Berkeley, CA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- BMC Ch. 6.20 (Ord. 6925-NS, 2006)
- Permit issuer
- Harbormaster, Berkeley Marina
- Application
- Written form plus current vessel registration
- Fees
- Set by City Council resolution
- Late fee
- 10% added after the fifteenth
- Cancellation notice
- 30 days written to Harbormaster
- Extra compliance
- BCDC Permit No. 5-79 conditions
Summary
Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 governs berth permits at the City-owned Berkeley Marina on San Francisco Bay. Section 6.20.030 requires every boat owner to apply on a Harbormaster-issued form and show current vessel registration before a berthing permit issues, with applications granted in the order received. Monthly fees, 30-day cancellation notice and BCDC compliance apply once a permit is granted.
Application for berths in the marina shall be made upon forms furnished by the Harbormaster and shall be granted in the order received to qualified applicants. Current vessel registration, or evidence showing the applicant has legal authority to occupy, use and incur charges to the vessel, must be presented to the Harbormaster before a permit to berth vessel will be issued. All part-owners' names must appear on the application, which may be amended, in writing, at any time.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 8031-NS, passed July 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
20 of the Municipal Code (Ord. 6925-NS, 2006; Ord. 6645-NS, 2001). 020(C) makes clear that vessels may berth only with the Harbormaster's permission, and the Harbormaster can assign, reassign or require a vessel moved to a different berth on 72 hours' notice. 030 requires an application on forms furnished by the Harbormaster, current vessel registration or documented legal authority to use the vessel, and the names of all part-owners; permits go to qualified applicants strictly in the order applications are received. 040 sets berthing fees by City Council resolution based on vessel or berth length, due monthly in advance and delinquent on the fifteenth, with a 10% administrative fee added to late payments; the City must give 30 days' written notice before raising fees.
060, though the Harbormaster can shorten that if the City suffers no financial loss, or cancel a permit outright for a chapter violation or unpaid charges. 010(K) as a berth held under a lease or license giving exclusive long-term control to someone other than the City, distinct from the regular public berths the Harbormaster assigns. All marina permittees must also comply with BCDC Permit No. 280, and unpaid berthing fees become a lien on the vessel enforceable under the state Boaters Lien Law.
Violations & Fines
Unpaid or delinquent berthing charges trigger a 10% administrative fee under Section 6.20.040(C), and charges delinquent 20 days or more let the City post a delinquency notice and secure the vessel under Section 6.20.050. The Harbormaster can cancel a berth permit after 30 days' written notice for any chapter violation or continuous late payment under Section 6.20.060(C), or immediately if a vessel poses a danger to persons or property, with unpaid fees becoming a lien enforceable through vessel sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a berth at the Berkeley Marina?
Can the City raise my Berkeley Marina berthing fee?
What if I stop paying my Berkeley Marina berth fees?
Is a private lease dock the same as a Marina berth permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
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