Georgia is proposing new rules governing private docks built over state-owned tidal waters along the coast.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources wants the Board of Natural Resources to adopt a new set of rules covering how private docks are built, rebuilt, modified and maintained. The proposed rules would also establish procedures for inspecting docks and enforcing the standards.
The proposal replaces rules that were repealed in 2013. DNR officials previously presented the proposal to the Coastal Committee in June, when the public was given an opportunity to comment. The current version incorporates changes made in response to that feedback.
Among other things, the revised rules address standards for new docks, maintenance of existing docks, requests for exceptions to the rules, transferring dock licenses to new owners, inspections and penalties for violations.
The rules apply to private docks located over state-owned tidal water bottoms that qualify for exemptions under Georgia's Coastal Marshlands Protection Act. Under the proposal, property owners would obtain a revocable license from DNR for construction, reconstruction or modification of qualifying private docks, as well as certain maintenance work.
For coastal property owners, one of the most important parts of the proposal is that existing docks will also be subject to standards and inspections. The rules are intended to give DNR a formal process for determining whether docks comply with state requirements and for dealing with docks that don't.
The proposal is still in the public-comment stage, so the rules could change before they are adopted.
Written comments must be postmarked by September 30, 2026. Email comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. that day. Comments should be concise and limited to the proposed dock rules.
Comments may be mailed to:
Coastal Resources Division
Attn: Jill Andrews
One Conservation Way
Brunswick, GA 31520
Email comments can be sent to crd.comments@dnr.ga.gov.
The Board of Natural Resources is scheduled to consider the proposed rules at 9 a.m. on October 27, 2026, at the DNR Boardroom, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 1252 East, Atlanta.
More information, including the proposed rules and supporting material, is available at CoastalGaDNR.org/DockRules.