New Rochelle, NY Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

New Rochelle's Coastal Erosion Hazard Area Law, Chapter 127, adopted in 1989 under Article 34 of the state Environmental Conservation Law, defines "structure" at § 127-6 to expressly include docks, piers and wharves built or placed within the mapped erosion hazard area along Long Island Sound. Section 127-8 bars anyone from engaging in a "regulated activity" in that area without first obtaining a coastal erosion management permit from the City's administrator, the Commissioner of Public Works. The code carves out an exception at § 127-6's definition of "unregulated activity" for docks, piers, wharves or structures built on floats, columns or open timber piles with a top surface area under 200 square feet, or that are removed every fall, meaning small, seasonal docks can be installed without a permit.

Larger or permanent structures must instead satisfy the general standards of § 127-9 before the administrator will issue a permit. Docks used for mooring rafts, buoys or floats also intersect with the separate Harbor Management chapter: § 168-14 requires all piles, floats and docks to comply with the City's Zoning Ordinance standards, and § 168-9 requires an annual mooring permit from the Harbormaster for any vessel, buoy or raft secured to the structure.