Marina Policies & Rules

Smoking at the Marina is prohibited.

Fishing from the docks is prohibited.

Swimming off of the dock or launch ramp is prohibited.

Feeding wildlife of any type is prohibited.

Charcoal BBQ type cooking is allowed only in authorized areas. Propane BBQ cooking is allowed on boats.

The Marina operators will provide an on site resident manager for security; however because of accessibility from the water, slip holders are asked to participate in dock security whenever present.

Motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards & similar items must not be ridden on the docks, walkways, sidewalks or bridges (bicycles may be walked in these areas). Use in other areas of the marina will be at the discretion of the marina management. Riders must adhere to all state and local traffic and safety laws and regulations.

No live-aboard allowed on Lake Sonoma.

Members are responsible for their guest’s safety, actions and adherence to all Rules & Regulations. Please advise your guest that they may be questioned by Marina Management regarding their being on Marina property and/or their use of Marina Facilities.

Children are defined as dependents under the age of 18. Slip holders are responsible for their children. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

A one-time, non-transferable slip membership fee is charged to all slip holders, unless a Lifetime Membership has been purchased. Price depends on membership type.

All boat storage fees are charged in full. A monthly billing option is available for an additional billing fee. Monthly slip rental charges will be billed in advance. All payments are due prior to the 10th of each month. Accounts not paid in full will incur a late fee of 1.5% of the amount due. Slip holders whose accounts are 45 days or more overdue are subject to termination, being sent to collections, or being locked up. Fees will be as per billing schedule. Rates are subject to change without notice.

Use of any berth, other than the one assigned to you is prohibited. If a boat is found in a spot other than their own, that boat will be moved without notice.

Lifetime Membership – The Lifetime Membership grants the member exemption from any future membership fees for life. This membership is specific to the individual and not the boat; it is non-transferable if the boat is sold.

With a Lifetime Membership, you will also enjoy:

First right to any slips when available.

A standard 10% discount on store purchases.

Lakeside slip holder parking, available only if you have an active contract and a boat currently in a slip or dry storage.

Annual Membership – Lake Sonoma Resort Area offers an Annual membership; terms are a minimum of 12 consecutive months. Occupancy is not required for the full term but signing of the Berthing License Agreement acknowledges consent for slip payment for one full year. A Lifetime Membership is required. Our lifetime membership excludes you from any membership fees for a lifetime. This membership is applied to the person, not the boat. If the boat is sold, the lifetime membership is non-transferable.

Members with an active annual membership have first right to any slips should they want a slip that a seasonal or short term member is occupying. At that point, that seasonal/short term member will be given the opportunity to upgrade to keep that spot or be asked to move.

This membership includes the standard 10% discount on store purchases and also includes lake side slip holder or dry storage parking.

Seasonal Membership – Lake Sonoma Resort Area offers a Seasonal Membership; terms are a minimum of 6 consecutive months. A returning 6 month member will have the first right to the slip they occupied in the previous season assuming that an annual member did not take it. At that point, the seasonal member will have an opportunity to upgrade to 12 months to keep that spot or be asked to move.

A 6 month member has first right to a slip occupied by a month to month member. At that point, the month to month member will be given the opportunity to upgrade to keep that spot or be asked to move.

This membership includes the standard 10% discount on store purchases and also includes lake side slip holder or dry storage parking.

Short Term Membership – Lake Sonoma Resort Area offers a short term “month to month” membership which can start any month of the year. This membership is required to be paid in full upon signing a contract.

Placement of a month to month membership is based only on what’s available on the contracts start date. A short term member may be asked to move should a 6 or 12 month member request their slip. At that time, the short term member will be given the opportunity to upgrade to match the membership of the requesting party in order to keep that spot or be asked to move. If no other spot can be agreed upon or if there are no other spots available, that short term member will be refunded the amount of the remaining time left in their contract.

This contract does not include the standard 10% discount on store purchases. Also no parking or membership passes will be assigned. A temporary parking pass will be given on the first date of the contract.

Member Passes – Each member is to be issued (1) one Parking Pass and (1) one Membership Pass per slip. These passes are only valid for the term of the agreement. Additional parking and membership passes can be purchased with authorization from a Marina manager for an additional $20 per pass. The parking pass and any additional are required to be on display in the vehicle while on Lake Sonoma Resort Area property otherwise a Day-Use ticket may be issued. Tickets are to be paid at the marina office. The parking pass allows for unlimited use of the private Lake Sonoma Resort Area launch ramp, only while agreement is valid, only to customers listed on both the agreement and the boat insurance. Only one car per slip is included at no additional cost per visit, any additional vehicles will be charged a day use fee.

Personal gear or any gear found on the dock or head walks other than authorized by the berthing agreement will be removed at the owner’s expense. A removal fee will be charged as authorized by law. Any items requiring special handling will be subject to a charge in addition to removal fees.

Plastic tarps are prohibited and will be removed by Marina management. All boat covers must be canvas or other marine approved material.

Boarding steps can not be more than ½ the width of the dock finger. They must be made of light weight material. Steps used will be subject to approval by Marina management.

Slipholders are not allowed at any time to store paint and cleaning supplies on the docks. All supplies must be stored on the boat.

Fuel or fuel containers and other volatile items are not allowed to be stored on the dock.

Fueling or fuel transfers in the Marina are prohibited by law. All fueling must be done at the fuel docks.

Slip holders are allowed to perform maintenance and repairs dockside. Large scale construction or repair operations will be restricted to the boat service area.

No boat maintenance or repair contractors are allowed on Marina property unless approved by Marina management. Outside contractors will only be allowed to work between the hours of 8:30am & 5:30pm, Monday through Friday unless authorized in advance by Marina management.

It is understood and agreed that all work performed by contractors for members, is the responsibility of the member. Marina or marina employees do not endorse or recommend any contractor nor are a party to any agreement between boat owner and contractor. All outside contractors must have insurance to cover any accidents that may occur from the maintenance/repair of a member’s boat.

Pump-out facilities are located at the Marina. Emptying portable toilets (port-o-potties) in the marina restrooms is prohibited and will subject the offender to a fine.

In-water hull cleaning is prohibited. Only hand washing is authorized. Cleaning products used must be phosphate free and biodegradable. No cleaning products containing ammonia, chlorinated solvents, petroleum distillates or lye are allowed to be used in the Marina.

Oil absorbing Materials for bilges are required. You can obtain them for free if you ask the Marina management.

Detergents and Emulsifiers are not to be used for fuel spills.

Registration must be kept current or members may receive a citation from the Sheriff.

Proof of insurance coverage as required by the Berthing Agreement must be given to Marina Management at the time of initial berth rental and at the time of each insurance renewal or insurance must be kept current.

Registration must be kept current or members may receive a citation from the Sheriff.

Proof of insurance coverage as required by the Berthing Agreement must be given to Marina Management at the time of initial berth rental and at the time of each insurance renewal or insurance must be kept current.

Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 8:30am. Loud or disturbing noise will not be tolerated at any time. Inconsiderate individuals will be asked to leave Marina property.

Restrooms are for the convenience of members and guests. Restroom sinks are not to be used for washing clothes, dishes, or other personal property.

All feminine products should be disposed in the trash, not through septic system.

Trash containers are provided in various areas of the marina for your use. No household dumping is allowed. Containers requiring special handling such as batteries, paint, petroleum products, toxic chemicals, etc. must be disposed of as required by law. Members must not place these items in trash containers. All such items must be removed from Marina property by the member.

Emergency

A number of situations may occur in a marina that requires immediate response. Without pre-planning, important steps can be overlooked and without a quick reference guide, the best of intentions may not produce the best actions for solving the occasional, but intense problem.

Keep a serviced fire extinguisher available.

Make sure engines and fluids are cool before working in the bilge to avoid burns.

Keep work area clear of oil and debris

Provide continuous ventilation

Avoid storing excess fuel, or other flammables, aboard the vessel.

Petroleum Containment

Fuel can be easily spilled into the surface waters from the fuel tank air vent while fueling a boat, and oil can be easily discharged during bilge pumping. Gasoline spills can be a safety problem because of gasoline’s flammability. Hydrocarbons are dangerous to aquatic plants and animals both at and below the water surface.

Fill fuel containers on land to reduce the chance of fuel spills in the water.

Avoid overfilling fuel tanks.

Perform all major engine maintenance away from surface water. Any maintenance work on engine must be done in compliance with rules and regulations governing the marina.

Do not fuel boat from portable fuel containers while in the marina. Fueling can only occur at the fuel dock.

In case of fuel, do not use detergents and/or emulsifiers on the spill.

Use petroleum absorption pads while fueling to catch splash back and the last drop(s) when the nozzle is transferred back from the boat to the fuel dock.

Keep engines properly maintained for efficient fuel consumption, clean exhaust, and fuel economy. Follow all manufacturers’ specifications.

Routinely check for fuel leaks and use a drip pan or absorbent pads under engines.

Do not pump any bilge water that is oily or has sheen. Use materials that either capture or digest oil in bilges. Examine these materials frequently and replace as necessary.

Exchange used oil absorption pads if possible, or dispose of them in accordance with petroleum disposal guidelines.

Report oil and fuel spills to the Marina Office and the National Response Center immediately.

Topside Boat Maintenance and Cleaning

Use of solvents, paints and varnishes for in-slip boat maintenance can contribute to pollution entering the water. The best way to protect the water is to perform only small maintenance jobs in the slip. Use of a variety of boat cleaners, such as detergents, teak cleaners and fiberglass polishers can also contribute to pollution and nutrients entering the water.

Ask the dock manager, or refer to you Rules and regulations as to what type of maintenance projects are allowed in the slip.

Tackle boat projects in the water only if they involve less than 25% of the surface above the water line.

Ask the dock manager about rules for do-it-yourself work, contractors or vendors working in the marina.

Drape vessel with tarps to catch waste from projects.

Cover the water between the boat and the dock with visquine or tarps.

Use a dust-containment bag with sanding equipment.

Sweep or vacuum all residual sanding dust and debris.

Ventilate your space to prevent the accumulation of flammable or noxious fumes.

Use eye protection and a respirator when there is the possibility that dust and debris could damage eyes or lungs.

Remove oil, debris and clutter from your immediate work area.

Do not sand with steel wool.

Do not sand with a heavy breeze.

Mix all solvents, paints and varnishes over a tarp or on land.

Avoid spills in the water of all solvents, paints and varnishes.

Use or ask your topside maintenance service to use environmentally friendly cleaning products. Carefully read labels to ensure the products are phosphate free and biodegradable. Use products in moderation, since more of the cleaner product does not automatically mean your topside is cleaner.

Avoid cleaners that contain ammonia, lye, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine or petroleum distillates.

Consider allowing teak to fade to grey and rinse it occasionally with salt water to remove dirt; or, for the look of freshly sanded teak, scrub teak decks with salt water and let the sun bleach them.

Use teak cleaners sparingly and avoid spilling them of fiberglass polishers in the water.

Underwater Boat Hull Cleaning

Consideration should be given to using bottom paints that do not pollute our environment. Frequent underwater hull cleaning can enhance vessel performance and protect it from the elements such as BMPs that will clean a vessel in such a way as to protect and preserve the bottom while causing minimal impact to the environment.

Ensure hull paint is properly applied and maintained to protect the hull from fouling organisms and thus improve your boats performance.

Wait 90 days after applying new bottom paint before underwater cleaning.

Schedule regular hull cleaning and maintenance to reduce the build up of hard marine growth and eliminate the need for hard scrubbing.

Regularly scheduled gentle cleaning will also increase the effectiveness of the antifouling hull paint and extend its useful life.

Use, or ask your hull cleaning/maintenance service to use, underwater hull cleaners’ best management practices. Ask your service to monitor the work of the divers that they hire or subcontract to ensure they are using BMPs.

Repair paint bonding problems at haul out to avoid further chipping and flaking paint in the water.

Use, or ask your diver to use, non-abrasive scrubbing agents, soft sponges or pieces of carpet to reduce the sloughing of paint and debris.

Boaters are encouraged to use boat hull cleaning companies and individuals that practice environmentally friendly methods.

Encourage divers to use different types of pads when necessary to properly maintain a vessel’s bottom paint (example: In many cases surfaces close to the waterline are more susceptible to higher growth rates therefore you need to use different pads in order to properly remove marine growth and corrosion. Likewise, a softer pad can be used for the rest of the vessel to maximize hull performance and optimize the lifespan of the paint.)

Boater should notify hull cleaner as to what type of bottom paint was used and when the bottom was last painted.

Debris

Proper waste handling and disposal are an integral part of the good housekeeping practices that must be implemented at all marinas. Waste should be managed in designated areas that are covered where feasible and/or designated to limit run-on and run-off and/or be located away from the storm water conveyance system. Wastes should also be stored in covered, leak-proof containers.

Boaters can prevent overboard disposal by returning everything not eaten to shore for disposal.

Boaters should remember what is put into the water should be something they would not mind swimming with.

Do not dump plastic or any other trash into the water.

Use dumpsters, trash receptacles and other approved containers to dispose of garbage and other waste.

When conducting in water hull or bottom cleaning, bring or ask your diver to bring the old zinc anodes to the shore for disposal or recycling.

Boat Sewage Discharge

Use of marine sanitation holding tanks in an improper manner can result in sewage entering the water. Both improperly installed marine sanitation devices and improper disposal practices (pumping overboard within three nautical miles of the nearest land) are illegal. Sewage from boats is more concentrated than that from either combined sewer overflows or sewage treatment plants because marine sanitation systems use little water for flushing. Boaters and marinas have a vested interest in clean waters, since the livelihood of marinas and recreational benefits boaters derive from the use of the waters are clearly linked to clean water.

Boater should report any illegal discharge of boat sewage to the marina office or appropriate agency.

Marine holding tanks should always be used properly.

Boaters should use environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies in order to help alleviate gray water concerns.

Boaters should never pump out any holding tank inside the three nautical mile limit.

Liquid Waste

Dirty oil can be recycled, cleaned and used again. Recycled used motor oil can reduce the threat of its entrance into storm drains and pollution of ground water and water bodies and/or it being poured into the ground or tossed into trash receptacles and polluting the soil. Adequate storage and disposal facilities are important if the used oil and variety of liquid materials boaters use and store on their vessels are to be kept out of the environment.

Dispose of used oil and filters in an approved collection station on shore.

Use oil-absorbent pads to soak up oily bilge water and dispose at an approved collection station.

Check for traces of oil before pumping out bilge.

Encourage boaters to encase replaced oil in a ridged container, oil filters in plastic bags, and use drip pans and absorbent pads while doing these replacements.

Clean bilges and remove loose containers of paint and oil based products before hauling vessel.

Know where the marina’s spill response equipment is stored.

Fish Waste

There is no on site fish cleaning. Dispose of unwanted bait offshore. Clean fish using proper fish cleaning practices.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous wastes generated by recreational boaters are considered household hazardous waste. Dispose of household hazardous waste in properly marked containers if provided by the marina or at the nearest appropriate site.