Sacramento County, CA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max boats per dock
- 3, side-tie or one berth
- Max shoreline length
- 60 ft or half lot width
- Max river extension
- 40 feet at MLLW
- Docks per parcel
- 1 (pre-March 1, 1994 parcels)
- Newer parcels
- Use Permit required
Summary
Private boat docks on Delta waterways are allowed by right only if they meet strict size and siting limits; docks that don't meet those standards need a Conditional Use Permit.
Maximum length along the shoreline shall not exceed one half the width of the lot or 60 feet, whichever is less.
Swimming floats will be permitted that are capable of being removed from the floodway during the flood season.
Docks shall be side tie or one berth and shall accommodate no more than three boats of any size at any one time.
Docks shall be limited to one per parcel that was in existence prior to March 1, 1994. Private docks may be considered by Use Permit for new parcels created after March 1, 1994, when the new parcels are consistent with existing zoning. The purpose of the Use Permit is to review the cumulative impacts of docks on through navigation, levee stability, and riparian habitat and to consider evolving policies on waterways use from the state and local studies.
Boat docks, swim floats, and fishing piers shall not extend more than 40 feet into the river at MLLW.
4.9.3.D. Building Pad Requirements Section titled “4.9.3.D. Building Pad Requirements”
The type of fill for the pad is to be approved by the Department of Water Resources.
Trees exceeding nine inches in diameter may not be removed except when located in an area needed for the building pad.
4.9.3.E. Elevation and Floodproofing Requirements Section titled “4.9.3.E. Elevation and Floodproofing Requirements”
Full Breakdown
In the Delta Waterways (DW) zoning district, a private boat dock, swim float, or fishing pier is a permitted use only if it meets Zoning Code Section 4.9.3.C: no more than one dock per pre-1994 parcel, side-tie or one-berth design holding no more than three boats, shoreline length capped at half the lot width or 60 feet (whichever is less), and no more than 40 feet of extension into the river at MLLW. A dock on a post-1994 parcel, or one that exceeds these limits, requires a Conditional Use Permit reviewed for impacts on navigation, levee stability, and riparian habitat.
Violations & Fines
Building or operating a dock without meeting Section 4.9.3.C standards or a required Use Permit is a Zoning Code violation; each day it continues is a separate misdemeanor offense under Section 6.6.9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a private dock in unincorporated Sacramento County?
How far can a private dock extend into the river?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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