Thinking about refreshing your backyard on the water in McCormick Ranch? You want a clean, resort-like setting that feels effortless, but you also need to stay within community rules and local permits. The good news is you can do both with the right plan. In this guide, you will learn the key approvals, design choices, and timelines so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Know the decision makers
Your project will touch more than one set of rules. In McCormick Ranch, the homeowners association and its Architectural Review Committee often set the most specific standards for everything you see from the lake. City of Scottsdale departments review permits for building, grading, drainage, and sometimes floodplain. In some cases, county or state requirements can also apply, especially for stormwater or water quality.
Always start by reviewing your CC&Rs and the HOA design guidelines. Then confirm what the City of Scottsdale will require for your scope. Finally, check your recorded plat and any easements that might limit what you can build near the shoreline.
Start with your HOA ARC
Your HOA ARC is usually the first checkpoint and the most detailed. Expect rules about size, materials, colors, lighting, and how your design fits the community look. The ARC can also clarify whether the shoreline is private property or common area and what improvements are allowed at the water’s edge.
Confirm City of Scottsdale permits
Scottsdale may require building permits for structures, grading or drainage permits for yard rework, and trade permits for electrical or plumbing tied to outdoor kitchens or lighting. If your design changes how stormwater flows, you should expect to show how you are protecting the lake.
Check plats and easements early
Your current survey and recorded plat help you confirm property lines and any bulkhead or setback line along the water. Easements can limit new structures at the edge. If a shoreline is recorded as common area, your changes there may be limited to maintenance or approved cosmetic upgrades.
Docks and moorings rules
Private docks in planned community lakes are often tightly controlled. Some neighborhoods allow small, low-profile floating docks. Others do not allow private docks at all. Your HOA ARC rules will tell you where your property stands.
What you can build
Look for clear guidance on whether docks, lifts, or mooring posts are permitted. If allowed, you will likely find rules for overall size and how far a dock can project from your property line. There can also be setbacks from side lot lines or neighboring docks to protect views and navigation.
Size, setbacks, materials
Expect maximum square footage and width limits. Many associations prefer low-rise floating designs over heavy fixed systems. Materials are often restricted to natural or neutral tones. Composite decking and aluminum framing may be allowed, while finishes are chosen to blend with the surroundings.
Lighting and safety
Docks usually require low-glare lighting aimed downward to avoid spillover onto neighbors. Safety features such as non-slip surfaces, cleats, and life ring locations can be part of the standards. Keep anything tall or reflective off the lake side to maintain a calm, resort-like view.
Shoreline and edge treatments
The line where your yard meets the lake is sensitive for both aesthetics and water quality. Many lakes have a defined edge that is recorded on the plat or reserved as common area. Your ability to add or replace rock, rip-rap, or small retaining elements depends on the HOA and sometimes the city.
Ownership and common areas
First, confirm whether the edge is private or common. That answer will determine your maintenance obligations and what you can change. If it is a common area, the HOA will usually define what you can maintain or refresh and where you need approval for more substantial work.
Stabilization and vegetation
Stability and erosion control come before style. Plan graded slopes that resist undermining and use geotextile underlay beneath rock where needed. Natural boulders, stacked stone, or engineered rip-rap are common palettes. Native or low-input plants help hold soil and protect water quality with less fertilizer.
Irrigation and chemicals
Adjust irrigation so water does not run into the lake. Drip lines and moisture sensors can help. Expect restrictions or best-practice guidance on fertilizers, herbicides, and detergents to keep the lake healthy. Choose plantings that thrive without heavy chemical use.
Hardscape near the water
Backyard patios, steps, walkways, and pools define your lifestyle on the water, but they also impact drainage. Your design should manage stormwater first, then layer in the resort touches that fit McCormick Ranch.
Impervious cover and drainage
Use permeable pavers or jointed systems to allow infiltration and reduce runoff. A grading and drainage plan is often required to show water moving away from the lake or through treatment areas. Bioswales and small filtration strips can reduce nutrient loading that fuels algae.
Low-profile, resort look
Choose warm, natural materials and keep structures low. Flagstone and natural-tone pavers blend well with the neighborhood character. Add softscape buffers between hardscape and the lake so the edge feels green and integrated. Keep boat traffic, glare, and noise low for a relaxed lakeside setting.
Equipment, lighting, noise
Screen pool pumps and equipment from lake views and meet any HOA noise limits. Exterior lighting should be shielded, aimed down, and placed on timers. Speakers and other features should be set to avoid nuisance to neighbors and wildlife.
Permits and process
A smooth process starts with a clean set of documents and realistic timelines. Allow time for HOA review before you submit for city permits.
Pre-application steps
- Order a current survey that shows lot lines, easements, the lake edge, and any bulkhead or setback line.
- Pull your CC&Rs, HOA design guidelines, and recorded plat to confirm what is allowed at the edge.
- Contact the HOA ARC for application forms, submittal checklists, fees, and review timelines.
- Confirm City of Scottsdale permits for building, grading, drainage, and any electrical or plumbing.
- Map utilities and existing drainage patterns before you design.
Approval sequence and timelines
Most projects go to the HOA ARC first. City permits typically follow, and structural or grading work may require stamped plans by a licensed contractor or engineer. HOA review often takes 2 to 8 weeks. Municipal permitting can run 2 to 12 or more weeks depending on complexity and resubmittals. Plan for inspection sign-offs at the end.
What you will submit
- A scaled site plan showing proposed work, setbacks, and the lake edge
- Construction details for docks, retaining walls, foundations, and drainage elements
- Material samples, color boards, and fixture photos
- Contractor licenses, insurance, and design professional information
- An erosion and sediment control plan for the construction phase
Budget and fees
Include design fees for a landscape architect or engineer as needed. Add HOA application fees and any city permit and inspection fees. Build in contingency for resubmittals or added engineering if your shoreline needs extra stabilization.
Technical and safety musts
Waterfront work carries responsibilities for drainage, stability, and safe access. Planning for these early will save time and protect your investment.
Drainage and stormwater
Your top technical goal is to prevent runoff, sediment, and nutrients from reaching the lake. Use permeable materials, add small infiltration features, and confirm any limits on infiltration near home foundations. Direct water away from the shoreline where possible.
Erosion control
If you regrade or replace a bulkhead or rock edge, use engineered details that protect your lot and do not undermine neighbors. During construction, plan for silt fences and turbidity controls to keep sediment out of the water.
Electrical and code compliance
Any electrical work near the water needs a licensed electrician and code-compliant GFCI protection and conduit. Follow HOA placement and screening rules for equipment, and confirm discharge rules for any pumps or backwash systems.
Neighbor-friendly design
Design for safety with non-slip surfaces and railings where required. Keep lighting discreet, avoid bright spill across the water, and maintain clear access along shared edges if your HOA requires it. The goal is a calm waterfront experience for everyone.
Pre-project checklist
- Get a current property survey with the shoreline or bulkhead line and all easements
- Confirm private vs. common shoreline and allowable work in your CC&Rs and guidelines
- Request the HOA ARC application packet and submittal requirements
- Verify City of Scottsdale permit needs for building, grading, drainage, and trades
- Walk the site with a landscape architect or engineer with waterfront experience
- Prepare a complete submittal set with site plan, elevations, materials, and erosion control
- Budget time for two or more review cycles and all inspections
- Coordinate neighbor notifications or landscape transitions if your HOA suggests or requires it
Work with a concierge partner
If you are remodeling with long-term value in mind, align your design and approvals with your future market goals. A thoughtful plan that manages drainage, uses natural materials, and respects community rules will look better and sell better when the time comes. For guidance on positioning your waterfront property or planning a future listing, schedule a private consultation with a managing partner at America One Luxury Real Estate.
FAQs
Can I build a private dock in McCormick Ranch?
- It depends on your HOA’s CC&Rs and ARC guidelines. Some neighborhoods allow small, low-profile docks, while others prohibit private docks. Confirm HOA rules first, then any city permit needs.
How close to the water can I build hardscape?
- Setbacks vary by recorded plat, HOA rules, and city zoning or grading requirements. Verify your survey and guidelines before you finalize patio edges, steps, or retaining walls.
Who maintains the shoreline edge at my lot?
- Maintenance depends on whether the shoreline is part of your lot or a recorded common area. Your CC&Rs or plat notes will specify responsibilities.
Do I need engineering for my project?
- Structural elements such as docks, retaining walls, or significant grading usually require engineering. Smaller cosmetic updates may be reviewed with a landscape plan for the HOA.
What plants and fertilizers are allowed near the lake?
- Expect guidance that favors native or low-input plants and limits fertilizers and chemicals to protect water quality. Adjust irrigation to prevent runoff into the lake.
