Providence, RI Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Application fee
- $25.00, non-refundable
- Permit term
- 3 years, allocated March 1
- Annual mooring fee
- $350.00
- Unauthorized use fine
- $150.00 per day
- Resident/nonresident ratio cap
- 3:1 maximum
Summary
Providence requires a harbormaster-issued permit before any boat is moored or docked in city harbor waters, with a $25 application fee, a three-year permit term, and a $350 annual mooring fee.
(a)Harbor moorings and anchorages program. There is hereby established a mooring and anchorages program for the harbor of the city, as defined in section 11-1(a) above, to be administered and supervised by the harbormaster. ... (i)Fees. The following fees shall apply:(1)Application fee pursuant to section 11-11.1(c) above .....$25.00(2)Annual fee for three-year mooring permit .....350.00(3)Fee for use of a city-owned transient anchorage, per day (twenty-four-hour period) .....75.00
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
Under Section 11-1.1, the harbormaster runs an annual mooring and anchorage allocation program: applications are due before the March 1 allocation date, a $25 non-refundable fee applies, and permits run three years, with lottery assignment when demand exceeds available moorings (resident-to-nonresident ratio capped at 3:1 per CRMC rule). Section 11-9(a)(19) separately makes it unlawful to construct or place a mooring in city waters without a port commission permit.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized use of a city transient mooring or a permitted annual mooring draws a $150-per-day fine; placing a mooring without a port commission permit is a separate violation under § 11-9(a)(19).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to place a mooring in Providence?
How much does a Providence mooring permit cost?
What if more boaters apply than there are moorings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Providence
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Boat Dock Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle boat dock permits.