Buoy Guidelines

Mooring BuoyMooring Buoy

Obtain a buoy permit from Lakebed Management. There is a one-time and annual fee for this; view our Current Fee Schedule (PDF) to learn more.

Buoys:

  • Use U.S. Coast Guard approved buoys such as Rolyan or Caljune
  • Label the buoy with your name and phone number so it can be returned should the buoy become detached
  • An encroachment lease with an annual lease will be required

Placement:

  • Lakefront property owners may place 1 mooring buoy per parcel
  • Your buoy anchor should weigh at least 90 pounds
  • Use at least 3/16 inch proof coil or galvanized chain for the anchor chain
  • Loop the anchor chain through the anchor eye twice, then attach the end link to one of the chain links with a chain-connecting link
  • Lower the anchor to the bottom with anchor chain
  • After the anchor reaches the bottom, allow enough additional anchor chain for high lake level of at least more than 12 feet, Rumsey (i.e. if the lake is at 0 Rumsey, allow an additional 12 feet; if the lake is at more than 4 feet Rumsey, allow an additional 8 feet, etc.)
    • This will allow the lake to rise without sinking the buoy or pulling the anchor
  • Attach the anchor chain to the buoy mooring eye with the same method as given above for attaching the anchor eye

Regulatory BuoyRegulatory Buoy

Obtain a buoy permit from Lakebed Management. There is a one-time and annual fee for this; view our Current Fee Schedule (PDF) to learn more.

Buoys:

  • Use U.S. Coast Guard approved buoys such as Rolyan or Caljune - wording: "SLOW 5 MPH"
  • Label the buoy with your name and phone number so it can be returned should the buoy become detached

Placement:

  • Lakefront property owners may place 5 miles per hour (mph) buoys (1 buoy per parcel)
  • Place the buoy no farther than 200 feet from the most lakeward point of your pier or other structure. Your buoy anchor should weigh approximately 90 pounds
  • Use 3/16 inch proof coil or galvanized chain for the anchor chain
  • Loop the anchor chain through the anchor eye twice, then attach the end link to one of the chain links with a chain-connecting link
  • Lower the anchor to the bottom with anchor chain
  • After the anchor reaches the bottom, allow enough additional anchor chain for high lake level of at least more than 12 feet, Rumsey (i.e. if the lake is at 0 Rumsey, allow an additional 12 feet; if the lake is at more than 4 feet Rumsey, allow an additional 8 feet, etc.)
    • This will allow the lake to rise without sinking the buoy or pulling the anchor
  • Attach the anchor chain to the buoy mooring eye with the same method as given above for attaching the anchor eye.