DEC Advises Securing Dock Permits Before Repair Work
Summary
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding residents and contractors to secure necessary permits before undertaking dock, pier, and bulkhead repair work. This advisory anticipates increased repair needs due to winter ice damage and aims to prevent construction delays and protect coastal environments.
What changed
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a notice advising individuals and contractors involved in dock, pier, and bulkhead repair work to obtain the necessary DEC permits prior to commencing any construction. This advisory is particularly relevant due to anticipated increased repair activity following winter ice damage. The DEC emphasizes that while minor repairs like replacing a few boards may not require a permit, more substantial changes such as adding or repositioning pilings typically do. The agency also highlights a Bulkhead General Permit (GP-1-22-001) for substantial repairs or replacements, which may have no application fee and minimal paperwork.
Compliance officers should ensure that any planned repair or construction work on shoreline structures in tidal wetland areas is reviewed for permit requirements. Failure to secure the correct permits can lead to significant disruptions, daily penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and potential orders for the removal of illegal structures. Furthermore, individuals with active permits must remember to submit the required notice of commencement before starting work and a notice of completion once the project is finished.
What to do next
- Verify permit requirements with DEC's Bureau of Marine Habitat Protection or Regional Permits office before starting dock, pier, or bulkhead repair work.
- Ensure contractors are aware of and comply with DEC permitting regulations.
- Submit notice of commencement and notice of completion for permitted work as required.
Penalties
Up to $10,000 per day per violation
Source document (simplified)
March 20, 2026
DEC Advises Securing Dock Permits Before Starting Repair Work
Prior DEC Approval May Help Avert Construction Delays
In anticipation of a busier than usual construction season due to winter’s damaging ice events, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminds residents to make certain that contractors or any individuals involved in dock, pier, and bulkhead work secure the proper DEC permits before beginning any construction or repairs. Obtaining the correct permits ahead of time can help streamline repair timelines and ensure necessary protection of the area’s coastal environment.
“Tidal wetlands are essential and sensitive habitats of vital importance to ecosystem protection, while also helping safeguard Long Island communities from flooding and wave action,” said DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas. “DEC understands the important balance needed between protecting our natural resources and property; we advise those with damaged shoreline structures caused by this year’s winter weather to check with DEC prior to starting repairs to ensure necessary permits are secured to protect our important wetlands.”
DEC advises all marine contractors, as well as dock and bulkhead owners, to contact either DEC’s Bureau of Marine Habitat Protection (MHP) or DEC’s Regional Permits office before starting any type of construction or repair work in a tidal wetlands area. Some work, such as adding an extra piling or repositioning pilings to new locations are the type of changes that significantly change the nature of a project. When changes like these are planned, a DEC permit is usually required before work can begin.
Re-driving existing pilings or replacing a few boards that were lifted or damaged by this winter’s ice flows is usually considered maintenance and repair, which does not typically require a DEC permit, but it is crucial to know the difference before beginning a project. Please note that substantial repair or replacement of lawfully existing bulkheads may be accomplished with no application fee and minimal paperwork through use of DEC’s Bulkhead General Permit: GP-1-22-001.
For information on obtaining DEC permits before beginning construction work in regulated tidal wetlands call (631) 444-0355 or email [email protected]. Specific inquiries regarding DEC’s tidal wetlands regulations can be directed to MHP at (631) 444-0295.
Obtaining required permits before starting work ensures that contractors, dock, and marina owners, are not subject to disruptions to their work schedules, and avoids enforcement that may lead to penalties (which can be as high as $10,000 per day per violation) and potential removal of an illegal structure.
Individuals with active DEC permits to perform construction or maintenance activities on existing docks or bulkheads must remember to send DEC the notice of commencement which comes with each tidal wetlands permit, prior to starting to notify DEC that work is being undertaken in each area. Once projects are finished, a notice of completion must also be sent to DEC as specified in the permit.
Contact for this Page Press Office
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Albany, NY 12233
Phone: 518-402-8000 [email protected] This Page Covers Region 1 - Long Island Icon
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