Permits can feel… intimidating. But once you know the guardrails, it’s a straight drive. In Charleston, SC—and across James Island, Mount Pleasant, Hanahan, and Folly—you’ll likely touch OCRM (via SCDES), sometimes the Army Corps, and in lake systems, Santee Cooper. Charleston Dock Doctors LLC runs this maze frequently(see Blog 4: Navigating Permits)—here’s what homeowners should be mindful of:
- Critical Line: You can’t cross it without approval. Sometimes erosion moves that line landward, and—hard truth—you can lose buildable ground to wetlands.
- Grand Trees: Many jurisdictions require ~20′ setbacks from the dripline. Plan your dock/pierhead so you aren’t wrestling a denial.
- Property Lines: Side-setbacks are often ~20′ from your neighbor’s line. Don’t let a beautiful pier become a boundary battle.
- Stormwater Drainage: Outfalls and buried lines are city/county governed. If your bulkhead/seawall or retaining wall comes near one, you’ll need extra coordination.
- Surveys: Your Critical Area/Boundary survey is typically valid up to ~5 years—confirm with OCRM before submitting.
- Grandfathered Items: Some older structures are allowed to remain but won’t be re-approved if removed. Don’t demo first; ask first.
Charleston Dock Doctors LLC organizes your site plans, headers/stringers details, decking layouts, and piling locations to help OCRM/Corps reviewers say “yes.” We keep your riverfront/pond dream aligned with regs—and reality. Want to do it yourself? Start at SCDES Permit Central and the Army Corps Charleston District. Want it done right, fast, with fewer headaches? Call Charleston Dock Doctors LLC
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