What it is
A seawall (or bulkhead) is a vertical structure built along the shoreline to hold back soil and resist wave and tidal energy. Because seawalls are placed right at the boundary between private upland and state waters, they are reviewed for both structural adequacy and environmental impact.
New seawalls, seawall replacements and seawall caps are treated differently in many jurisdictions. Some agencies encourage living shorelines or riprap alternatives in certain settings, and the choice of stabilization method can change which authorizations apply. As with docks, requirements depend on the county, the waterbody and the specific site.
Who this applies to
- Owners building a new seawall where none exists
- Owners replacing or reconstructing a failing seawall
- Projects adding a seawall cap or raising an existing wall
- Waterfront owners considering riprap or a living shoreline alternative
Who commonly reviews it
Reviews structural design and issues the local building permit; coastal counties may apply additional shoreline rules.
Reviews the work under the Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) program or confirms an exemption.
Authorizes any use of state-owned submerged lands waterward of the shoreline.
May review shoreline work in navigable waters, often via the SPGP for qualifying projects.
Documents commonly required
A survey establishing the shoreline and the location of the proposed wall relative to property and state lands.
Dimensioned drawings showing wall height, cap, tiebacks and materials, often engineer-prepared.
A description of how sediment and turbidity will be controlled during construction.
Documentation of ownership at the shoreline.
Some reviews ask whether riprap or a living shoreline was considered, particularly in sensitive areas.
Common correction triggers
These are among the issues that most often send this kind of application back for another round of agency corrections. Addressing them up front tends to reduce review cycles.
- Proposed wall placed waterward of the allowed line without submerged-lands authorization
- Missing or unclear mean-high-water line on the survey
- Inadequate turbidity or erosion-control detail
- No consideration of riprap / living-shoreline alternatives where expected
- Structural drawings that lack engineer certification where required
About timelines
Seawall review timelines depend on whether the project is a straightforward in-place replacement or new construction that extends waterward. New walls and those affecting submerged lands generally receive closer review than in-place repairs. Complete, consistent submittals tend to move through with fewer correction rounds.
Frequently asked
In-place replacements are often reviewed differently than new walls that extend waterward, and some qualify for streamlined paths. The specifics depend on your county and the condition of the existing wall.
Some agencies encourage living shorelines or riprap in certain settings, and a few reviews will ask whether alternatives were considered. It does not always apply, but it is worth understanding early.
Many seawall projects require engineer-certified structural drawings, especially for taller walls or challenging soils. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
This guide is educational and general in nature. Requirements vary by county, waterbody and site conditions, and rules change over time. Nothing here is a determination, legal advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Confirm specifics with the relevant agencies or a qualified professional.