Bayou Chico 'monstrosity' prompts floating structure ban on Escambia County waters

Escambia County Commissioners approved a new ordinance banning “floating structures” in a meeting Thursday.

The ordinance was developed to address unregulated, homemade structures that float but aren’t marine vessels because they don’t have motors or other similar parts and equipment.

They’re simply homemade cabins or shanty type structures that float, and authorities say they’re seeing more people who appear to be homeless living on them, along with derelict vessels.

The new rule prohibits anchoring, mooring or otherwise affixing a floating structure upon, or to, county waters, and give the county’s marine resources division more teeth to address the issue.

There’s now a process in place where owners are issued a notice that a structure needs to be moved. They are given 21 days to move it or the case goes before a special magistrate, similar to the process for dilapidated structures.

David McDonald, president of the Bayou Chico Association, spoke in favor of the ordinance at Thursday's meeting, noting the bayou has become a popular place for abandoned boats as well as problematic floating structures.

“We think it's important for the environment, navigation, property and also for the economy,” McDonald told commissioners. “To be attentive to the waterways of the county is important to us. It’s important to all of us.”

Before now, authorities had little recourse when there were complaints, like a homemade two-story structure that broke loose from its mooring in Bayou Chico and became wedged against private property.

People had been living on the unregistered and unclaimed structure, which does not qualify as a marine vessel since it’s a handmade cabin that floats, with no motor or plumbing. Although neighbors had complained about the “monstrosity” being a safety hazard anchored in Bayou Chico, there were no laws in place that allowed authorities to hold owners accountable.

The structure has apparently drifted to the other side of Bayou Chico and county officials say if it’s still there by the time new ordinance goes into effect, they will track down the owners to remove it.

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Otherwise, it could cost the county tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to move it.

“They're taking advantage of the lack of sufficient regulation and enforcement of sufficient regulation,” said Escambia Marine Resources Manager Robert Turpin. “These people that are living on these floating structures and live-aboards too, boats, if they're not using a pump out then this is also an issue.”

Bayou Chico resident and boat owner, Jay Ballew, said the two-story structure was moored near his dock and he is ready to see it gone.

“My particular dock overlooks the section ... where the notorious houseboat is normally parked and where there are normally two other sailboats that also there,” said Ballew. “Every time we get storm with significant wind, those boats drag and move towards our dock and endanger the dock.”

The floating structure ban is meant to protect the environment and prevent property damage. It was unanimously approved by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia County floating structure ban passes unanimous vote