline, and mean high-water line. Mark proposed pier, boathouse footprint, and walkway width.
- Scaled plan set
Submit plan view and elevations with dimensions:
- Shoreline indention depth on 40' canals (≤ 10').
- Mouth of slip set back ≥ 15' from extended property lines.
- Outside piling face intrusion ≤ 15' from canal centerline.
- Walkway width beyond waterside setback ≤ 4'.
- Roof to match residence material/color; suggested slope 4:12.
- Sundeck height ≤ 16.5' from mean high water; no roof above sundeck.
- Materials and finishes
List roof, fascia, soffit, and structural materials. Note that vertical storage closets are not permitted; overhead storage and dock boxes are acceptable.
- Environmental compliance
Identify underwater grass fringe and show a minimum 12" setback. Acknowledge living shoreline protections, no cutting within 2' of waterline grasses, and no work on canal mounds.
- Navigation statement
Confirm a 30' unobstructed channel will be maintained at all times. Show vessel mooring that does not impede navigation.
- Prohibited items check
Confirm no floating docks/piers/slips and no fish cleaning stations.
- Contractor credentials
Provide contractor license and contact details for construction and any permitting specialists. I can introduce you to local teams who regularly work on Ono Island.
- Agency coordination
Where applicable, prepare submittals for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and environmental reviewers. Plan for marsh grass reconstruction if disturbed.
- Fees and bonds
Bring the $2,000 marsh grass bond due at ACC permit issuance. Note refund is contingent upon Corps approval of grass reconstruction within the required window.
- Timeline and communication
Build in time for ACC review, agency feedback, and material lead times. I will coordinate updates among you, your contractor, and the ACC so there are no surprises.
Submission Package
- Completed ACC application for pier/boathouse.
- Survey with proposed improvements clearly marked.
- Scaled plan set with dimensions and elevations.
- Materials and finishes sheet with roof match notes.
- Environmental acknowledgment and navigation statement.
- Contractor license and contact information.
- $2,000 marsh grass bond.
Need help packaging this for approval on your specific lot on Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/? I’m happy to review, refine, and submit.
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When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.
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