Signs it's more than a repair
- Corners sitting low, or floats shedding white beads
- A frame that flexes, rusts through or has cracked welds
- A roof deck that bounces, or rails fixed with toe-nailed screws
- Walkway hinges and the gangway worn or out of line
- Wiring that isn't GFI-protected or runs above ground
The Corps treats loose decking, springy walkways, weak flotation and poor rails as unsafe, and it can hold up a permit reissue.
The usual options
| Job | What it involves | Ranger involved? |
|---|---|---|
| Redeck | New boards or composite on the existing frame | Usually not, if nothing changes size |
| Refloat | Swap old foam for encapsulated marine floats | Not for size; floats must meet the plan |
| Roof or sundeck repair | Framing, roofing, rails | If you change the structure, yes |
| Add a lift or PWC port | Inside the slip, or up to two PWC outside | Yes, it changes the dock |
| Full replacement | New dock built to your permit | Yes: new plans; size changes need a permit action |
Ranger steps from the Lake Lanier Association. When in doubt, call the ranger before work starts.
Getting rid of the old dock
- Call your area ranger and get the Corps dock disposal or transfer form.
- Photograph the dock from every side.
- Use a builder with a clearly marked work boat.
- Get a receipt and photos showing the dock taken apart and hauled off.
- Keep the paperwork in case the Corps asks.
This matters: abandoned docks and floats are a growing hazard on the lake (LLA).
The Dock Builder's Pledge
In March 2026 the Lake Lanier Association asked about 20 dock builders to sign a pledge to clear debris after jobs and keep their staging areas tidy; about a quarter to a third had signed by late April (Lakeside News). The association lists participating firms on its pledge page. It's a fair question to ask any builder.
Common questions
Can I replace my old dock with a new one the same size?
Yes. For a same-size replacement, the Lake Lanier Association says your area ranger reviews new dock plans; a change in size needs a permit action and a new plan. Either way the ranger gives you a disposal form for the old dock (LLA).
How do I get rid of an old dock properly?
Call your area ranger first and fill in the Corps dock disposal or transfer form. Photograph the dock, hire a marked work boat, and keep a receipt with photos of it being broken up (LLA). Abandoned docks are a real problem on Lanier, and the paperwork protects you.
Sources & further reading
- Lake Sidney Lanier Shoreline Management Plan (2004), hosted by the Lake Lanier Association. §12, §15.1–15.3, §18
- Lake Lanier Association: buying and selling a used dock. Replacement and disposal steps
- Lake Lanier Association: Dock Builder's Pledge
- Lakeside News: LLA brings dock builders into its campaign (Apr 2026)
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.