Georgia Dock Permit Requirements

Georgia's dock permitting system confuses many homeowners because the key document isn't called a "permit" at all — it's called a Revocable License. If you're building a dock that originates from property you own in Georgia, you almost certainly need one. Understanding what a Revocable License is, how it differs from a standard permit, and where it fits alongside the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act permit and Army Corps requirements is the key to navigating Georgia's system.

The Revocable License: Georgia's Core Dock Authorization

Georgia's Revocable License (RL) authority allows structures to occupy public trust lands and water bottoms — the state-owned submerged lands beneath Georgia's tidal and navigable waters. As the name implies, the license can be revoked if the permit holder doesn't comply with its conditions.

Coastal vs. Inland: Two Very Different Systems

Georgia's dock permitting splits clearly along geographic lines. If you're in one of the 11 coastal counties and your dock will be in or adjacent to tidal marshlands, coastal waters, or the state's estuaries, the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) in Brunswick is your primary agency. If you're inland on a freshwater lake or reservoir, different rules apply — typically through Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and potentially the Army Corps, depending on whether the water body is navigable.

Coastal Docks: The CRD Process

For coastal docks, the process involves two overlapping regulatory frameworks:

1. Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) Permit: Required for any project that impacts Georgia's jurisdictional marshlands and tidal water bodies. This includes docks, shoreline stabilization, marinas, bridges, and dredging. The CMPA permit is issued by CRD and requires a full application with site plans, photographs, and environmental impact information.

2. Revocable License: Issued as a standard component of the CMPA, Individual Dock Permit, and Bank Stabilization permit processes. For most individual dock projects in coastal Georgia, the Revocable License is bundled with the CMPA permit — you're not filing two separate applications. The RL authorizes the structure to occupy the state's public trust lands (the water bottoms beneath your dock).

The Army Corps Programmatic General Permit (PGP0083)

In all 11 Georgia coastal counties, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Savannah District) has issued a Programmatic General Permit (PGP0083) that streamlines the federal review for recreational docks. Under PGP0083, the Army Corps authorizes CRD to administer federal permit review concurrently with the state permit process — meaning you don't have to file separately with the Army Corps for most standard residential dock projects in coastal Georgia.

For questions specific to dock permits in Effingham, Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, or Long counties, the PGP Coordinator can be reached at (912) 266-3695. For McIntosh, Wayne, Glynn, Brantley, Camden, or Charlton counties, call (912) 266-0642.

How to Start the Georgia Coastal Dock Permit Process

Georgia's CRD specifically recommends beginning with a site visit — not with a paper application. Here's the recommended sequence:

Step 1: Contact CRD and Request a Site Visit

Call or email the CRD Brunswick office to describe your project and request a site visit with a local Permit Coordinator. The Permit Coordinator will visit your property, assess the proposed dock location, identify any environmental constraints, and guide you through the specific requirements for your project. This step is not optional — it's how Georgia's system is designed to work.

Step 2: Gather Application Materials

Based on the site visit, you'll know exactly what's required. Typical application materials include: a survey or site plan showing property boundaries and proposed dock location, photographs of the shoreline and marsh from multiple angles, and a description of dock dimensions and materials. For projects near or in marshlands, additional environmental information may be required.

Step 3: Submit Application to CRD

Submit the completed application to the CRD Brunswick office. For coastal docks that also require Army Corps review under PGP0083, your application materials go to the PGP Dock Permit Coordinator — CRD coordinates the Army Corps side of the review on your behalf for qualifying projects.

Step 4: Public Notice (for Larger Projects)

CMPA permits for larger or more complex projects may require a public notice period during which adjacent property owners and the public can comment. Simple single-family dock permits typically do not require extensive public notice, but the complexity of your project determines this.

Step 5: Permit and Revocable License Issuance

Once approved, your CMPA permit and Revocable License are issued together. Retain these documents permanently — they are required documentation if you ever modify the dock or sell your property.

Community Docks and Shared Structures

Applicants who want a single dock shared with more than four waterfront residents, or any non-waterfront residents, must use the full Individual Permit (IP) process rather than the standard CRD process. Community docks and any commercial marina arrangements also require an Individual Permit and potentially a submerged land lease. The base annual lease fee for for-profit marina facilities is set at $1,000 per acre (as of 2009, adjusted annually by CPI).

Existing Docks Built Before CRD Issued Permits

If your dock was built before CRD began issuing permits and has never been formally permitted, you still need a new permit if you want to modify it. CRD's position is explicit: pre-permit structures that have never been through the CRD process are not grandfathered in for modifications. A new permit application is required, and CRD will review the structure as part of that process to confirm it can be approved in its current form or with modifications.

Inland Georgia: Freshwater Lakes and Reservoirs

For Georgia property owners on inland lakes (Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee, Lake Hartwell, Lake Sinclair, and others), the permitting picture is different:

• Army Corps of Engineers: Many of Georgia's major inland lakes are Army Corps reservoirs. The Savannah and Mobile Districts regulate these waters, and dock construction typically requires a License Agreement or Permit from the managing Corps district.
• Georgia EPD: Water quality certifications and 401 permits may apply for projects that affect state waters.
• Lake management agencies: Georgia Power manages Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair under a FERC license; dock permits on these lakes go through Georgia Power's lake services department, not CRD.
• High Falls State Park Lake: Docks on this state park lake are governed by Georgia DNR Parks and Recreation's specific permit rules (Rule 391-5-12), which require compliance with the Department's standard design criteria and a revocable permit issued by the Park Director.

Agency Contacts — Georgia

Frequently Asked Questions — Georgia Dock Permits