LCRA has put on hold construction of any floating habitable structures on the Highland Lakes due to concerns over the potential impact to water safety and quality. This moratorium applies to lakes Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls and Travis.

LCRA’s Board of Directors voted Oct. 20 to prohibit construction of these types of floating habitable structures, such as homes, residential developments, resorts and hotels, until Oct. 31, 2011, while staff develops recommendations for them.

“We are specifically talking about floating structures that contain commercial or domestic sleeping quarters such as homes, residential developments, resorts, hotels and other similar structures,” said Jim Richardson, manager of LCRA’s Water Surface Management Department. “This moratorium will give us time to develop recommendations for the Board to address the water quality and safety concerns associated with these structures.”

LCRA’s Highland Lakes Marina Ordinance and other LCRA regulations do not specifically address floating habitable structures. The moratorium does not apply to traditional residential boat docks or marina facilities that do not contain habitable structures.

In September, LCRA staff reported to the Board that rapid population growth, a trend toward changes in real estate use and the types of future development being considered on the Highland Lakes have the potential to impact water safety and water quality.

During the moratorium, staff will review the potential impacts of these structures and coordinate with other governmental entities with applicable jurisdiction.

Within a year, staff members will update the Board and may request an extension of the moratorium if they determine that a public-input process is appropriate based on the need for any potential ordinance amendments.