It is imperative that lake community residents follow these requirements in order to protect the water quality of the lake and watershed.

Most projects on or near the shore require a permit. The various types of permits are described below, and more specific information can be found on the DES website

https://www.des.nh.gov/land/waterfront-development/protected-shoreland

Once an application is submitted, permit approval can take a few weeks, so be sure to plan ahead. Community members can see what permits are approved or under review by using the link below to the NH DES Wetlands and Shoreland Permit Query page. On this page you can select Stinson Lake from the drop-down list found at Waterbody Name, then click Execute Query at the upper left side of the page.

https://www4.des.state.nh.us/lrmonestop

Shoreland Permit

A NH DES shoreland permit is required for any project which involves construction, excavation, or filling activities within the Protected Shoreland. The "Protected Shoreland" is defined as the first 250' from a water body. Examples of projects needing a Shoreland Permit include new construction and renovation of existing structures (house, sheds), installation or renovation of pathways, or patios and decks and landscaping requiring excavation.

Wetlands Permit

Typically, wetlands permits are required for projects that are in or adjacent to wetlands. Inland wetlands are determined by soils and vegetation and often require delineation by a Certified Wetlands Scientist. Projects in or on the banks of lakes, ponds, and rivers are considered part of the NH DES Wetlands jurisdiction, and they too, often require an appropriate permit. Examples would include new construction or renovation of docks, perched beaches, and various forms of shoreline stabilization (e.g. riprap, retaining walls). For more information, go to the NH DES Docking Structures and Shoreline Stabilization webpage: https://www.des.nh.gov/land/waterfront-development/docking-structures-and-shoreline-stabilization

Wetlands permitting options for docking structures

Please remember that seasonal docks, permanent docks, retaining walls and other waterfront projects often require wetlands permitting. Dock owners also have the option of voluntary dock registration (https://onlineforms.nh.gov/app/#/formversion/69087854-fa0b-4aa0-bbe1-a547f732149c?formtag=nhdes-w-06-096), as an alternative to permitting for every repair or replacement of existing docks. This option also offers an easier way to prove compliance with certain state statutes and rules, including for property transfers with docking structures, which can help save many owners’ time and money.

For more information on permitting for docking structures, go to this NH DES Fact Sheet

https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/2020-01/wb-19.pdf

Property transfers with septic systems in protected shoreland

Transfers of waterfront properties with septic systems in the protected shoreland require an evaluation by a state-licensed septic system evaluator. Resources to help with this process are available at https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/ssb-14.pdf

Swim Raft Requirements

Swim rafts must display the owner's name and address.

12 square inches of reflective material must be present at least halfway up all sides.