Private Dock - Saltwater

Private Dock - Saltwater

Build a private dock structure with three berths or less for personal use on marine waters.If your application is located within the Southern Gulf Islands and Southeastern shoreline of Vancouver Island, please see here for important information.

Related Activities: Group Dock, Marina, Private Dock - Freshwater, Strata - Condo Dock

Contents:

About this Activity Guide

This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only.
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Private Moorage (Land Act) Authorization Guidance Apply Now
NOTE: Some docks do not require a Private Moorage application. Review the General Permission document for criteria.    

Costs

Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.

Cost Type Cost Description Cost Link to Details
Application fee Application processing fee due when application is submitted. $262.50 Crown Land Application Fees
Rent The rent for a dock depends on the type of tenure issued. No rent is charged for Specific Permission, but for a Lease, rent is charged in advance for the entire tenure term. $0 - $400.00/term Land Policy: Pricing
Insurance A minimum level of liability insurance as specified in the Land Procedure: Insurance and Financial Securities. Varies - consult your insurance agent Land Procedure: Insurance and Financial Securities – See Appendix A
Security A security deposit may be required to ensure the tenure holder complies with and completes all the obligations and requirements specified in the tenure. Varies Land Procedure: Insurance and Financial Securities – See Appendix B

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Requirement Description
Age Must be 19 years of age or older if applying as an individual.
Proof of Ownership Must provide documentation proving ownership of or legal right to occupy the upland (e.g. Certificate of Title or copy of lease agreement)

Information Requirements

Requirement Description Link to Details
Land Act Online Application An online system which requires you to enter information onscreen and upload documentation, digital files and/or maps to support your application. Marine Requirements Checklist
Management Plan A written report explaining the proposal in detail. Use the link provided for details and templates. Management Plans
Location and Site Plan Map Maps clearly showing your proposal, prepared to standards described in the Site Map Samples link. A digital file in the form of a shapefile, .KML or Geomark link is preferred and can be created using online mapping tools. Site Map Samples

Potential Additional Requirements

Requirement Description When is it Required?
Co-Applicant Permission The online application system generates a co-applicant authorization letter, which must be signed digitally or printed, signed and uploaded. The letter allows co-applicants to verify the information submitted by the main applicant as well as supply their own personal information. A separate letter is required for each co-applicant. When more than one applicant has requested to be named on the tenure document, which makes them co-applicants.
Agent Letter Signed and dated letter providing approval for agent or consultant to act on behalf of applicant. Legal names/entities to be used on letter. When an agent or consultant will be acting on behalf of applicant.
Letter of Consent Letter of consent from registered owner which includes full legal description of the adjoining upland parcel and the full legal name of the upland owner. When applicant is not upland owner or lessee.
Link Description
Crown Land Use: Private Moorage (including General Permission) Web Page A web page providing additional detail.
Crown Land Use: Private Moorage Policy The Crown Land Use Policy which provides the details of the land use program being summarized by this document.
Mapping Tools A listing of free web-based mapping programs and tools available to the public.
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Other Things You Should Know

Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.

BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:

  • Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
  • Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
  • Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID

Consulting with First Nations

  • The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
  • The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Proponents are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages to build relationships and for information sharing purposes. To get more information about the guidelines and procedure manuals that are designed to assist government officials and proponents with meeting consultation obligations, please visit the Consulting with First Nations web page.

Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.

Last Updated: July 14, 2023