Boat Dock questions, answered

For most replacement docks, plan on roughly $30,000–110,000 installed. An open dock with a swim deck can start near $15,000; a full 32×32 covered dock with an upper sundeck sits at the top. These are our planning estimates from national guides (Fixr); no Lanier builder publishes prices.

Almost certainly not. The Shoreline Management Plan caps private docks at 10,615 and says no new requests are taken once that number is reached (2004 SMP, §12). In 2016 the chief ranger said none were available. A permit only frees up when an existing one isn't reissued; the Corps checks each March and calls the next name on its waiting list (Q&A with Ranger Noe).

No. The plan says permits are non-transferable and become void when the property is sold. The buyer tells the Operations Manager's office and applies for a permit in their own name (SMP §15.1). The dock's electrical service must be recertified at a change of ownership (§15.3.10).

From 2006 to 2019 it was $400 for a new five-year permit and $175 to renew. In 2019 the Corps announced a flat $835 for both (Forsyth News), then delayed the increase after Georgia's congressmen objected (Rep. Loudermilk). Ask the Lanier office for today's fee before you budget.

Up to 32 ft by 32 ft overall, and no smaller than 18 by 24 with a 10 by 20 slip. All slips together can't exceed 20 ft wide by 28 ft long, and an attached deck is capped at 192 sq ft inside that footprint (SMP §15.3.1). Your permit may set a smaller size.

Yes, within the rules. The roof deck needs a continuous rail 36–48 in high with a mid-rail, the roof pitch can't exceed 3 in 12, and you can't add a second roof or a room on top (SMP §15.3.5). Adding one changes your dock, so talk to your area ranger first.

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).

Floats made for marine use, warranted for at least 8 years against sinking, waterlogging, cracking and shedding beads, and fire resistant. Plastic or metal drums are banned, and failed floats must be replaced (SMP §15.3.2).

Lifts are part of the permitted dock. A boat lift goes inside the slip; a suspended (roof-hung) lift needs certified engineering drawings. Up to two PWC lifts may sit outside the slip (SMP §15.3.6).

Every outlet and light needs ground-fault protection, the line from the house must be buried, and dock lights must be shielded and point down. Older docks aren't exempt, and the service is recertified at every renewal and sale (SMP §15.3.10).

They can end up on the bottom. The record low was 1,050.79 ft in December 2007, about 20 ft under full pool (lakelanier.com), and many docks sat on dry land. When the lake fell to about 1,063 ft, the Lake Lanier Association's message to members was simply to move their docks (Forsyth News).

No. Lanier is a Corps of Engineers lake. Georgia Power permits docks only on its own lakes, such as Burton, Rabun, Oconee and Sinclair (Georgia Power).

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.

No. Lake Lanier Dock Builders is a free referral service. We pass your request to one local dock builder, who visits, checks your permit and quotes. The builder may pay us for the referral; you pay us nothing.