Docking Structures and Shoreline Stabilization
Permitting and best practices for shoreline stabilization and docking structures.
Natural resources such as lakes and ponds are the foundation for many activities that drive New Hampshire's economy. Unregulated excavation, construction and vegetation removal can put protected shoreland areas at risk. State statute RSA 482-A and administrative rules regulate shoreline stabilization, docking structures and other dredging, filling or placing of structures in tidal and fresh waters and associated banks.
New docking structures, including seasonal and permanent docks as well as boat and jet-ski lifts, require wetlands permits. Repairs and modifications may also require wetlands permits.
Avoidance and Minimization
Avoidance and minimization play a critical role in wetlands permitting and healthy wetlands management.
Check out our fact sheet on avoidance and minimization
Registered Dock Owners: Save Time and Money
Voluntary registration is an alternative to getting a permit for every repair or replacement of existing docks. It also offers an easier way to prove compliance with certain state statutes and rules, for property transfers that include docking structures.
Permitting for Private, Non-Commercial Freshwater Docking Structures
All new docking structures, including seasonal and permanent docking structures, as well as all boat and jet-ski lifts, require wetlands permits. Repair and modification of docking structures can also require wetlands permits.
Shoreline Stabilization Projects in Non-Tidal Areas
Projects involving shoreline stabilization, including vegetative stabilization, bioengineering, rip-rap, and retaining walls, must meet specific requirements. For example, a retaining wall cannot be built for shoreline stabilization if stabilization can be achieved through the planting of vegetation.
Docking structures in tidal waters have unique requirements that inform their design. You must build them to accommodate the rise and fall of the tide. They also must be able to withstand wave energy and winter ice flow. The fact sheet in the link below gives an overview of some permits required for residential tidal docks.
Coastal Projects
Projects that might impact tidal wetlands or work within the 100-foot upland tidal buffer zone must consider resiliency in the face of future flood risks and sea level rise projections.
Protected Shoreland
As communities grow and landscape changes, the quality of our public waters depends on managing vegetation and development within the “protected shoreland.”
Paperless permitting benefits include the ability to pay by credit card or electronic check.
