For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
ENFORCING OFFICER. The City Manager of the City of Saugatuck or his or her designee.
FLOATING HOME.
(1) Any structure or item which is waterborne or is supported by means of flotation (or suspension over a river or lake), designed to be used without a permanent foundation; used, intended, or designed to be built, used, rented, leased, let, or hired out to be occupied; or which is occupied for living purposes with facilities for living and sleeping, and often cooking and eating as well. The term FLOATING HOME shall also include a "floating house," "liveaboards," "ark," "barge," and any other boat or vessel which is designed or used primarily for living or as a house, domicile or dwelling rather than for water transport or recreational purposes. The definition of FLOATING HOME can also include a "houseboat" which exhibits any of the following traits:
(a) Is over 25 feet long;
(b) Is over 15 feet in height above the water when calm;
(c) Cannot be readily propelled through the water at a speed of at least 15 miles per hour; or
(d) Is not certified by the United States Coast Guard as a water-worthy boat or watercraft.
(2) When determining whether a boat, vessel or float is a FLOATING HOME for purposes of this chapter, the enforcing officer shall also consider the following:
(a) Whether the structure or item is usually kept at a fixed mooring point;
(b) Whether the structure or item is actually used on a regular basis for transportation or navigation;
(c) Whether the structure or item has a permanent or continuous connection to the shore for electrical, plumbing, water, or other utility service;
(d) Whether the structure or item has the performance characteristics of a vessel typically used for navigation or transportation on water;
(e) Whether the structure or item can be readily removed from the water;
(f) Whether the structure or item is used for intermittent or extended human habitation or occupancy;
(g) Whether the structure or item clearly has a means of substantial and continuous propulsion, and appropriate power/size ratio;
(h) Whether the structure or item is safe to navigate or use for transportation purposes;
(i) Whether the structure or item has a factory- or manufacturer-installed and operable water propulsion system;
(j) That a structure or item could occasionally move from place to place in the water, or that it qualifies under a federal or state regulatory program as a vessel or boat, are factors that would not be determinative; and
(k) Such other factors as are relevant to determining the nature of the item or vessel at issue.
FLOATING HOME MOORAGE. A waterfront facility and area for the moorage or docking of one or more floating homes, and the land and water premises on which such facility is located.
(Ord. 210726-B, passed 7-26-2021)