dock design & dock permits

Floating docks are the most traditional dock design. A floating dock is a platform that is supported by the water and held in place by poles, moorings, or stiff-arms. Most floating dock designs include a hinged gangway (aka ramp) for access from a fixed structure or land. The deck of a floating dock is always close to the water surface, which makes stepping into and out of boats and launching/retrieving kayaks convenient. A floating dock permit can be approved by one of DEEP's coastal permits for new structures.

Fixed docks are an alternative to floating docks at sites that are exposed to wind-generated waves, large boat wakes, and/or have shallow water. Fixed docks typically have no moving parts and are supported by piles or columns that are driven into the marine bottom. Most fixed docks include ladders to provide access to/from boats and other accessories such as a boat lift, boat davit, or mooring whips to assist with securing a boat. A fixed dock permit can be approved by one of DEEP's coastal permits for new structures. 

Marsh boardwalks that lead to both fixed docks and floating docks are often necessary to provide safe access through and over a tidal wetland/marsh system. Boardwalks typically are narrow and/or are outfitted with open-grated decking to increase light penetration to the underlying protected tidal wetland plants. Marine construction of marsh boardwalks normally requires land-based equipment and hand-held tools. A marsh boardwalk permit can be approved by one of DEEP's coastal permits for new structures. 

Boat lifts are an accessory component to a dock, bulkhead, or seawall that stores a boat out of the water. Boat lifts are powered by electricity and come in a variety of sizes capable of supporting wave runners, dinghies, and large boats weighing tens of thousands of pounds. Some boat lift designs allow direct installation to a bulkhead or seawall, but more commonly in Connecticut, alongside a floating dock or fixed dock. A boat lift permit can be approved by one of DEEP's coastal permits for existing or new structures.

Boat davits are an accessory component to a dock, bulkhead, or seawall that stores a small boat or dinghy out of the water. Boat davits are powered by either hand-winch or electricity and come in a variety of lifting capacities depending on the intended use. Boat davits are an economical way to store small boats out of the water to prevent damage and marine growth. A boat davit permit can be approved by one of DEEP's coastal permits for existing or new structures.

Boat tie-off piles are an accessory component to a floating dock or fixed dock that provide outboard tie-off points for a boat. Tie-off piles are often needed at sites with wind-generated waves and boat wakes so that boats are free to move without banging against the dock. Tie-off piles are enhanced with the addition of vertical tide-slides that provide floating tie-off points. A permit to install tie-off piles can be approved by one of DEEP's coastal permits for new structures. 

Many dock structures extend over sensitive tidal wetland vegetation or into areas exposed to wind driven waves that require thoughtful material selection. One common solution is to use open-grate decking that increases light penetration to underlying vegetation and decreases resistance to flooding and wave energy. The use of open-grate decking, such as ThruFlow Premium Decking, is often required by regulatory agencies when an elevated boardwalk or pier extends over tidal marsh. In addition to the environmental and structural benefits, this type of decking is also durable and low maintenance.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District (aka USACE, ACOE, NAE, Army Corps) is the lead federal agency responsible for regulating docks in waters of the United States, which often covers the same jurisdiction as the CT-DEEP. Shore Design understands the Army Corps dock permitting process and can help navigate this important step in the approval process

Cities, town, and some associations in Connecticut often regulate docks through coastal site plan approvals or special permits, which are types of zoning permits. In addition, some municipalities require building permits. These local approvals typically come after state and federal coastal permits have been issued. Because dock permitting requirements vary across municipalities, it is a good practice to confirm if approvals are required by reviewing the current zoning regulations and/or consulting directly with the land use department. Shore Design understands local dock permitting and can navigate this final step in the approval process.