A current proposal by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) could create new dock rules for boaters in the state.
SCDES says the state's coast has experienced "significant population growth and development," resulting in the increase of private docks. According to the proposal, this proliferation leads to navigation, access, and natural resource impacts and challenges.
The proposed regulations could:
- Add new standards limiting how far out in the water a dock can extend
- Prohibit boat maintenance activities on boat storage structures or any component of dock structure
- Add additional creek width ranges where docks may be permitted and associated allowable square footages
- Separate the 401 Water Quality Certification administered by the Department's Bureau of Water from the Critical Area Permitting process. The proposal say this will allow for a more "streamlined review process, including a more efficient public notice and permit decision."
In 2025, the agency formed a South Carolina Dock Stakeholder Workgroup to get feedback on existing rules and regulations for private docks. SCDES says based on the findings and recommendations of the workgroup, the agency wants to simplify the dock-size rules to "improve clarity and guidance for staff and the regulated community, and reduce navigational, access, and resource impacts and conflicts."
A public hearing will be held on October 27, 2026 on the proposed dock regulations at the South Carolina Administrative Law Court.
