Chatham County, GA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Section 20-201 adopts the International Building Code and the other Standard Codes as the regulations governing the construction of buildings and other structures in the County, and a private dock counts as a structure subject to that chapeau; it is unlawful to erect one in violation of, or without complying with, the adopted codes. Section 20-316 sets the fee mechanism specifically for docks: the fee for the construction of each dock is paid in accordance with Article "T" of the County Revenue ordinance, so the dollar figure lives in the separate Revenue ordinance rather than the building chapter itself.

As with other building permits, a dock permit becomes invalid if construction does not begin within 180 days of issuance, or if the work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after starting, subject to Director-granted extensions consistent with the International Building Code (section 20-307). A $30 re-inspection fee applies each time the Director's office must return because prior corrections were not made or the dock was not ready when called (section 20-306), and a separate non-refundable plan review fee is charged at plan submission (section 20-304). If the Director believes a submitted dock valuation is understated, the Director determines the construction value used to calculate the fee (section 20-203).

Decisions of the Director on a dock permit can be appealed in writing within five days, accompanied by a $100 fee, to the nine-member Board of Adjustments and Appeals; the Board must rule within 30 days or the Director's decision is deemed sustained (section 20-203).