San Diego, CA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Park and Recreation Director
- Applies to
- All moorings in Mission Bay Park
- Term
- One year, renewable, non-transferable
- Fees
- Initial fee plus annual March renewal
- Unclaimed mooring
- Becomes City property after 30 days
Summary
Placing, erecting, or installing a boat mooring anywhere in Mission Bay Park requires a permit issued by the Park and Recreation Director. Unpermitted moorings are unlawful under San Diego Municipal Code § 63.25.22 and can be removed at the owner's expense.
Mooring Permit Required. It is unlawful to place, erect, construct, or install moorings in Mission Bay Park without a permit issued by the Director. Moorings must conform to the requirements and specifications set forth by the Director.
Full Breakdown
The Director issues mooring permits for designated anchorage areas of Mission Bay (including San Juan Cove, Santa Barbara Cove, and Mariner's Basin), and every mooring must meet the Director's specifications. Permits run one individual, one year, renewable, and are non-transferable (§63.25.29). The Director can cancel a permit on 5 days' written notice; the owner then has 10 days to remove the mooring or the City removes it at the owner's cost, and unclaimed impounded moorings become City property after 30 days (§63.25.24). Owners also owe an initial permit fee plus a yearly renewal fee due each March (§63.25.25).
Violations & Fines
Installing or keeping a mooring in Mission Bay without a Director-issued permit is unlawful. The City can impound and remove non-compliant moorings at the owner's expense, and any mooring unclaimed 30 days after impoundment becomes City property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a mooring in Mission Bay?
Can I sell or transfer my Mission Bay mooring permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
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Boat Dock Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle boat dock permits.