Oakland County, MI Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Under Part 301, a 'mooring structure' includes docks, piers, pilings, mooring anchors, lines and buoys, and boat hoists. A 'seasonal structure' is any dock, boat hoist, ramp, raft, or other recreational structure that is placed in an inland lake or stream and removed at the end of the boating season – these are typically exempt from state permitting if they extend only as far as needed for normal riparian access and do not interfere with navigation. A state Part 301 permit is required for: (1) permanent (year-round, pile-driven, or concrete) docks; (2) docks longer than is reasonably necessary to reach navigable water; (3) docks serving more than 1 single-family residence (e.g., HOA, condo, marina); (4) commercial docks; (5) any dredging or shoreline armoring associated with a dock. Many Oakland County lake-front communities (West Bloomfield Township, Waterford Township, Independence Township, Commerce Township, Orion Township, White Lake Township) also have local lake ordinances or zoning rules limiting dock length, side-yard setbacks, number of slips, and lighting. EGLE Part 301 application fees range from $50 (minor seasonal) to $2,000+ (major). Federal review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may also apply on waters connected to the Great Lakes.