This information applies to both owners of existing buoys and buoy permit applicants. All buoys are regulated under the City’s Shoreline Master Program, codified in Chapter 16.12 of the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code (BIMC). Specific or individual questions can leave a message at (206) 780-3731.

Existing Buoys

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Congratulations and thank you! The buoy was placed in accordance with the City’s Shoreline Master Program. No further action is necessary.

If the buoy meets the criteria of the programmatic permit for future repair, use the maintenance affidavit for the existing buoy rather than obtaining a shoreline substantial development exemption for the repair.

If the buoy existed prior to 1996:

In order to establish the buoy’s existing nonconforming status (“grandfathering”), the owner must provide the City with documentation to establish the buoy as existing in its current location prior to September 1996. Please complete and submit the nonconforming buoy application form, providing as much documentation as possible of the buoy’s existence prior to 1996. This documentation can come in many forms, including but not limited to: permits/licenses/leases, receipts, photographs, affidavits and any other materials which may assist the City in the review. The City will also review internal information to help establish the existence of the buoy, such as inventories, aerial photographs and videos.

Once the City reviews the documentation and historic records, should the buoy be found to be existing nonconforming, the City will issue a letter confirming the buoy’s nonconforming status. Please note that a confirmation of being nonconforming to the City’s regulations does not authorize the buoy in respect to other agencies. For example, if the buoy is located on State-owned tidelands, or if the swing circle encroaches on State-owned tidelands, the owner will need to obtain a lease/license from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Maintenance can be performed without obtaining a shoreline substantial development exemption if the criteria of the programmatic permit maintenance review are met; the owner will need to submit the Maintenance Affidavit form.

If the buoy does not have a permit or statement of exemption and the buoy was placed after 1996:

The buoy required a shoreline substantial development permit or statement of exemption. If the buoy was placed without a permit or exemption, then it must be reviewed through an after-the-fact application.

If the buoy meets the criteria of the programmatic review, the owner should submit for review under the programmatic permit. There is no permit fee for complete programmatic permit applications submitted before October 31, 2010.