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Bulkhead Walls

Planning tool

Waterfront Permit Navigator

Shoreline walls are often regulated by several agencies at once. Get a research checklist for your state with links to official agency pages — so you know who to ask, what to ask, and what your contractor will need.

This tool lists agencies and questions to research. It does not determine whether a permit is required.

How this works

  1. Shoreline work is often reviewed by more than one level of government: federal, state and local.
  2. Choose your state and the type of work to see the agencies that commonly regulate shoreline walls there, with links to their official pages.
  3. Use the questions and checklist with your contractor, engineer or the agencies themselves. Requirements are property-specific and change over time.

Verified state data currently covers 17 states. Other states get a general research checklist.

Not a permitting determination. We do not say whether a permit is or isn't required for your property. Requirements depend on the site and the exact work, and they change. Confirm with each agency or a qualified professional.