Marinas

The Ashtabula County Health Department conducts a state-mandated Marina Program under Section 3733 of the Ohio Revised Code.   There are currently 2 licensed marinas in the Board of Health’s jurisdiction. 
 
Definition
 
A marina, by definition, is a boat basin that has docks or moorings for seven or more water craft as defined in Section 1547.01 of the Revised Code.   Excluded as marinas are: 
·         Docks for a private residence
·         Docks at a shipyard
·         Dry docks
 ·         Locations for canoes,
      rowboats, paddle
       boats, etc.
 

License and Inspection

Marina operators are required to obtain an annual License to Operate a Marina . The license is valid from April 1st through March 31st of each year. The license fee is determined by the number of docks at a marina. The current license fees for marinas are as follows: 

Number of Docks            License Fee                     Late Fee
 
      7 – 24                         $137.50                        $156.88
    25 – 59                         $177.50                        $206.88
    60 – 149                       $217.50                        $256.88
    50 – 299                       $247.50                        $294.38
  300 – 499                       $277.50                        $331.88
      500 +                          $317.50                        $381.88
 
One inspection a year is required, however, a minimum of two inspections a year are conducted by the health department.   The inspections take into account the following areas of concern; potable water protection, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal, water safety, electrical safety, fire protection, nuisance abatement, and general maintenance.

Other Programs Available

 
Ohio Clean Marina Program
 
The Ohio Clean Marinas Program  is a voluntary program developed through the Ohio Sea Grant college Program that encourages marina operators and boaters to utilize best management practices to keep Ohio ’s water resources clean. The goal of the program is environmental stewardship through increasing awareness of environmental laws, rules, and the requirements of all state and federal agencies with regulatory authority pertaining to marinas through a process of self-regulation.   Ohio Clean Marina operators will benefit from reduced costs of waste disposal, new sources of revenue, and an increased attraction to their property due to responsible marina customer respect of following best practices.
 
 
 
Ohio Clean Boater Program
 
The Ohio Clean Boater Program  is part of the Ohio Clean Marina Program.   The goal of the program is for boaters to follow best boater practices for fuel and engine maintenance, boat painting and cleaning, and waste disposal.

Contact Information

For more information please contact the Ashtabula County Health Department at (440) 576 – 6010 option 5 .
 
 
 
Links
 
Ohio Department of Health Marina Program
 
U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety
            www.uscgboating.org 
 
National Marine Manufacturers Association
            www.nmma.org