Residential Dock Permitting Guide
If you’re a waterfront homeowner in the Okanagan or Shuswap regions, navigating the permitting requirements for a private dock can feel overwhelming. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know, from permissions and environmental requirements to helpful research links. Landmark Solutions is committed to helping you move through this process smoothly and confidently.
1. Do You Need a Permit?
The simple answer is yes, most residential docks in British Columbia require authorization from both the Province (for foreshore usage) and the Federal Government (for fish habitat considerations). Even small, low‑impact docks must follow approved environmental and construction standards. The good news is that most residential docks in the interior require a more simplified version called a General Permission authorization.
The following links list the General Permission guidelines for the Okanagan and greater Shuswap region:
Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD)
PROVINCIAL GENERAL PERMISSION FOR THE USE OF CROWN LAND
FOR PRIVATE MOORAGE2. Water Sustainability Act
Water Sustainability Act (WSA) – Activities carried out in or near water that require authorization under the Water Sustainability Act are typically submitted as a Notice of an Authorized Change through Front Counter BC. After the notice has been submitted and reviewed by a habitat officer, the proposed works may proceed 45 days later, provided that all applicable terms, conditions, and instructions are followed.
Projects with the potential for greater environmental disturbance or substantial changes to water flow, generally require an Approved Change under Section 11 (S11) of the Water Sustainability Act. These works must receive formal authorization before any construction or activity begins. Once approval has been issued, the project can move forward in accordance with the conditions outlined in the approval.
Whether you are doing a Notice of an Authorized Change or an Approved Change under S11 of the WSA, we recommend that you consult with a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) to ensure that you are taking the correct approach. Let use know if you need help finding a QEP. We would be more than happy to recommend a few in your area.
More information can be found here: User’s Guide for Changes In and About a Stream in British Columbia.
Crown Tenure Application
A Crown Land Tenure Application may be required when a proposed dock or moorage structure does not meet the Province’s General Permission guidelines, or when the project falls within specific regulated areas. Situations that typically require a tenure application include projects located within known archaeological sites, waterfront subdivisions, or designated application-only areas, as well as group moorage.
In many cases, private residential docks on Crown land in British Columbia can be constructed without submitting a formal tenure application, provided the design complies with the Province’s General Permission criteria. These standards are intended to reduce environmental disturbance and maintain public access along the foreshore.
Additional Resources:
Canada Navigable Waters Act
Minor Works – A formal approval is typically not required where a dock meets the criteria established for minor works. These conditions generally include maintaining a minimum 5 m setback from adjacent property boundaries, a 10 m separation from neighboring docks, and a dock length consistent with nearby structures within approximately 100 m.
If a proposed dock does not meet the minor works criteria, a Notice of Works application must be submitted to the Navigation Protection Program (NPP) for review. Construction may only proceed once the proposal has been assessed and any applicable requirements or approvals have been issued.
5. Helpful Contact Information and Research Links
Front Counter BC Kamloops for dock permit guidelines:
441 Columbia St, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T3
phone: 250-828-4131
email: FrontCounterBC.Kamloops@gov.bc.ca, www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca- Private Moorage – Freshwater Application Requirements Checklist
- Application Requirements Checklist
- Land Use Operational Policy Private Moorage
- Okanagan Large Lakes Foreshore Protocol
Transport Canada can be reached at 1-604-775-8867
You can also email Transport Canada.
Information is available on the federal Navigation Protection Program
Other agencies
Ready to start building?
If you’ve reviewed the guide and are ready to move forward, or if you have any questions or aren’t quite sure about anything, we can help!
Get in touch with us to discover what Landmark Solutions can do for you!
