Corps of Engineers dock permit: Shoreline Use Permits on Army Corps lakes

On Every Corps lake water, the lake operator is the real permit gate. Here is who issues it, the rules, the fees and the official sources — before you build or buy.

How to get the permit

• A Shoreline Use Permit is required for private structures of any kind (except boats) in the waters of a Corps lake, and for clearing vegetation on Corps land.
• Each lake has a Shoreline Management Plan. Private docks are allowed only in Limited Development Areas — never in Public Recreation or Protected Shoreline Areas.
• Apply on ENG Form 4264-R with plans and specifications to the lake's Resource Manager. Plans must be approved before construction starts.
• Separately, dredging, fill and fixed or combination fixed-floating structures are reviewed under Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 and Clean Water Act Section 404. The 2026 Nationwide Permits took effect March 15, 2026.

Size and placement rules

• Docks should not extend more than one-third of the way across a cove at normal pool.
• Private facilities may occupy no more than 50% of a Limited Development Area.
• Flotation must be warranted for at least 8 years. Plastic or metal drums are prohibited. Floats within 40 ft of a fuel line must resist water and fuel.
• Permits are normally issued for five years. Each lake's plan is reviewed at least every five years and can add stricter local rules.

Fees

• $10 for each new permit plus $5 a year for inspection of floating facilities, collected when the permit is issued (36 CFR 327.31).

Buying or selling a lake house

• Shoreline Use Permits are non-transferable. They become void on sale.
• Notify the Resource Manager before closing. The new owner must apply within 14 days or remove the facility within 30 days.

Other layers that can apply

• Town or county — zoning, shoreland and building permits.
• State — see the state page for your lake.
• Federal — Army Corps Section 10 / Section 404 where the work triggers them.

Official sources

36 CFR 327.30 — Shoreline Management (eCFR) · 36 CFR 327.31 — fees (eCFR) · 2026 Nationwide Permits (USACE) · Last verified 2026-10-29

Questions? Call 207-600-2705.

Preliminary regulatory path. Ask Dock.AI is an information tool, not a permitting authority. Rules change and every waterbody has its own owner and wrinkles. Confirm your project with the listed authority before you build. You pull your own permit; we show you the path. Ask Dock.AI is powered by Alummikon — engineered aluminum docks, stairs and waterfront access, built in Maine.