Dock and Pier Construction
In Coastal Communities

Are you planning to build a dock?

The coastal communities along North Carolina's rivers and estuarine shorelines are among the fastest growing areas in the state. Because the waters along the coast are particularly sensitive to the impacts of development, the state of North Carolina and many local agencies have developed management plans to help preserve the water quality and aesthetic and cultural attractions that make our coast so popular. As a homeowner, you too can help protect the water quality and maintain the quality of your property.

Many homeowners along the coast enjoy being by and on the water and want to take advantage of the easy access to the water by building docks and piers. These homeowners have riparian property or property located by a body of water. If you are going to build a dock or plan to repair one you already own, you will need to make several choices that may result in an impact on the environment. The following information applies only to residential docks and piers which can provide docking for no more than two boats. For simplicity's sake, we will refer to piers as docks.

There are four points to consider when building or repairing a dock:

1. Rules and regulations of the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission, which are administered by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Coastal Management.

2. Rules and regulations of the local government (county or municipality).

3. Environmental impacts associated with the lumber, location, and construction on the shores, wetlands, and waters.

4. How maintenance of the dock can affect water quality.

North Carolina Coast*A*Syst Publications

• Protecting Well Water in Coastal Communities, #1

• Improving Storage and Handling of Household
  Hazardous Waste for Coastal Communities, #2

• Improving Septic System Maintenance in Coastal
  Communities, #3

• Improving Lawn Care and Gardening in Coastal North Carolina, #4

• Stormwater Management for Coastal Homeowners, #5

• Dock and Pier Construction in Coastal Communities, #6

Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

State and Local Rules and Regulations

1. Why do I need a permit?

North Carolina has always prided itself on the beauty of its coastal areas and beaches. In order to protect these areas from the pressures of development, the growth of population, and the demands for recreation, the state passed the Coastal Area Management Act in 1974, also known as CAMA. This act affects the 20 counties along the coast and sounds of North Carolina.

To oversee the protection of the coastal areas, the North Carolina General Assembly created the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) to establish development standards and rules. The Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is responsible for implementing the rules and policies of the CRC. One of the primary focuses of the CRC is to protect Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC). Examples of AECs are salt marshes, coastal wetlands, ocean and inlet hazard areas, public water supplies, natural and cultural resource areas, estuarine and public trust shorelines, and estuarine waters. The CRC has been given the authority to establish these AECs and to require a CAMA permit for development in these areas. Permits are required for development in AECs such as the construction of docks.

Why do I need to worry about these areas?

The lands and waters of the estuarine system are home to fish nursery areas, spawning areas, shellfish beds, and other habitats. Many coastal wetland plants provide food and nesting materials for waterfowl and other wildlife. Marsh plants provide protection against erosion and flood damage by slowing down the wave action that comes from storms or boat traffic.

The nutrients and decayed plant material the marsh plants produce also contribute to the productivity of the estuaries. Coastal marshes and wetland areas also trap debris and excess nutrients and help regulate the flow of fresh water into the estuary, which maintains the system's balance. Natural buffers along the shoreline protect the water from excess sediment and pollutants and protect nearby developments from flooding and erosion.

Estuaries are often referred to as "the canary in the coal mine" in determining the health of the waters because these ecosystems often show environmental stress before it shows up in other areas.

The waters of the North Carolina coast are public trust areas that are important for tourism, commercial and recreational fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. Improper development in these areas can destroy the very ecological, aesthetic, and economic features that draw people to our shore.

Just as turbidity and algae can prevent sunlight from reaching the submerged aquatic vegetation and wetland areas, so can a man-made dock. Because of the effects of shading, a dock's width can be no more than 6 feet and its height no less than 3 feet to prevent shading and die-off of marsh grasses.

Getting the proper permits

North Carolina allows riparian property owners access to the water through docks. The CRC helps balance this access with the public's right to clean, navigable waters—which are held in the public trust for all citizens of the state. The CRC has been given the authority to establish AECs and to require a CAMA permit for development in these areas.

Permits for docks are issued by the DCM. State law requires that anyone starting any type of development or construction in an AEC must obtain a permit.

The DCM has offices in these locations:

Raleigh
Parker-Lincoln Building
1638 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1638
TEL: 919/733-2293
FAX: 919/733-1495

Permit types and procedures

There are three types of permits:

1. A general permit:

• Covers common small development projects such as docks with no more than two boat slips. Typically needed to construct a single family residential dock.
• Acts as an expedited form of a "major" permit, which based upon agreements with other state and federal agencies, is issued for development having significant impacts on AEC and which should not require public review or comment.
• Must fulfill the criteria listed above.

2. A major permit:

• Is issued for development projects that require permits from other state or federal agencies.
• Involves a project that alters more than 20 acres.
• Covers construction of one or more buildings that covers more than 60,000 square feet on a single parcel of land.

3. A minor permit:

• Covers anything other than a major development that has minimal impact on the environment such as a single family home.
• Is issued by the DCM.

At a minimum, dock construction requires a general permit. If the dock has three or more boat slips, a major permit will be required. Contact the DCM office in the district where your project is located. A field representative will visit your project site, discuss the proposed project with you, and give you a copy of the permit application. Before you submit the application, ask the field representative to meet you on site to suggest any changes or alternatives to help you meet the CRC's guidelines. You should also ask how your local land use plan and local ordinances might affect your project. The homeowner should sketch out the pier design and submit it to the DCM for approval.

A homeowner who wants to build a dock must contact the DCM. The following information should be included with the application:

• Original and dated work plat of the project.
• Names and addresses of adjacent property owners and signed receipts from them of notification of the project or a written statement signed by adjacent riparian property owners acknowledging and having no objections to the project.

The DCM staff will review the application and materials and visit the site to determine approval of the permit.

The DCM offices listed above can provide more information about CAMA and how it affects you and your construction projects.

The CRC also has guidelines to help preserve navigability of coastal waters. A permit will not be approved if it does not follow these guidelines. The DCM has a website to help homeowners determine what types of permits they need and to provide more information about CAMA:

• www.nccoastalmanagement.net/Handbook/handbook.htm#Docks

1. Circle the answer that best describes how you balance building a dock with following CAMA rules.

a. I follow the CAMA rules, use a licensed marine contractor, and consider the environmental impact the dock will have on the surrounding area.

b. I follow CAMA rules but haven't considered the environmental impact.

c. I follow CAMA rules but will put in the dock regardless of impact.

d. I don't know about CAMA.

Environmental Impacts

2. How do I select the lumber to build my dock?

A homeowner must know how to select lumber to ensure the longevity of the dock. Selecting the right type of lumber will help avoid shipworm or gribble infestation, which weakens the lumber by boring tunnels and reducing the life of the dock. Buying pressure-treated lumber is the best answer to this situation, but you should understand that this material costs more. The higher the price of the lumber, in general, the longer the life of the dock.

Second, choose appropriately shaped lumber. Square-sided pilings increase surface exposure to weather and saltwater. Rounded pilings are best because they withstand the wave action better, thus lasting longer.

Pressure-treated wood is the best option for docks since it protects the wood from rot, fungi, and marine borers. This treatment is also referred to as "salt" treated wood. The pressure process allows deeper penetration of chemical components into the wood and closer control of "retention levels". Retention levels refer to the amount of chemical preservative that remains in the wood cell structure after the pressure process has been completed. "Chemical remains" are expressed in terms of pounds of preservative per cubic foot of wood. The higher the retention level, the harsher the conditions that wood can be exposed to. Retention levels for fresh and saltwater environments will normally range from 0.40 to 2.5 pound per cubic foot (pcf). Saltwater conditions require a higher treatment of lumber than freshwater. There are three types of pressure treated lumber:

1. lumber that can be used in water.
2. lumber that is used in contact with the ground.
3. lumber that is used only aboveground.

For most marine building and deck construction, the wood is treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), the most common waterborne preservative. The American Wood-Preservers' Association (AWPA) annually publishes its Book of Standards, which lists the proper specifications to be used in marine construction. Standards can be found on the AWPA website at: http://www.awpa.com/faq/faq1.htm, as well as on the American Wood Preservers Institute (AWPI) website: www.preservedwood.com. Use of creosote-treated wood is no longer allowed.

Residential uses of CCA pressure-treated lumber will be phased out of use by December 31, 2003. It is not yet clear how this phaseout will affect CCA pressure treated lumber used for docks. Alternatives are currently being researched. Check with the lumberyard, the contractor, and your local Cooperative Extension agent for the latest findings on these materials. For more information visit the CES CCA webpage: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/wood/CCA.html

Recycled or "plastic" lumber is being used for decking of docks but the long term life is not certain. There are conflicting reports on the effectiveness of this type of lumber. Plastic lumber is not appropriate for structural support. It should only be used for decking. Be sure to discuss the pros and cons of using this material with your contractor.

Alternatives to pressure-treated wood include concrete and steel. However these options are expensive and have corrosion problems. Please check with your local DCM representative, the lumberyard, the contractors, or your local extension agent for the latest findings on these materials.

2. Circle the answer that best describes how you buy lumber to build a dock.

a. I always purchase pressure-treated wood with the AWPA or AWPI standards listed or use steel or concrete.

b. I buy pressure-treated wood but do not understand the particular standards.

c. I buy wood or plastic lumber that I think is best for the construction job.

d. I buy whatever is available.

Maintenance and Repair

3. How do I clean my dock?

The most effective cleaner for your dock is a hard bristle brush with a long handle, a bucket of salt water, and an afternoon of elbow grease. These will often clean as well or better than any commercial products. Plus, you have peace of mind if the bucket tips over, only water pours into the water, rather than harmful chemicals. A power washer would be a good choice as well.

3. Circle the answer that best describes how you clean your dock.

a. I use a bucket of salt water and a hard bristle brush to clean my dock, or I power wash with clean water.

b. I use commercial products but read all labels to prevent misuse and I purchase environmentally safe alternatives.

c. I use whatever product is available and don't pay attention to the labels, chemicals, or the environmental impact.

d. I do not know.

4. How do I care for the wood on my dock?

If you decide that your dock needs additional maintenance, there are many products available to help you maintain the structural integrity and look of your dock. These products protect new lumber from sun and rain, clean graying and dirty docks, revive the original look of the wood dock, and protect it from the elements.

Here are some tips that will help you properly apply wood-care products:

• Always READ the label of the product being used and follow the instructions.
• Remove all loose dirt and debris before applying wood-care products.
• Work on a day with little or no wind.
• Always use a tarp or ground cloth under your bucket to prevent drips and spills.
• Use a brush or roller to minimize drips. Do not use a sprayer because the excess will end up in the water around the dock.
• Use as little as possible to avoid drips.
• Rinse and clean tools according to instructions and away from the water.

4. Circle the answer that best describes how you use wood-care products on your dock.

a. I always work under the best conditions, follow guidelines, and use only what is needed.

b. I try to follow the guidelines listed but sometimes accidents do happen.

c. I use whatever product is available and put it on without reading directions or guidelines.

d. I do not know about guidelines to minimize impacts on the coastal environment.

For more information:

You must receive a permit from the DCM before constructing a dock or pier.

The local DCM office near you can provide you with additional information about dock and pier construction. Please refer to the offices listed above. You can call 1-800-4RCOAST or go online to http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us/ 

Sea Grant has publications and staff available for assistance in dock and pier construction. Call 919-515-2454 and 910-92-2491 or go online to http://www.ncseagrant.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page&filename=outreach_coastal_hazards_activities.html

What is the North Carolina Coast*A*Syst Program?

The North Carolina Coast*A*Syst program is a series of publications that can help you in becoming a good coastal environmental steward and protect the health and well-being of your family. This publication leads you through an evaluation of your home and property to determine the pollution and health risks of your development and construction practices. It also provides information on solving potential problems that you may identify. The publications also list the North Carolina state agencies responsible for helping you solve your particular problems.

This Coast*A*Syst program is modeled after the South Carolina Coast*A*Syst program. South Carolina was the first state to develop such a program.

The goal of the North Carolina Coast*A*Syst program is to help protect the health of you and your family and the coastal environment of North Carolina.

North Carolina's modification of Coast*A*Syst was coordinated by Deanna L. Osmond. Larry Jahn, Phil Ricks, and Spencer Rogers were the technical reviewers at North Carolina State University. Technical review was also provided by Mike Lopazanski and Charles Jones, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Division of Coastal Management (DCM).

Prepared by

Deanna L. Osmond, Water Quality Extension Specialist

Grace R. Lawrence, Coast*A*Syst Coordinator

Janet Young, Layout & Design Specialist

10,000 copies of this document were printed at a cost of $1,493.05 or $0.15 per document with funds provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (through the North Carolina Coastal Nonpoint Source Program administered jointly by the NC DENR Division's of Water Quality and Coastal Management).

Published by

NORTH CAROLINA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

1/03 - 10,000                                                                     AG-565-01