THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUILDING PIERS AND BOATHOUSES ON ONO ISLAND
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."
If you’re dreaming of a waterfront lifestyle on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama, and envisioning your own private pier or boathouse, it’s essential to understand the detailed rules, permitting process, and coastal realities that come with building over water. As a homeowner and real estate advisor here on Ono Island, I can help guide buyers through this process—from dock designs to working with the ACC and Army Corps of Engineers.
Here’s my complete guide to help you navigate everything you need to know.
Who Governs What: Know the Key Players
1. Ono Island POA & ACC
The Property Owners Association (POA) and Architectural Control Committee (ACC) oversee pier and boathouse construction approvals. You must submit detailed plans for their review and approval before starting construction.
2. Army Corps of Engineers
Federal permits are often required for structures extending into navigable waterways like Bayou St. John or the Intracoastal Waterway. These take time—plan for 60–120 days, depending on complexity.
3. Baldwin County Government
Local permits may also be required, including stormwater and site impact evaluations. Always coordinate with licensed contractors familiar with coastal builds.
Waterfront Lot Type Matters
Each type of waterfront lot has different restrictions:
Canal Lots
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Typically 40 feet wide
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One dock/boathouse structure permitted per lot
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Setback: Must maintain 15 feet from side property lines (extended into the water)
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Max Intrusion: No more than 15 feet into the canal from centerline
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Structure Width: Max 4 feet for walkways/pier
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Seagrass Protection: Cannot build within 12 inches of the underwater grass fringe
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Floating Docks Prohibited
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Bond Required: A $2,000 marsh grass bond is collected and held until approved restoration is complete by the Corps
“Canal construction must maintain navigability,” says the ACC. “A 30-foot-wide channel must be left clear in every canal for safe boat travel.”
Old River, Bayou St. John, Intracoastal Waterway Lots
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Typically allow larger boathouses and longer piers, depending on water depth
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Must apply for Army Corps of Engineers permit
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Boat lifts may be installed but are subject to location and spacing limits
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Setbacks may vary, especially if adjacent to environmentally sensitive areas
Building Features and Restrictions
Boathouses
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Roof Material/Color: Must match the roof of the main residence (or vice versa if built first)
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Roof Pitch: Suggested 4:12 slope
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Height Limit: 16.5 feet from mean high water line to top of safety rail if using sundeck
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Sundeck: Permitted as a flat roof with railings, but no additional roof can be built above it
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Drop-down Sides: Allowed up to 24 inches (counted in total structure footprint)
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No Vertical Storage Closets: Only overhead storage and dock boxes permitted
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No Fish Cleaning Stations: Strictly prohibited
Living Quarters
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Prohibited. Boathouses cannot be used for living space or overnight use.
Utilities
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Water and Power: May be installed with proper permitting and inspections
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Lighting: Should be subtle and neighbor-conscious
As the ACC notes, “All improvements must preserve the natural aesthetics of Ono Island’s waterways and minimize disruption to living shorelines.”
Lifts, Boat Size, and Draft
How Many Lifts Can You Have?
Generally, one lift is permitted per canal lot, and additional lifts (for jet skis, etc.) may be allowed if they do not exceed space or encroach upon setbacks.
Boat Size and Draft
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Canal Lots: Suitable for boats with shallow to moderate drafts; most center consoles, bay boats, and pontoons are ideal
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Old River / Bayou St. John Lots: Can often accommodate larger vessels up to 35+ feet
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Depths: Canal depths vary but are maintained for navigability. Dredging requires separate permitting and is rarely allowed on private initiative.
“Draft depths change with tides and rain. It’s always wise to work with a contractor who’s built boathouses here before,” shared one longtime Ono builder.
What’s Not Allowed
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Floating docks
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Fish cleaning tables
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Living space in or over boathouses
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Multiple docks that impede navigation
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Cutting grass along the canal banks within 2 feet
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Construction on islands or mounds within canal systems
Permitting & Process
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Design with a Local Marine Contractor – Choose one who understands Ono Island rules.
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Submit to ACC – Include plans, elevations, and color materials.
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Apply for Army Corps of Engineers Permit (if applicable)
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Pay Grass Bond ($2,000) for canal lots
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Get POA and County Approvals
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Schedule Inspections
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Maintain Compliance – Be mindful of vegetation and neighbors’ views
“We encourage all homeowners to engage early and ask questions. We’re here to protect the beauty of Ono Island,” notes the ACC.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the process of building a pier or boathouse on Ono Island can feel overwhelming—but with the right guidance and a team that understands the unique ecosystem and rules, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. I’d be honored to help you every step of the way—whether it's choosing a lot with the right depth and orientation or walking you through the ACC and permitting maze.
If you’re considering building on Ono Island or want to evaluate the potential of a waterfront lot, let’s talk. As a homeowner and advisor here, I offer firsthand insight and access to a network of trusted professionals who do it right the first time.
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