Ohio Statewide Rule

Ohio Lake Erie Coastal Management Permit Requirements

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Ohio (2026)

Key Facts

Public Trust Boundary: Ordinary high water mark
Permitting Agency: ODNR Office of Coastal Management
Mapped Restriction: Coastal Erosion Areas
Affected Counties: Eight Lake Erie shore counties
Statute: ORC Chapter 1506

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules

Summary

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1506 grants the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Office of Coastal Management exclusive authority over Lake Erie shore structures, erosion areas, and submerged lands, preempting local control of shoreline development.

(B) Whenever the state, acting through the director of natural resources, upon application of any person who wants to develop or improve part of the territory, and after notice that the director, at the director's discretion, may give as provided in this section, determines that any part of the territory can be developed and improved or the waters thereof used as specified in the application without impairment of the public right of navigation, water commerce, and fishery, a lease of all or any part of the state's interest therein may be entered into with the applicant, or a permit may be issued for that purpose, subject to the powers of the United States government and in accordance with rules adopted by the director in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, and without prejudice to the littoral rights of any owner of land fronting on Lake Erie,

Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative RulesView official code

Full Breakdown

Under ORC 1506.10, the state of Ohio holds the bed of Lake Erie in trust for the public, and any structure, fill, or modification on submerged lands or below the ordinary high water mark requires a submerged lands lease or permit from ODNR. ORC 1506.06 designates Coastal Erosion Areas where setbacks and construction restrictions apply to protect property and the lake, and structures within these mapped zones require a permit. Shore structures such as seawalls, revetments, and piers require ODNR Coastal Management Section approval, and federal Clean Water Act 401 certification is administered by Ohio EPA.

Violations & Penalties

Building unauthorized structures on submerged lands or in a Coastal Erosion Area can result in removal orders, daily civil penalties under ORC 1506.99, and forfeiture of unauthorized fill. ODNR may also seek restoration of the public trust resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who regulates building on the Ohio Lake Erie shoreline?

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Office of Coastal Management has exclusive authority under ORC Chapter 1506 to permit shore structures, fill, and construction below the ordinary high water mark and within designated Coastal Erosion Areas.

What is a Coastal Erosion Area in Ohio?

A Coastal Erosion Area is a state-mapped zone along Lake Erie where ORC 1506.06 imposes construction setbacks and permit requirements to protect property and shoreline resources from accelerating erosion.

Do I need a state permit for a private dock on Lake Erie?

Yes. Any dock, pier, seawall, or revetment that extends onto submerged lands of Lake Erie requires a submerged lands lease or coastal structure permit from ODNR before construction begins.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.