Pasco, WA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

100, a dock or pier serving a single-family residence must extend at least 40 feet perpendicular from the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), be no more than four feet wide, and sit at least two feet above the OHWM plane. Grating must cover 100 percent of the pier or float surface with at least 50 percent open area, and float components cannot exceed 8 by 20 feet or 160 square feet total. No electricity, boat lifts, paint, stain, or treated wood is allowed on the structure, and construction must occur only during the in-water work window of November 1 through February 28.

Piling is capped at eight inches in diameter, spaced at least 18 feet apart, with no more than four piles per project. Docks and piers must be set back at least 10 feet from side property lines unless neighbors record a joint-use agreement with the County Auditor. New subdivisions must record a plat restriction barring individual docks and instead designate a shared community moorage site. Boat launches accessory to single-family or multifamily residences are flatly prohibited; private launches are allowed only for water-dependent uses and marinas after showing public launches cannot serve the need. 080 must obtain a shoreline substantial development permit or shoreline special use permit before construction begins.