Floating Dock
The size and use of a floating dock will determine your application requirements for obtaining a waterfront permit.
The permitting of small residential floating docks can be expedited by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through a Standard Activity Permit, provided the dock meets size restrictions. Any floating dock designed for the mooring of boats must be located in a minimum water depth sufficient to support boating and must meet strict design standards and survey requirements.
Floating Dock Project Details
- Permits You’ll Need
- Project-Specific Requirements
Overall Project Requirements
- If there is a possibility that a float could sit on the bottom of the waterway, the structure should be chocked at a minimum of 18 inches.
- Any docks/piers/catwalks that pass through a vegetated wetland to access a float should be constructed at an elevation of 4.5 feet over grade.
- Any docks extending into navigable waters should not extend beyond 25% of the width of the waterway (including the width/length of boats moored at the structure) to allow for safe navigation.]
- Floating docks where boats are moored must be located in a minimum water depth of -2.5 feet at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). It’s essential that you accurately determine water depth at your proposed site.
- All depths must be certified and prepared by a NYS licensed Land Survey using either a standard bathymetric survey method, or measurements taken at Mean Low Low Water with a sounding pole or survey rod.
Project Description
Your project description must explain why it is necessary to build in the chosen area, and include:
- A long-term maintenance program
- Proof that the construction of the dock is not likely to cause any measurable increase in erosion at the development site or other location; and that it prevents or minimizes adverse effects to natural protective features, existing erosion protection structures, and natural resources such as significant fish and wildlife habitats.
Guidelines on Drawing Information/Content for Dock Projects
See NYS DEC’s Drawing Checklist for Docks for a list of what to include on each drawing listed below:
- Drawing Set Cover Sheet (recommended for projects with numerous drawings)
- Site Location & Vicinity Map
- Site Photos and Photo Location Map
- Existing Site Conditions Map
- Proposed Site/Project Plan
- Cross Sections and Details
Supplement Form for Larger Dock Projects
A Dock Application Supplement Form D-2 is required by the NYS DEC for:
- Floating dockage of more than five boats
- Facility perimeter over 4,000 square feet
- Agency Contacts
- Resources
Extract:
Tidal Wetlands Guidance Document: Residential Catwalks and Docks
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Permitting guidance on standards for residential docks, including floating docks
