Portsmouth, VA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Division 3 of Chapter 38 (§§ 38-391 through 38-401) governs private piers, bulkheads and landings built into the water of Portsmouth's water-supply reservoirs from land adjacent to city-owned reservoir property. Section 38-393 requires a written application with plans and specifications; the director of public utilities will not approve it until the applicant meets published standards for materials, dimensions and placement relative to the water line, and pays the required fee. Section 38-394 limits eligibility to people who own real property in fee simple next to the city's reservoir land, and the structure must sit within the extended sidelines of that property.

00 combined per person and property damage, naming the city as an insured, and signing a hold-harmless agreement. Permits are not transferable, though § 38-398 lets a new owner apply for a fresh permit within 30 days of buying the property. Owners of structures that predate the ordinance still had to apply under § 38-399; if the director found a structure unsuitable, the owner got written notice and 60 days to fix it before the city removed it at the owner's expense. No structure may be used commercially, and no vessel used as a dwelling may tie up at a permitted structure under § 38-401.