Dock and Shoreline Structure Permits Procedures

Docks and shoreline structures require building permits for construction. Dock related structures include boatlifts, boat davits, boathouses, fishing piers, boardwalks and mooring pilings. Shoreline related structures include seawalls, riprap rock revetments and other erosion control structures. Dredging is also permitted through the same procedure. Questions regarding the dock shoreline procedures can be answered by an Environmental Sciences staff person.

[Find a Section of the Dock and Shoreline Structure Permits Procedure Here] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submittal Requirements Add. Submittal Reqs. For: All Structures In Natural Waterbodies Add. Submittal Reqs. For: Commercial, Industrial And Multi-Family Residential Projects Building Permits Review And Permit Related Fees Final Inspections

Printable version of Submittal Requirements

1. One (1) completed application form, including directions to the site.  
2. One (1) copy of an aerial photograph with property boundaries indicated.

Note: Aerial photographs can be purchased at the Lee County Property Appraiser's Office which is located at 2480 Thompson Street (the black building at the corner of Fowler Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard -- telephone number is (239) 339-6100. The mapping office is located on the 3rd floor in Room 370. A 1996 aerial photograph costs $5.00 for the first one and $2.00 for each additional copy.

3. Three (3) copies of a site plan (looking down at the site).

Site plan is best drawn to scale. A property boundary survey works well as a base map for the site plan. The site plan must include the following, as applicable:

• Property boundaries
• Width of parcel at waterbody
• Width of waterbody
• Description of shoreline, including vegetation
• Existing structures in or adjacent to waterbody
• Distance structure extends into waterbody posed structures in or adjacent to waterbody with side setbacks shown
• Water depths at structures referenced to mean low water (MLW)

4. Three (3) copies of plan view - construction drawings.

Plan view - construction drawings must include all dimensions necessary to compute dimensions, including square footage of all proposed structures. The construction drawings must include the size and type materials proposed to be used. Examples of materials that require specifications include pilings (length/diameter), dimensional lumber, fasteners (bolts/nails) and size/quantity of steel in concrete.

One (1) copy of the written authorization or exemption from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is required for structures or repairs of structures proposed in natural waterbodies. Under an agreement executed in 1998, the DEP has received delegation of authority to issue specific ACOE approvals.

One (1) copy of the executed written authorization or exemption from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is required for all commercial, industrial and multi-family residential structures. All construction drawings associated with these projects must include sealed construction drawings by a professional engineer (P.E.) or registered architect.

The building permit board and approved plans must be posted prior to beginning work and remain on the site until the final inspection has been approved.  Failure to have plans or permit board posted during inspection will result in a failed inspection and additional re-inspection fee.

Payment of the plan review fee is required at time of permit application submittal.  Payment of the building fee is required when the approved permit is obtained.  The fees are as follows:

Plan Review Fees

Building Permit Fees

Final inspections of dock and shoreline structures must be requested within 6 months from date of building permit issuance.  If an inspection has not been completed within 6 months the permit will expire and re-issuance will be required to complete the project.  Inspections can be easily requested through the 24 hour automated permit inspection system as follows:

• Call automated permit inspection system telephone at (239) 335-2305.
• Press "1" for an inspection, Press "2" to cancel an inspection.
• Enter building permit #.
• Enter Inspection type #:
  • 118 - Dock and Shoreline structure final
  • 304 - Electric (for boatlifts, lights, outlets)
  • 201 - Plumbing (Hose bibs)
  • 501 - Roof - dry In (for boathouses)
  • 503 - Roof - final (for boathouses)
• Receive confirmation number (it is recommended to retain the confirmation number until inspection is complete).

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