St. Louis, MO Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Board of Public Service
- Max facility length
- 400 feet
- Wharfboat spacing
- 30-40 ft from shore
- Insurance
- required, City named coinsured
- Grace period without permit
- 3 days
Summary
Mooring a drydock, float, wharfboat, or other landing facility at the City's improved public wharf on the Mississippi requires a written Board of Public Service permit, insurance, and compliance with length and spacing limits.
Any person desiring to moor a drydock, float, wharfboat or other landing facility at the improved public wharf shall make a written application to the Board of Public Service for a permit. The application shall state the name and address of the applicant, the number and dimensions of watertight compartments, the length, width, and depth of the facility, the name, number and tonnage of each vessel and watercraft owned by the applicant...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
Anyone wanting to moor a drydock, float, wharfboat, pier, or similar landing facility at the improved public wharf must file a written, notarized application with the Board of Public Service under St. Louis Revised Code § 21.24.010, disclosing the facility's dimensions and every vessel it will serve. Before the permit issues, the owner must file insurance naming the City as coinsured (§ 21.24.020). Facilities over 400 feet long are barred outright (§ 21.24.030), and wharfboats under 200 feet must sit at least 30 feet off the water's edge, longer ones at least 40 feet (§ 21.20.100). A boat not tied to a permitted facility can stay only three days before it needs its own temporary permit from the Director of Streets (§ 21.20.030).
Violations & Fines
Mooring without a permit, exceeding the 400-foot length cap, or falling into arrears on wharfage rent lets the Director of Streets remove the facility or vessel from the wharf, calling in the St. Louis Police Department if needed (§ 21.24.040).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a City permit to moor a dock or wharfboat on the St. Louis riverfront?
How long can a boat sit at the improved wharf without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
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