Docks & Boat Lifts

Dock & Boat Lift Requirements

According to the DNR, no permit is needed to install, construct, or reconstruct your dock on shoreline property you own if you comply with the following:

-A dock is a narrow platform or structure extending toward the water from the shoreline. A dock may provide access to moored watercraft or deeper water for swimming, skiing, and other recreation.

-The structure, other than a watercraft lift or watercraft canopy, is not more than 8 feet wide and is not combined with other similar structures so as to create a larger structure.

-The dock is no longer than needed to achieve its intended use, including reaching navigable water depth.

-The structure is not a hazard to navigation, health, or safety.

-The structure will allow the free flow of water beneath it.

-The structure is not used or intended as a marina.

-The structure is consistent with the guidelines of the local unit of government.

-Docks placed on rock-filled cribs are located only on waters where the bed is predominantly bedrock.

For more information and specifications, visit the following resouce links:

Docks and Access in Public Waters (Fact Sheet)

 

According to the DNR, no permit is needed to install, construct, or reconstruct your dock on shoreline property you own if you comply with the following:

  • A dock is a narrow platform or structure extending toward the water from the shoreline. A dock may provide access to moored watercraft or deeper water for swimming, skiing, and other recreation.
  • The structure, other than a watercraft lift or watercraft canopy, is not more than 8 feet wide and is not combined with other similar structures so as to create a larger structure.
  • The dock is no longer than needed to achieve its intended use, including reaching navigable water depth.
  • The structure is not a hazard to navigation, health, or safety.
  • The structure will allow the free flow of water beneath it.
  • The structure is not used or intended as a marina.
  • The structure is consistent with the guidelines of the local unit of government.
  • Docks placed on rock-filled cribs are located only on waters where the bed is predominantly bedrock.

For more information and specifications:

For more information visit the Minnesota DNR’s page on docks.