Building a Dock in Washington State: A Comprehensive Guide

The state of Washington is blessed with abundant bodies of water throughout, from tranquil rivers to bustling marinas dotted along the Pacific coastline. It’s no surprise that fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming and other water-based leisure activities enthrall Washingtonians year-round. If you’re in the market for a new dock for your waterfront property in Washington state, you’ve arrived at your destination. This thorough yet compact guide walks you through the dock-building process from A to Z.

What Should You Consider When Building a Dock in Washington State?

Home to the meandering Puget Sound, several sprawling lakes and a long stretch of coastline, Washington has many locations that call for a dock. The perfect dock setup for your property depends on where your shoreline is located in Washington, whether you’re kitting out a residential or commercial space, and who you’re catering to. The most important points to keep in mind when planning a dock installation are:

1. Washington’s Climate

Different regions of the Evergreen State have different climates. If you’re on the western side of the Cascade Mountains, nearer the coast, you’ll have less snowfall, more rain, more storms and warmer temperatures. Eastern Washington sees drier, colder, snowier weather. If you’re on the eastern side, picking a design that holds up well against ice is important. Floating docks handle ice pressure and fluctuating water levels better than their fixed cousins.

If you’re a coastal Washingtonian, it’s best to choose a plastic dock instead of a wooden one. Plastic holds up better than wood when faced with stormy weather, UV radiation and heavy rainfall, all of which are staples west of the Cascades. If you plan to install a dock in the salty water of the Pacific Ocean, use plastic to defend against wear and tear.

2. How Much Space You Have Available

Whether you’re a lakeside homeowner or the manager of a marina, you’ll want to make the most of your available space. Modular docks help ensure you use the space efficiently because you can easily rearrange them into virtually any shape. Modular docks also let you add various accessories to your floating pier, like personal watercraft (PWC) ports, boat lifts and storage containers.

3. What You’re Going to Use Your Dock For

Your perfect dock setup depends on which jobs you need it to carry out. If you plan to install a dock for swimming, lounging and fishing, for example, you’ll want it to have different features than one used to secure boats, launch kayaks or canoes, and dock PWCs. Some common uses for docks are:

• Docking PWCs: To stow your watercraft easily, install durable drive-on PWC ports that attach directly to your floating pier.
• Securing boats between uses: To keep your boats safely out of the water, you’ll need durable drive-on boat ports for smaller boats or customizable boat lifts for larger boats.

• Launching kayaks or canoes: Both recreational and professional kayakers should install a low-profile kayak launch system that stays close to the water level throughout the year and seamlessly integrates with the rest of the dock.
• Fishing: Fishing docks often extend further into the water to reach the prime spots. Also, consider a floating dock instead of a fixed one to encourage thriving aquatic life.
• Swimming and lounging: Docks used for leisure activities will benefit from accessories like swim ladders, benches and slides.

4. How Much Maintenance You’re Willing to Do

The level of upkeep your dock requires depends on what materials it’s made of and whether it is fixed or floating. Wooden docks are more susceptible to wear and tear from weather, often warping, splintering and bowing over time. Metal nails and bolts that hold them together can also rust when exposed to salt and moisture. Wooden docks need frequent maintenance and replacements to keep them safe and attractive.

By comparison, plastic or synthetic docks hold up well against UV rays, ice, storms and temperature fluctuations. They won’t splinter or rust in Washington’s Pacific Ocean water, never need repainting or sealing and don’t degrade in water like wood. If you want a low-maintenance dock for your waterfront property that saves you time and money, plastic docks are your best bet.

5. Who Will Be Using Your Dock

Consider how your dock’s material will ensure your users’ safety, accessibility and satisfaction. Wood, for example, can splinter and push nails out over time, so slip-resistant plastic docks are a much better choice, especially for those who prefer going barefoot. Wooden posts and railings are susceptible to the same wear and tear, so plastic posts with strong aluminum railings are safer for hands.

Docks frequented by older adults or people with disabilities should be designed with accessibility in mind. The best docks for these applications will be customizable to follow the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Sturdy railings, ramps and safety curbing are important additions to make docks more inclusive. ADA-accessible modules like the EZ Launch® Accessible Transfer System are specifically designed to make watersports fun for everyone, regardless of mobility.

Which Is Better — a Fixed or Floating Dock?

For almost all applications, floating docks outperform their fixed counterparts because they can move with the water as it ebbs, flows, rises and falls. A few ways floating docks add convenience and value to your shoreline are:

• Floating docks adapt to changing water levels: This makes getting on and off boats or PWCs easier during lower tides and prevents the dock from going underwater during high tides and seasonal water level changes.
• They move with rough seas, preventing boat damage: Fixed docks remain in place during storms, but boats flow with the waves and can crash into fixed docks, causing damage. Floating docks prevent this by moving with the water.
• They are easier to install, move or alter: Floating docks can easily be moved to another area over water, require less time and skill to install, and can be disassembled for the off-season.
• Floating docks are seldom painted or treated: Unlike wooden docks, plastic floating docks create little to no polluting debris from peeling paint and chemical treatments.
• They may not require county permits: Some counties, like Washington’s Snohomish County, don’t require permits for floating docks, while they do for fixed docks.

The Stability of Floating Docks

One myth surrounding floating docks is that they lack stability. Well-designed floating docks are actually incredibly stable. For example, EZ Dock floatation technology incorporates pockets of air beneath the dock platforms that create suction between the water’s surface and the dock itself, effectively sticking it to the water.

Do You Need a Dock Permit in Washington State?

Yes, Washington state requires you to submit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Hydraulic Project Approval permit (HPA) issued by the state and the Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA) issued by the country or the city and approved by Washington’s Department of Ecology.

Washington’s Hydraulic Project Approval Permit

Depending on your needs, there are three types of HPA permits you can apply for. The Standard HPA permit takes approximately 45 days to be processed. The Expedited and Emergency HPA permits can be processed more quickly if the dock project is urgent for safety reasons. You can apply for your HPA via the Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS) or contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife directly.

The Shoreline Management Act

Washington state requires local governments, including 39 counties and 250 towns, to follow their Shoreline Management Act, an initiative set up to protect the state’s natural water sources, flora and marine life. This means every county and nearly all cities and towns have their own local regulations surrounding dock building. To find out what your county and city require, consult the Department of Ecology’s list of approved Shoreline Master Programs.

The Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application

A JARPA lets you apply for multiple permits simultaneously, including the HPA. Submitting a JARPA application is particularly convenient if your county or city requires a Substantial Development Permit (SDP), a Shoreline Conditional Use Permit or an Aquatic Lands Lease to comply with their local regulations. 

Additional Dock Regulations in Washington

You may be required to submit additional documents depending on where you’re installing your dock, what it will be used for and how its presence will affect the environment. For more information on dock installation regulations, see the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance.

Is Building a Dock on Waterfront Property in Washington Eco-Friendly?

Building a dock has some drawbacks for the ecosystem. Docks block the sunlight that flora in lakes, ponds and oceans need to create oxygen. They also introduce piles — the poles that anchor docks to the ground — which can help invasive fish species thrive by giving them a place to hide. Piles made from wood can also leach contaminants like creosotes, copper, chromium or arsenic into the water, harming the ecosystem.

How to Build an Environmentally Friendly Dock

Waterfront property owners can take steps to make their dock sustainable and eco-friendly. Follow these steps to protect your shoreline’s wildlife as best as possible:

• Choose recyclable materials: Plastic, rubber and aluminum are good choices for docks and dock accessories as they are recyclable and durable.
• Pick a dock type that doesn’t flake or leach toxins: Unlike treated wooden docks, most synthetic materials don’t release toxic chemicals into the water.
• Install a floating dock without foam filling: Pick a floating dock that gets its buoyancy from air pockets, as foam could escape and endanger wildlife if it is punctured.
• Pick a dock with good light penetration: Floating docks made from light polyethylene allow some light through to the waters below, helping plant life photosynthesize.
• Select a dock that’s easy and quick to install: Sediment should be left as undisturbed as possible to protect fish eggs and larvae, so pick a dock that doesn’t require heavy machinery to install.

How Do I Install a Dock on My Property in Washington?

Making your dream dock a reality can be fun and efficient if you use the right resources. You’ll need to provide information about the dock you intend to build when filling out the HPA and JARPA permits, so it’s essential to plan ahead. The following three steps make up the bulk of the dock installation process.

1. Design Your Dock

Decide where your dock will be located, how long and how wide it will be, what it will be made of and what shape it will take. EZ Dock’s innovative customization feature lets you design your dock on your browser so you can play around with ideas and visualize the end product. This functionality makes receiving quotes a breeze, as you’ve already plotted out exactly what you need. Once you’ve decided on your dock’s dimensions, materials and accessories, apply for the necessary permits.

2. Assemble Your Dock

Some docks, like EZ Dock configurations, can be easily installed by two people in a day or less, while other docks made from wood or metal usually require more labor, machinery and time. Modular plastic floating docks are the easiest to install, as they float effortlessly on the water’s surface and bind together with reversible rubber couplers or “dog bones.” EZ Dock distributors can install the dock for you, or you and a partner can do it yourself with only a handful of special tools.

3. Activate Your Warranty

After you’ve assembled your dock, make sure you activate your warranty. Dock companies should provide warranties of up to 10 years for floating docks and ports, although not all do. Ensure you pick a provider that cares about your dock’s longevity and your ongoing customer satisfaction.

Why Choose EZ Dock Products for Your Washington Property?

If you’re building a dock on waterfront property in Washington state, pick EZ Dock for unrivaled quality. Our easy-to-install modular docks are made of durable, low-maintenance polyethylene plastic and can be configured in nearly endless ways according to your preferences. EZ Dock has provided sea- and lakeside property owners with exceptional quality docks, ports and accessories for over 30 years and is widely considered the industry leader in PWC docking technology. With EZ Dock, you get:

• The versatility of modular designs.
• Award-winning accessibility options.
• The convenience of quick, easy assembly.
• Durable, eco-friendly plastic and rubber components.
• Floating docks for peace of mind during harsh weather.
• A 10-year warranty on docks and ports.
• A vast selection of accessory options.
• An extremely low-maintenance dock solution.

EZ Dock Solutions That Will Revolutionize Your Watersports

• EZ Port 2i: This easily attachable port allows you to dock your Jet Ski, Sea-Doo or WaveRunner safely. Drive up onto its smooth rollers and gently push it back off when you’re ready for another ride.
• EZ Launch Residential: Another bestseller, this durable, simple and secure port makes entering and exiting kayaks smooth sailing while keeping the vessel safe above the water between uses.

• Low-profile rowing dock: This extremely stable dock sits closer to the water’s surface and is perfect for competitive rowers, whether individuals or part of a team.

Level-Up Your Shoreline With Premium EZ Dock Modular Floating Docks

We’d love to help you get the most out of your waterfront property with our extensive experience, premium products and outstanding customer service. For more information on building the dock of your dreams, contact us online today, request a quote from our experts or start designing your custom dock with our innovative software.