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Waterfront Solutions
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Permits Handled. You Sign Where We Say.

Full MDE Tidal Wetlands, Army Corps, and county Critical Area in-house. Around 90 days, varies by county.

Permitting process

In-House

Permits Are Not An Afterthought

Most marine contractors outsource permitting or leave it to the homeowner. We handle it in-house because a botched permit application delays your entire project by months — and a poorly scoped application can limit what you are allowed to build.

We prepare every application, every drawing, and every response to agency comments. You sign the authorization form once and we take it from there — MDE, Army Corps, county, and Critical Area included.

You Sign Once, We Handle The Rest

One authorization form. That is all you deal with. We take it from there — from initial application through final permit issuance and agency inspections.

The Process

From Intake To Approval

1

Survey

Days 1-14

We walk your property, document existing conditions, and complete the waterfront survey needed for the application. By the end of week two we have everything we need to draft drawings.

2

Drawings

Weeks 2-4

Engineering drawings, site plans, and environmental assessments. Every sheet meets MDE, Army Corps, and county standards before it leaves our office. You sign the authorization once and we go.

3

Filing

Weeks 4-6

We file the Joint Federal/State application package with MDE and the Army Corps simultaneously, plus any local Critical Area or county submittals. We track every confirmation and follow up where needed.

4

Issuance

Month 3+

Permits are issued — typically around 90 days from filing, though it varies by county and project complexity. Once in hand, we schedule construction and order materials. Most builds start within 2-4 weeks.

No Permit? Faster.

Lift Removals, Upgrades, And In-Kind Replacements

Removing or upgrading an existing boat lift typically does not require a new permit. Same for in-kind replacements of failing structures within the original footprint. We can usually mobilize within weeks instead of months — call us with your situation and we will tell you exactly what filing is or is not required.

Common Questions

Permitting FAQ

What permits are required for waterfront construction in Maryland?

Most projects require a Joint Federal/State Permit from MDE and the Army Corps of Engineers. Depending on your county, you may also need Critical Area Commission approval, local building permits, and HOA approvals. We identify and handle every one.

How long does the permit process take?

Typical timelines are 3-5 months from submittal to approval. Complex projects or those in sensitive areas can take longer. We build the permit timeline into your project schedule upfront so there are no surprises.

Can I start construction before permits are approved?

No. Any in-water or shoreline work without an approved permit is a violation of Maryland and federal law, and can result in fines, stop-work orders, and required removal of completed work. We never start without permits in hand.

Do you handle Army Corps of Engineers permits?

Yes. The Joint Federal/State application covers both MDE and the Army Corps. We prepare the entire package, submit it, and manage all communication with both agencies through approval.

What does the permit process cost?

Our permitting services are included in the project scope — we do not charge separately for permit coordination. State and local filing fees are passed through at cost. There are no hidden charges.

What if my project is in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area?

Most Bay-front properties fall within the 1,000-foot Critical Area zone. We are experienced with Critical Area Commission requirements and design projects to meet their buffer, impervious surface, and habitat protection standards.

Request A Free Quote

Fill out the form and one of our team will reach out to schedule a free on-site consultation at your waterfront.

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