New Orleans, LA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Code of Ordinances Ch. 170, Art. III
- Permit required
- Coastal use permit, Sec. 170-221
- Fee ≤$100,000 project
- $100.00 (Sec. 170-456)
- Fee >$100,000 project
- $300.00 (Sec. 170-456)
- Unpermitted start penalty
- Fee doubled (Sec. 170-456(b))
- Appeal deadline
- 30 days to Civil District Court (Sec. 170-457)
Summary
Building a boat dock, pier or similar structure in Orleans Parish's coastal zone requires a coastal use permit under City Code Sec. 170-221 before work starts. Docks are classified as "shoreline modifications and harbor structures," one of the specific uses of state or local concern listed in Sec. 170-281.
Sec. 170-221. Required. It shall be unlawful to proceed with any use of state or local concern within the coastal zone of the parish without a valid coastal use permit unless the activity is exempted from permitting by the Act or by provisions within this article. Sec. 170-281(9): Shoreline modification projects and harbor structures. Sec. 170-110: Shoreline modifications means those uses and activities planned or constructed with the intention of directly or indirectly changing or preventing change of a shoreline. Examples include bulkheading, piers, docks, wharves, slips and short canals, and jetties. Sec. 170-456(a): All uses whose total cost is $100,000.00 or less will be assessed a fee of $100.00. All uses whose total cost will exceed $100,000.00 will be assessed a fee of $300.00.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 116 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 170, Article III of the New Orleans Code of Ordinances implements the Orleans Parish Coastal Zone Management Program. Sec. " Sec. 170-281 lists "[s]horeline modification projects and harbor structures" (item 9) among the specific uses requiring a permit, and Sec. " Applications go to the state or the city's office of environmental affairs (Sec. S. Army Corps of Engineers permit (Sec. 170-448), and are logged, publicly noticed, and decided within 30 days of public notice or 15 days after a hearing closes, if one is held (Sec.
170-449). The office of environmental affairs and the state department of natural resources jointly evaluate applications against the coastal use guidelines in Sec. 170-401 through 170-410, which specifically direct that shoreline modification structures (including piers and docks) be built with best practical techniques, avoid obstructing water circulation, and be removed at the owner's expense if neglected or abandoned (Sec. 170-405). Fees are set by Sec. 00 for projects over that amount; starting work before the permit issues doubles the fee. Appeals of a permit decision go to Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans within 30 days of public notice of the decision (Sec. 170-457).
Violations & Fines
Proceeding without a coastal use permit violates Sec. 170-221. If a permittee ignores a cease-and-desist order or a permit suspension or revocation, Sec. 170-494 directs the director to "seek appropriate civil and criminal relief as provided by section 213.17 of the Act." Starting dock construction before the permit issues also triggers a 100 percent fee penalty under Sec. 170-456(b), on top of full compliance with permitting requirements and any other penalties prescribed in the article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a boat dock in New Orleans?
How much does a New Orleans dock permit cost?
Who reviews a coastal use permit application for a dock?
What happens if I build a dock without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Orleans
Compare New Orleans to another location·View the Louisiana environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.