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HSB 163

A bill for an act relating to enclosed structures on private docks and required insurance.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Allows small, non-habitable enclosed structures on private docks, with strict size limits and mandatory $1,000,000 dock liability insurance.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 710.
#buildings #docks #insurance
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Bill Summary · HSB 163

Summary: HSB 163 (renumbered HF 710) – Enclosed Structures on Private Docks and Required Insurance

Overview

HSB 163, introduced February 12, 2025 and later renumbered as HF 710, proposes rules for constructing enclosed structures on private docks and establishes a required dock liability insurance minimum. The bill targets structures intended to protect hoists or slips on private docks and sets limits on materials, size, height, utilities, and use. It also assigns liability to the private dock owner for damages tied to the enclosed structure.

Purpose and intent

  • To authorize the construction of enclosed structures on private docks under specific conditions, while ensuring safety, code compliance, and financial responsibility through insurance.
  • To clarify that the enclosed structures are for marine equipment support and must not be used for sleeping or habitation.

Key provisions

  • Eligibility to build: A person with a valid dock site permit and hoist/slip assignment may construct an enclosed structure on the private dock.
  • Design and material requirements:
    • Rust-resistant materials.
    • Maximum width: 30 feet.
    • Maximum height: 20 feet above the normal water elevation around the dock.
    • No plumbing, electricity, or enclosed storage—except for plumbing and electricity that comply with applicable building code requirements, including:
    • State plumbing code established under section 105.4.
    • State building code established under section 103A.7.
    • Structure must be used solely to support marine equipment.
  • Usage restrictions: The enclosed structure cannot be used for sleeping or habitation.
  • Insurance requirement: To install the structure, the dock owner must maintain dock liability insurance with a minimum per-occurrence coverage of $1,000,000.
  • Liability: The private dock owner is liable for damages caused by the enclosed structure constructed on the dock.

Who is affected

  • Private dock owners who hold a valid dock site permit and have a hoist/slip assignment.
  • Insurance providers offering dock liability coverage (to meet the $1,000,000 per-occurrence requirement).
  • Any parties seeking to add enclosed structures to private docks under these provisions.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025 (Referred to Natural Resources).
  • Subcommittee: Harris, Barker, and Turek; meeting notice for 02/18/2025.
  • Subcommittee action: Recommend amendment and passage (02/18/2025).
  • Committee actions:
    • Subcommittee recommendation noted (02/17–02/18/2025).
    • Committee report recommending amendment and passage (02/25/2025).
    • Committee report approving the bill and renumbering to HF 710 (03/03/2025).

Explanatory context

An accompanying explanation notes that the bill relates to enclosed structures on private docks and the requirement to maintain dock liability insurance. The explanation reiterates eligibility criteria (valid dock permit and hoist/slip assignment) and the design/code compliance standards for any enclosed structure.

Summary takeaway

If enacted, HSB 163/HF 710 would allow small, rust-resistant, non-habitable enclosed structures on private docks with clear size and height limits, conditioned on compliance with building/plumbing codes and a minimum $1 million per-occurrence dock liability insurance policy. The bill places liability on the dock owner for damages arising from the structure.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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