Last reviewed October 18, 2026 by Sean McConnell, Team Leader, McConnell Group
Where are the floating homes in Portage Bay?
Portage Bay sits east of Lake Union, by the University Bridge area and SR 520. Floating homes line Fuhrman Ave E and Portage Bay Pl E. The Floating Homes Association lists Portage Bay among the main floating home areas in Seattle.
Docks here run out from the street into the bay. Source: Floating Homes Association: Locations
Floating homes or houseboats? What you'll find here
Houseboats of Seattle says most Seattle floating homes are on Eastlake and Portage Bay, while most houseboats are on Westlake and Northlake. Source: Houseboats of Seattle FAQ A recent Portage Bay houseboat listing was a FOWR (City number 730), so both types are present here. Check whether a listing is a floating home or a FOWR before anything else.
Moorage types on these docks
Check it dock by dock. Recent floating home listings here showed HOA dues covering common area, sewer, trash and water, which points to co-op or condo moorage. The houseboat example showed a monthly slip fee plus a liveaboard fee, which points to a leased slip.
Getting around
The area is near the University Bridge and SR 520. Parking varies by dock, and some docks lease it separately, so ask what each dock offers.
A dated example
Recent dues and slip fee examples, with dates, are in the guide.
Rules that apply on every dock
Seattle code sets a few rules for every floating residence, wherever it sits. Each verified residence has a unique 3-digit City number it must display. No floating residence may be used as a short-term rental under 30 nights (SMC 23.42.060). Floating homes need direct sewer and water connections, must have been legally established or permitted by June 15, 2015, and need an SDCI permit before exterior repair, remodel, expansion or rebuild.
A FOWR is a vessel or other floating structure used mainly as a residence, with detachable utilities, and its owner must have held marina space since before July 1, 2014. Because no new floating homes are being added, supply in Portage Bay stays limited, and it helps to have financing and insurance arranged before the right home is listed. Source: SDCI Tip 229 Source: RCW 90.58.270, Washington State Legislature Source: Seattle SDCI: Floating Residences Source: Lake Life Seattle: Floating Home Buying Guide (2026)
What to check before you buy here
Each dock has its own rules, budget and float condition.