Local Guide · Seawall and dock contractors · Texas
What permits does a Texas dock, pier or bulkhead need?
Texas piers and bulkheads on state-owned submerged land need General Land Office authorization, and federal Section 10 rules apply in navigable waters. Here is the process.
If your project is on state-owned submerged land, the Texas General Land Office must authorize it in writing before work starts, and the GLO may administer the Army Corps' general permit or forward your application. Structures in navigable waters generally need Department of the Army authorization under Section 10.
Who licenses seawall and dock contractors providers in Texas
Texas General Land Office (state-owned land) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (no state dock builder license). Texas does not license dock or bulkhead builders. Structures on state-owned land require written GLO authorization; the GLO may administer the Corps' general permit. Federal rules in 33 CFR 322.3 require Department of the Army authorization for structures in navigable waters unless exempt or covered by a general permit.
GLO residential application packet →Key facts for Texas
- The Texas General Land Office says no work may be performed on state-owned land until the applicant receives written authorization.
- Unauthorized work on Texas state-owned land may subject the person to penalties, according to the GLO.
- The GLO reviews whether it can administer the Corps' general permit for a project, or forwards the application to the Corps.
- GLO applications require top-view and cross-section drawings of existing and proposed structures on state-owned land.
- The GLO directs applicants for new structures to its regional Permit Service Centers.
- Federal rules require Department of the Army permits for structures in or affecting navigable waters unless exempt or covered by a general permit.
When is GLO authorization needed?
When the structure is on state-owned land, such as many submerged coastal lands. The GLO packet says no work may begin until written authorization, and requires drawings showing all existing and proposed structures with dimensions.
How do federal permits fit in?
33 CFR 322.3 requires Department of the Army permits for structures in navigable waters unless exempt or covered by a general permit. The GLO may administer the Corps' general permit or forward your application.
What else applies on the coast?
Some coastal properties fall in TDI's windstorm area, where many structures need certificates of compliance for TWIA coverage (TDI).
How to choose a provider in Texas
- Confirm whether the project is on state-owned land.
- Contact the GLO Permit Service Center for your region.
- Confirm the federal authorization path.
- Get local permits.
- Keep all authorizations with the property records.
Questions people ask
Do Texas dock builders need a license?
Texas has no state dock builder license.
When do I need GLO approval?
When the structure is on state-owned land.
Can work start before GLO approval?
No, not on state-owned land.
Does the GLO handle the federal permit?
It may administer the Corps' general permit or forward your application.
What drawings are needed?
Top-view and cross-section drawings of existing and proposed structures on state-owned land.
Who do I contact?
The GLO Permit Service Center for your region.
Sources
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
