On March 5th, we posted Nathan Torgelson’s (Director of Department of Construction and Inspections) response to our questions regarding permitting for Floating On-Water Residences.  Since that time, the Director of DCI has met with State Senator Jamie Pedersen and representatives of Lake Union Liveaboard Association. As a result of these meetings, DCI has revised their position and we have received an update from Nathan Torgelson.

Updated Email from Nathan Torgelson

In the past couple of weeks I and other SDCI staff have spoken with State Senator Petersen, the Department of Ecology and the Lake Union Liveaboard Association (LULA), and I think all of us can appreciate the complexity of the State and Seattle regulations and procedures surrounding over-water residences. Thank you for your patience as SDCI works through the issues of Floating On Water Residences (FOWR) and House Barges (Barge), and the procedures and regulations surrounding their replacement in Seattle. I am including a number of folks on this email so we can hopefully all be on the same page.

SDCI is in the process of developing a notarized or sworn statement form that the buyer and/or owner of a FOWR/Barge will sign when a FOWR/Barge is replaced, and it will lay out the points spelled out below. I am sorry if previous emails from me have created confusion on this topic. I hope that a forthcoming SDCI “Tip” and “Replacement form” on these issues will provide clarity. I want to emphasize that the points below lay out our general policy thinking at this time. The exact wording may change in the final Tip and Replacement Form.

Please let me know if you have further comments and concerns.

WAC

The Washington Administrative Code lays out the policy intent for floating on water residences:

New over-water residences, including floating homes, are not a preferred use and should be prohibited. It is recognized that certain existing communities of floating and/or over-water homes exist and should be reasonably accommodated to allow improvements associated with life safety matters and property rights to be addressed provided that any expansion of existing communities is the minimum necessary to assure consistency with constitutional and other legal limitations that protect private property.

A floating on-water residence legally established prior to July 1, 2014, must be considered a conforming use and accommodated through reasonable shoreline master program regulations, permit conditions, or mitigation that will not effectively preclude maintenance, repair, replacement, and remodeling of existing floating on-water residences and their moorages by rendering these actions impracticable.

Seattle’s Shoreline Code

If an existing FOWR/Barge is replaced in Seattle, the FOWR/Barge status will stay with the replacement structure, and the original FOWR/Barge will no longer have FOWR/Barge status in Washington, nor can it be used as a vessel with a dwelling unit in Seattle.

The form will lay out options for the existing FOWR/Barge that is being replaced. (I acknowledge that previous emails may have confused some of the options laid out below):

1. The current owner may decommission the FOWR/Barge in a manner that it can no longer be used as an on-water structure or craft in Seattle. An example of this is drilling holes in the hull so that structure will no longer float and moving the structure to dry land. This option may require submitting a permit to SDCI to place the decommissioned FOWR/Barge on dry land where it is allowed.

   OR

2. The current owner may decommission the FOWR/Barge in a manner that it can no longer be used as an on-water structure or craft in Seattle, and then demolish the FOWR/Barge. SDCI would require proof of demolition.

   OR

3. The purchaser may apply for a shoreline substantial development permit for the new location of the former FOWR/Barge in Seattle in a legal location, and at the same time demonstrate that an existing FOWR/Barge will be removed from Seattle waters

   OR

4. The purchaser may remove the former FOWR/Barge from Seattle waters and place it in another Washington jurisdiction subject to that jurisdiction’s current or future regulations. The purchaser must recognize that the former FOWR/Barge cannot be legally established as a FOWR/Barge in another location in Washington.

   OR

5. The purchaser may remove the former FOWR/Barge from Seattle waters and remove from Washington State waters.

The purchaser must agree that if the existing structure leaves Seattle waters if cannot return, and must acknowledge that Seattle’s Shoreline Code has a cap on the total number of FOWRs/Barges, and the overall policy intent of Seattle’s Shoreline Code is to not increase overwater coverage.

**********************

I hope this helps clarify some of the issues with FOWRs/Barges

Nathan Torgelson

Director

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections
O: 206-684-0343 | M: 206-255-2911 | nathan.torgelson@seattle.gov
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As stewards and regulators of land and buildings, we preserve and enhance the equity, livability, safety, and health in our communities.

The post DCI Director Updates FOWR Permitting Response appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

Happy Valentines Day!

Our cover photo this month was taken during a short break with our kids to visit Orlando, Kennedy Space Center and a 5-day cruise to the Bahamas. The Space Center turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. If you get a chance to visit Florida, we HIGHLY recommend the Kennedy Space Visitor Center. Now, back to Real Estate!

First and foremost, we are land base residential Real Estate Brokers, but as you may know, we also specialize in Water Properties (Floating Homes, Houseboats, and Waterfront Properties). As such, we’ve broken down the newsletter into 2 main categories – Residential Real Estate and Water Properties.

Thinking of Buying a Home or Condo in 2018?
The good news is that forecasters are looking for a reduction in the rate of appreciation for homes in our area and a slight increase in inventory. The bad news is that interest rates are expected to creep up during the year.  Here’s a great article talking about the 2018 Real Estate Trends.

Try Our HomeSpotter Application
The HomeSpotter is an AWESOME app that allows you to quickly find listed properties around you or on the fly using a variety of search fields.The app allows you to search for properties on the fly and message us directly through the app. You can also search nearby, so if you find a property you like, you can check out the comps while you are there.
Note: HomeSpotter is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

CLICK HERE to download the HomeSpotter app.
CLICK HERE for the application documentation.

TOP 5 Steps for Getting Ready to BUY
If you’re considering buying, it is extremely important to be properly prepared. Competition for properties is still high and having your ducks in order will give you an advantage. Here are some things to give you a headstart.

1. Check Your Credit
You can get a checkup on your credit and take action if needed. We use CreditKarma.com, which is free and does not cause a hit to your score. We really love this site as it not only shows your score but also shows you how your score is calculated. This allows you to see where improvements can be made.
2. Financing – Getting a pre-approval
One of the most important preparations you can do is to have a pre-approval in hand when you get ready to make an offer. To be ready to obtain this on short notice, you should meet with your lender before beginning your search.  If you do not have a lender, we can refer people we have worked with and have had good results.  The initial phase is to get “Pre-Qualified.”  This will allow you to know what you financially qualify for and this will also prepare your lender for getting you the “Pre-Approval” when needed.
3. Know the Market
Understanding what is out there and what fits your price range will help you when you start your search. In this market, there is not a lot to choose from and knowing price ranges and inventory will help you narrow your search to fit your needs.
4. Use a Knowledgeable and Experienced Agent
When it comes time to look at properties, we can help spot the things that you may not see. We know the market and will have insights based on buying and selling hundreds of homes. Our biggest concern will be to find you a home that fits your needs and that doesn’t have big, bad surprises.  We are expert negotiators and have dealt with and understand multiple offer situations.
5. Are You in a Lease?
Knowing what your options are before starting your search will help avoid disappointment and surprises. Can you exit your lease early? Can you sublet? Can you advertise and obtain a replacement tenant? These are important questions and should be broached early.

TOP 5 Steps for Getting Ready to SELL
If you’re considering selling your home, you need to do some things to make sure you get top dollar. After many many years in the business, we have seen what sells and what distinguishes a home from another. The following steps will help you see the best return possible.
1. Curb Appeal
This is listed first because it is the first thing that people see when viewing your home. This is a BIG deal, but can often be beefed up without spending a fortune. Trim plants & shrubs, make sure the grass is green, fresh paint and a pop of color on the entry can make a huge difference. Look at homes on the market & see what appeals to you. Mimic that!
2. Paint & Caulk
Paint & Caulk are your new BFF’s. These are cheap, but a require some labor. Use caulk to cover cracks, hide poor joinery, and freshen up tired tubs and showers. Painting is great, but don’t do a poor job. If your unsure HIRE it out. We can refer great painters (and other contractors).
3. Modernize
This can be expensive if you’re talking about a kitchen & bath, but can definitely be worth it in today’s market. On the less expensive side, it is EASY and CHEAP to replace old can lights with modern LED pop-in replacement fixtures. This is a great DIY project that takes only minutes per fixture.
4. Fix Broken Items
You probably did a home inspection when you bought your home.  Have you taken care of the items that were called out? If you haven’t, they will probably be called out again. Having a clean inspection means an easy road to closing and less stress on you and the buyers. Fixing things ahead of time means you can close faster and reduces the chance of a failed transaction.
5. Staged Homes SELL
We have to say that professional staging works, period.  Pricing can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, but over and over we have seen staging pay for itself. In a competitive market, this can mean tens of thousands of dollars if a bidding war is generated.
2017 Market in Review
We are often asked “What’s happening in the Real Estate Market?”  The following short video from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service shows what happened in 2017, statewide and local.

Water-based properties (Floating Homes, Houseboats, and Waterfront Properties) are still in high demand with very limited supply. There is only so much shoreline, and Houseboats and Floating Homes have been capped at their current levels.  This means a mostly fixed commodity with increasing demand. There were 80 water properties sold in 2017 ranging in price from $120,000 to $8,850,000. Special Agents Realty had a total of 20 water property transactions (buying and selling) in 2017.  If you are considering Water Property, either buying or selling, we are definitely experienced in this area and would love to help you.

Over-Water Short Term Rentals Prohibited  UPDATE
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Seattle’s new short-term rental regulations prohibit short-term rentals for over-water properties.
Last month we reported on the new regulation prohibiting short-term rentals for over-water properties. Working with our maritime attorney, we have found that it may be possible to be grandfathered as a non-conforming use (IF you were in business as a short term rental prior to implementation). A test case is currently in process and we hope to provide additional information soon. We STRONGLY recommend that after this process is defined, you work with our attorney to obtain this non-conforming use permit.
Low Inventory Means Opportunity
Currently, there are 7 Floating properties for sale in Seattle, 1 rental, and one floating fixer property that must leave Seattle waters. Prices range from $75K for the Floating Fixer that must move out of Seattle, to $2,750,000 for a stunning 4 Bedroom, 1.75 Bath floating home. What does this mean as far as an opportunity?  No new floating homes allowed in Seattle (except as a replacement). No new houseboats are allowed in Seattle (except as replacements). This means a FIXED INVENTORY.  Increasing demand with a fixed inventory means increasing prices.
Opportunity also exists if you are ready to list your floating property. We have been getting top dollar for floating properties and the price per square foot has been on a steady rise. We would love to consult with you if you are considering listing your floating property.
Please be Careful
Buying or Selling Floating properties requires special knowledge and skills. These are VERY different from residential properties and choosing the right agent is extremely important. We have been involved with floating properties for the last 12 years and are HUGE advocates for the floating property community. We live on the water and know what it takes to buy or sell a floating property.

Have a Wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Contact us if we can be of assistance with any of your Real Estate needs. We love what we do and enjoy helping people make their dreams come true.

Life is Better When You Own It!

Thank you from Kevin & Linda Bagley

The post Special Agents Realty – February Newsletter appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

Ecology Director Maia Bellon signed the final approval for the City of Seattle’s Shoreline Master Program on Monday June 1, 2015. The updated SMP will go into effect on June 15, 2015!

A process that began nearly 8 years ago is finally coming to completion.  In 2007, the Department of Planning and Development began a process to update the Seattle Shoreline Master Program. This process would see Seattle Houseboats placed in a very precarious position.

The Department of Planning and Development was charged with updating the Seattle Shoreline Master Plan, which was previously updated in 2005. Seattle’s SMP controls development and use of the shorelines in Seattle waters including floating homes and other floating residences.

Lake Union Liveaboard Association (LULA) was formed in 2009 as a result of changes proposed for the new SMP, which could have potentially eliminated Houseboats in Seattle. For the following 5 years, LULA fought hard to change the SMP to deal fairly with Houseboats. In January, the Seattle City Council passed the SMP, which placed restrictions on Vessels being used as dwelling units, and interpreted this to mean Houseboats as well. This meant Sea Trials, demonstrating navigation, certification by Naval Architects, and a host of other restrictions.

As the City was passing the SMP and submitting to Ecology for review, LULA went to state regulators and got a bill passed that created a new term “Floating On-Water Residences” and protected those Floating On-Water Residences that had been in existence prior to 7/1/2014 from adverse regulations.

As a result of the new law, the City of Seattle was forced to revise the SMP to accommodate Floating On-Water Residences and to treat them as conforming uses in the city.  This required significant changes to the SMP. The city was required to remove many requirements, including Sea Trials, Freeboard, Naval Architect certifications, Navigational equipment, Boarding locations, cleat locations, Hull shape, Propulsion systems, Steering systems, and more.

In addition, the City was required to allow Floating On-Water Residences to be maintained, repaired, remodeled, and replaced in accordance with the new law.

What does this mean for Houseboats in Seattle?

• A structure will be considered a Floating On-Water Residence if it was moored pursuant to a lease or ownership interest in a Marina within the City, prior to July 1, 2014
• Houseboats are required to be verified as Floating On-Water Residences
  • Applicants will pay a one-time fee to receive a verification number
  • Submit an application for verification with pictures, dimensions, a sketch, and proof of moorage in the City prior to July 1, 2014.
• Verification Numbers will assigned and must be displayed in a prescribed manner on the Floating On-Water Residence.
• Houseboats may be expanded with height restrictions, but may not change in footprint size.
• Expansion is allowed subject to height limitations and is limited to 120 square feet, unless graywater is contained and disposed of properly or the Floating On-Water residence is connected to a City waste-water system.
• Houseboats may be replaced, but are subject to the same footprint, height, and expansion requirements.
• A one-time expansion of footprint is allowed for safety reasons, as certified by a Naval Architect. If footprint is expanded, no other expansion may occur.
• Open Railings may be added to decks and stairs, but if over height restriction, are limited to 36 inches.
• A Floating On Water Residence may be relocated and owners should update verification records within 60 days. Failure to update may result in enforcement action, but does not forfeit right to maintain the Floating On-Water Residence.

Faith Lumsden, Compliance Director at DPD has indicated that the verification process will be available online as of 6/15/2015 and that the forms will be available online.  She also indicates that DPD will try to create some press as an outreach program, to help spread the word.

Floating On-Water Residences May Be Sold By Licensed Real Estate Brokers

Separate from the Shoreline Master Program, a new law goes into effect July 24th, 2015, which permits licensed Real Estate Brokers to list and sell Floating On-Water Residences without having to have a Vessel Dealer License. This law affects Floating On-Water Residences statewide, although the vast majority of Floating On-Water Residences are located within Seattle city limits.

The state definition of a Floating On-Water Residence is:

“floating on-water residence” means any floating structure other than a floating home that: (i) Is designed or used primarily as a residence on the water and has detachable utilities; and (ii) whose owner or primary occupant has held an ownership interest in space in a marina, or has held a lease or sublease to use space in a marina, since a date prior to July 1, 2014.

We can break down the criteria for being a Floating On-Water Residence:

• It a floating structure, other than a floating home
• It is designed as a residence on the water -OR-
• It is used primarily as a residence on the water
• The owner or primary occupant has held an ownership interest in space in a marina prior to 7/1/14, -OR-
• The owner or primary occupant has held a lease or sublease to use space in a marina prior to 7/1/14

From this you can see that most houseboats, house barges, and many vessels will qualify as Floating On-Water Residences.

Please visit www.Seattle-Houseboat.com for more information about Houseboats.

The post Seattle Shoreline Master Plan Receives Final Approval appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

Floating On Water Residences, House Barges

& Vessels With Dwelling Units

For the last 4 years, houseboat owners have been struggling to stay afloat in Seattle. Not much news has been published since last summer, so we wanted to provide an update and offer some new information. Please note that the information provided here is NOT official, but rather is representative of our understanding of the current and proposed regulations. We have previously published updates on Seattle-Houseboat.com and SpecialAgentsRealty.com.

Seattle’s Shoreline Master Plan Update is NOT Final

Seattle has been working to complete the Shoreline Master Plan (SMP) for a long time and has indicated that they expect this to be completed by March of 2015. Until that time, Seattle’s existing SMP (Adopted in 1987) remains in force. How does this relate to houseboats?

1987 SMP is in Effect

The 1987 rules do not specifically call out “houseboats.” Those rules instead refer to Vessels, having steering and propulsion, that are used as dwelling units and to Housebarges, vessels capable of navigation by being towed. The ambiguity of this rule led to numerous Notice Of Violations being issued by Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD – previously known as DCLU) primarily against houseboats. DPD began developing the drafts for the new SMP in 2007, it became apparent that Houseboats were in danger of being eliminated entirely in Seattle Waters. As a result, we (Kevin & Linda Bagley)  formed Lake Union Liveaboard Association (LULA) and began organizing to protect the houseboat community.

SB 6450 Went in Effect June 2014

Over a 5 year period, representatives of LULA participated in City Council meetings, DPD Meetings, and met with Mayors, Legislators, and Senators to try to develop a solution. In June of 2014, Senate Bill 6450 went into effect, protecting “Floating On Water Residences” (FOWR).

A floating on-water residence legally established prior to July 1, 2014, must be considered a conforming use and accommodated through reasonable shoreline master program regulations, permit conditions, or mitigation that will not effectively preclude maintenance, repair, replacement, and remodeling of existing floating on-water residences and their moorages by rendering these actions impracticable.

• Floating On Water Residences (State Definition) effective July 1, 2014
  • Other than Floating Homes
  • Designed or used primarily as a residence
  • Has detachable utilities
  • Owner/occupant held ownership interest or lease or sublease to use space in a marina since a date prior to July 1, 2014
• Floating On Water Residences (Seattle Definition) effective SMP Implementation Date
  • Affects any floating dwelling unit (houseboats, housebarge) regardless of steering or propulsion
• Vessels with Dwelling Units (Seattle Definition) placed in moorage between July 1, 2014 and SMP Implementation Date
  • affects “houseboats” with steering and propulsion
  • Owner/occupant held ownership interest or lease or sublease to use space in a marina since a date ON OR AFTER July 1, 2014 and BEFORE SMP Implementation Date
• Housebarges Vessels without steering and propulsion, capable of navigation by being towed.
  • Pre SMP Implementation Date, continue to be regulated under 1987 SMP
  • post SMP Implementation Date, may continue to be house barges, or may become FOWRs. Owner’s choice.

What is a Floating On Water Residence (FOWR)?

In June of 2014, the State of Washington adopted SB 6450 into law, creating a state definition for a Floating On Water Residence (FOWR).

“floating on-water residence” means any floating structure other than a floating home, as defined under subsection (5) of this section, that: (i) Is designed or used primarily as a residence on the water and has detachable utilities; and (ii) whose owner or primary occupant has held an ownership interest in space in a marina, or has held a lease or sublease to use space in a marina, since a date prior to July 1, 2014.

The City of Seattle has created proposed rules to regulate FOWR’s in Seattle that are expected to go in effect sometime around March of 2015.

The following update is based on communications with the Director of Compliance for DPD , Faith Lumsden;

• Based on the fact that the new law is NOT yet in effect, the current, existing law is still valid until the new law takes effect (probably around March, 2015). A “Vessel having steering and propulsion” can be brought in under the existing (circa 1990) law and would continue to be legal to be used as a live-aboard vessel. The City is calling these “Vessels With Dwelling Units” The city is proposing to offer a Plaque for these types of vessels.
• Under the new law, only those “Floating On Water Residences” (FOWR) that have been in Seattle – with a moorage agreement or ownership interest, at a marina, PRIOR to July 1, 2014, would be eligible for the City of Seattle DPD Floating On Water Residence Plaque.
• A FOWR would NOT be allowed to be brought in after the implementation of the SMP because the new law prohibits its use as a live-aboard vessel.

I know it is confusing, but there are 5 ways of living on the water in Seattle, four of which will be eligible to apply to receive a City of Seattle Plaque. For the purposes of clarification, I have created 4 Seattle Specific Definitions. These definitions apply to vessels moored in Seattle waters.  The 5th classification will NOT receive, nor be eligible for a plaque, but is allowed to be used as a liveaboard in Seattle Waters.

NOTE: If your Floating On Water Residence is NOT located within the city of Seattle, you are still a Floating On Water Residence, however, you are not eligible for a Seattle plaque, and will not be allowed in Seattle as a liveaboard vessel after the implementation of the Seattle Shoreline Master Plan (SMP) expected sometime in March, 2015.

Seattle Specific Definitions (See Chart Below):

1. Floating On Water Residence (FOWR) – A vessel (with or without propulsion) that was designed primarily as a residence and was legally moored in a marina in Seattle waters PRIOR to July 1, 2014.
2. Vessel with Dwelling Unit – Vessels that have steering and propulsion, which may be designed primarily as a residence, but are navigable, and obtained legal moorage in Seattle waters BETWEEN July 1, 2014 and the SMP Implementation Date (Estimated March of 2015).
3. House Barge – Vessels primarily designed as residences, lacking steering and propulsion, but capable of navigation by being towed.
4. Floating Home –  a single-family dwelling (NOT A VESSEL) constructed on a float that is moored, anchored, or otherwise secured in waters. Floating homes are required to be located in approved “floating home moorages”
5. Liveaboard Recreational Vessels – Vessels, designed primarily as Recreational Vessels (Excluding Houseboats) as described in the new SMP regulations (Estimated March of 2015).

Houseboats on the Multiple Listing Update

While Floating Homes and Moorage are able to be listed on the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), Houseboats listings were removed from the NWMLS in March of 2013. Although houseboats had been listed on the NWMLS for decades, they were removed because most houseboats are vessels and selling a vessel requires a Vessel Dealer License. Most Real Estate Brokers are not licensed Vessel Dealers. For some time, Special Agents Houseboats has been the only licensed Vessel Dealer specializing in Houseboat sales and has listed houseboats for sale on Seattle-Houseboat.com, SpecialAgentsRealty.com, and on LakeUnionLiving.com. We understand that this limits the market for the sale of a Houseboat and makes it difficult for people not familiar with our company to locate houseboats for sale.

 We have been working with the Department of Licensing to allow Floating On Water Residences to be sold by licensed Real Estate Brokers, which would then allow them to once again be listed on the NWMLS. To do this, the Real Estate and Vessel Dealer Licensing laws must be changed. The Real Estate Commission formed a task group comprised of interested stakeholders and commission members and crafted a draft of the proposed law changes. Bob Mitchell, Executive Projects Director for the Government Affairs committee of the Washington Realtors Association has taken the reigns to get this submitted to the legislature for the coming session. With little or no opposition, we expect this to be passed easily and to have bipartisan support.

Send us your questions and we will respond! (Kevin@Seattle-Houseboat.com)

Floating On Water Residences: Q&A

Q: Does my Floating On Water Residence require a plaque?
A: After the SMP Implementation, you will have a period of time to apply for and obtain your FOWR plaque. You will be required to have a plaque or be a Recreational Vessel as described in the new SMP regulations.

Q: Can I bring in a new Floating On Water Residence?
A: Until the new SMP has been implemented, Vessels, having steering and propulsion with Dwelling Units may be brought into Seattle Waters after July 1, 2014 and BEFORE the new SMP Implementation. These vessels will be categorized as Vessels with Dwelling Units. The process for applying for a Vessel with Dwelling Unit is not yet known.

Q: What value to me is the plaque?
A: The plaque provides security, assuring your FOWR can be maintained, remodeled, and replaced. FOWR’s are protected from NEW regulations which might preclude these rights.

Q: Can I sell my plaque?
A: No. You can sell your houseboat and your plaque will go with it, or you can remove your houseboat from the Seattle SMP area and replace the existing foot print with a new structure

Q: Can I expand my FOWR?
A: Yes.  Seattle FOWR’s may be expanded up to 120 square feet (with height and footprint constraints) without any new requirements. Expansion beyond 120 square feet require containment and disposal of gray water.

Q: When are the new regulations effective?
A: Although the regulations may not take effect until after July 1, 2014, your FLOWR must have been “legally established prior to July 1, 2014”

Q: Does my FLOWR need to have engines?
A: No, Engines are NOT required. This proposal by DPD has been eliminated.

Q: I heard proposals requiring Sail Area to Length Ratios, Freeboard Requirements, Symmetrical mooring cleats, fore and aft boarding stations, visibility requirements. Do these still apply?
A: No. These proposals by DPD have been eliminated.

Q: I heard I would be required to drive my vessel on a 1 mile round trip, hire a naval architect, and have my vessel certified. Does this still apply?
A: No. These proposals by DPD have been eliminated. No performance test is required.

Q: Can I repair, remodel, or replace my FLOWR?
A: Yes, with some restrictions. Repair is allowed, but there are some restrictions as to what can be done in a marina (max 25% of vessel at a time). An expansion of up to 120 sq. ft. is allowed provided it does not exceed the height restrictions. You can add Deck railings (36” max) and stairs. If expansion over the life of the vessel exceeds 120 sq. ft., gray water containment and disposal are required.

Q: Can I expand the size of my footprint?
A: No, with the single exception of a one time changes for stability as certified by a naval architect. NOTE: If you utilize the stability expansion, you cannot expand in any direction after the stability expansion.

Q: What are the height restrictions?
A: If your current height is 18 ft. or less, you cannot increase the height above 18 ft. If your current height is between 18 and 21 you cannot increase your height. If your height is 21 ft or more, you cannot create an expansion exceeding 21 ft.

Q: Does my FLOWR have to be USED as a place of residence prior to July 1, 2014
A: The regulations indicate that ”For the purpose of this chapter, a structure will be considered designed or used primarily as a residence if it contains a dwelling unit.” Per this statement, if your FLOWR contains a dwelling unit, it will meet the requirement of being USED as a place of residence.

Q: How do I register my FLOWR?
A: The exact process and fee amount has not yet been established. We anticipate that you will have to submit dimensions of your vessel, pictures, and some evidence that you were moored in Seattle waters, held a lease or ownership in a marina, were designed or used as a dwelling unit prior to July 1, 2014, and have detachable utilities.

Q: After I apply and pay my fee, will I receive something that indicates compliance?
A: Yes. After DPD verifies your FLOWR, you will receive a numbered plaque that is to be displayed on your FLOWR on the pier or landward side or side most used for access.

Q: I’m not sure if my vessel is a FLOWR. Should I submit for verification?
A: We are recommending that you submit for verification if you are unsure. Once verified, your FLOWR will then be secure and protected.

Q: If I get my FLOWR plaque, can the city make new regulations that will jeopardize my houseboat?
A: No. Once you have your plaque, you are officially verified as a “Floating On Water Residence” which is governed by Washington State Senate Bill SB-6450.

Q: Can I keep my FOWR on private property?
A: No, the regulation requires that the owner or primary occupant has held an ownership interest in space in a marina, or has held a lease or sublease to use space in a marina.

The post Seattle Houseboat Update appeared first on Special Agents Realty.

Houseboat vessels, existing in Seattle waters may be used as live-aboard vessels if they meet the criteria of being designed and used for navigation and have a means of self propulsion and steering. It is the interpretation of these phrases that has been at debate. Representatives of Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) have proposed a cacophony of  interpretations over the last 3 years, including Sail Area to Length Ratio, Sail Area to Hull Plan Ratio, Hull Length to Beam Ratio, specific construction materials, specific insurance requirements, freeboard requirements, minimum horsepower, symmetrical mooring cleats, symmetrical embarkation points, requiring inboard/outboard engines if > 30 ft., fore and aft line handling stations, watertight doors & windows, performance tests, forbidden design elements (Dormers, pitched roofs, etc.),

Fortunately, reason is beginning to prevail with DPD now leaning towards a version of a Director’s Rule that is more in line with the Lake Union Liveaboard Association’s proposal. Mayor McGinn’s has committed to work with the houseboat community to reach an equitable solution. Houseboat owners are hopeful that the upcoming Director’s Rule will be sensible and will allow the continued existence of houseboats that have been moored peacefully in Seattle waters for decades. We are expecting to have a final version of the Director’s Rule next week, and we will post the results here.  The Lake Union Liveaboard Association board of directors has been working diligently to reach a solution that will allow preservation of the entire houseboat fleet in Seattle waters, which numbers something less than 115 houseboats.

CONGRATULATIONS to all Seattle houseboat owners and

HAPPY HOUSEBOAT DAY!

The post Proclamation: Seattle Houseboat Day appeared first on Special Agents Realty.