Hanover County, VA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Section 10-33 defines a water-dependent facility as a development that cannot exist outside a Resource Protection Area (RPA) and must sit on the shoreline because of how it operates. The list names ports, intake and outfall structures, beaches, fisheries facilities, and marinas and other boat docking structures, so a private pier or boat dock falls in this category. Under § 10-35 the RPA covers tidal wetlands, nontidal wetlands contiguous to tidal wetlands or perennial water bodies, tidal shores, and a vegetated buffer at least 100 feet wide landward of those features and along both sides of any water body with perennial flow.

Section 10-40(a) allows land development in an RPA only if the Director approves it as conforming with all other federal, state, and local law and it is water-dependent, redevelopment, a new use under a permitted encroachment, a road or driveway crossing, or a flood control or stormwater facility. A dock qualifies as water-dependent, but the facility must also not conflict with the county comprehensive plan, must meet the article's performance criteria, must keep every non-water-dependent component outside RPAs, and must reach the water with the minimum land disturbance necessary, through a single point of access where practicable.

Any land disturbance in the RPA requires a Water Quality Impact Assessment (WQIA) prepared by a qualified professional and approved by the Director. Under § 10-42 a major WQIA is required when a project disturbs any portion of the RPA, and it lists wetlands disturbed, fill source, dredge material, limits of disturbance, and every permit required by other agencies. Under § 10-39(c) the applicant must show evidence of all required wetlands permits before grading or other on-site work begins.

The 100-foot buffer cannot be reduced in width. Section 10-40(b)(3) lets the Director approve removal of indigenous vegetation for reasonable sight lines and access paths on an application and plan. Removed trees must be replaced, and any path must be surfaced to control erosion. Shoreline stabilization must use a living shoreline unless the best available science shows it is unsuitable.

Before a land-disturbing or building permit issues, § 10-52 requires a performance bond, cash escrow, or letter of credit that stays in place for at least two growing seasons. Review fees follow a schedule the Board of Supervisors adopts by resolution under § 10-51, and the article prints no dollar amount.