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Dock permits (SCDES / OCRM) in Charleston, SC

Most private docks on Charleston-area salt water need a critical-area permit from the SC Department of Environmental Services, which many people still call OCRM. Most dock builders handle it as part of the job. Here's what's involved.

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What the application needs

  • Owner and agent contact details, plus names and mailing addresses of all adjoining property owners
  • Project dimensions, purpose and location
  • A notarized affidavit of ownership or control, with a plat, deed or similar
  • Drawings stamped and signed by an SC-licensed land surveyor, engineer or landscape architect

Source: SC Department of Environmental Services, Critical Area Permitting: Minor Activities.

Fees and timing

ItemPublished rangeSource
Application fee, private dock$250SC Department of Environmental Services, Critical Area Permitting: Minor Activities
Application fee, walkway under 100 ft$150SC Department of Environmental Services, Critical Area Permitting: Minor Activities
Dock general permit (additions)$100SC Department of Environmental Services, Critical Area Permitting: General Permits
Reconstruction general permit$250SC Department of Environmental Services, Critical Area Permitting: General Permits
Permitting and survey, all-in estimate$500–$3,000+BluTide Marine Construction (Johns Island), Boat Dock Cost in Charleston, SC: 2026 Price Guide

BluTide estimates about 120 days for a private residential dock permit, including public notice (BluTide Marine Construction (Johns Island), Boat Dock Cost in Charleston, SC: 2026 Price Guide). Many projects also need U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorization, usually processed in parallel.

We are not permit agents. Rules change; confirm with SCDES or your contractor.

Dock permits (SCDES / OCRM) FAQ

Is OCRM the same as SCDES?
Yes, in practice. Coastal permitting that was run by DHEC's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management moved to the SC Department of Environmental Services' Bureau of Coastal Management (SC Department of Environmental Services, Critical Area Permitting: Minor Activities).
Did the dock rules change in 2026?
SCDES paused its proposed changes to dock regulations, and the current regulations remain in effect (SC Department of Environmental Services, Status of Coastal Dock Regulations).

Where we can match you

Dock permits (SCDES / OCRM) requests are accepted across the Charleston area:

Downtown CharlestonMount PleasantDaniel IslandJames IslandJohns IslandWest AshleyNorth CharlestonIsle of PalmsSullivan's IslandFolly BeachKiawah IslandSeabrook IslandWadmalaw IslandSummervilleMoncks Corner

Related services

New dock constructionFixed piling docks, walkways, pierheads and floats.Boat lift installationFour-post, elevator, beamless and floating lifts sized to your boat.Dock repairPilings, decking, framing, ramps and hardware.Floating docksFloats and gangways that move with the tide.Covered docks & boathousesRoofs over pierheads and lifts, and boathouses.Storm damage & dock rebuildingRebuild a damaged or worn-out dock to its permitted size.

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