Piers
Piers are a standard feature on urban waterfronts, providing access to boats and recreational and commercial maritime activities. But from an environmental perspective, there is evidence that piers and docks reduce light penetration, alter patterns of water flow, and negatively impact marine life.
The permitting of small residential piers meeting certain requirements can be expedited through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation through a Standard Activity Permit. Application requirements for construction of piers for boat docking are provided in this section.
Piers Project Details
- Permits You’ll Need
- Project-Specific Requirements
Overall Project Guidelines
- 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.]
- Fixed structures and piers where boats are moored should 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 MLLW 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 pier/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 Pier Projects
NYS DEC’s Drawing Checklist for Piers (Dock) Projects 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 Pier Projects
A Dock Application Supplement Form D-2 is required by 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 open pile catwalks and docks
