Dock, pier and float rules in Swampscott, Massachusetts
Swampscott's bylaws that we reviewed don't have specific rules for private docks, piers or floats. Any dock work on the coast would fall under the Conservation Commission's Wetlands Protection Act review, and state Chapter 91 and federal permits also apply.
| Local review | Conservation Commission (Notice of Intent / Order of Conditions) for work affecting coastal banks, beaches or flood plains [1] |
| VE flood zone | New construction must be landward of mean high tide [2] |
No local dock bylaw
We found no harbor, waterways or dock bylaw in Swampscott's general bylaws, and the zoning bylaw doesn't list docks, piers or floats as a use. The Harbormaster runs the town's mooring permit system, but we don't have written mooring or dock regulations.
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission reviews Notices of Intent and issues Orders of Conditions for projects that may affect the town's wetlands, coastal banks, beaches or flood plains [1]. A dock, pier or float on the shore would almost certainly need this review.
Flood zone limits
The zoning bylaw's Floodplain Overlay District says all new construction in a VE (coastal high hazard) zone must be landward of the reach of mean high tide [2]. The bylaw doesn't say whether this is meant to apply to water-dependent structures like piers, so ask the Building Department and Conservation Commission early.
State and federal permits
Private docks in tidal waters also need a state Chapter 91 waterways license and may need U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval (see the state section).
See how Swampscott compares with 8+ other Massachusetts towns on docks, piers & floats →
Next steps
- Contact the Conservation Agent (781-596-8829 ext. 1241) to discuss filing a Notice of Intent.
- Contact the Harbormaster (see the town website) about mooring or float permits.
- Apply to MassDEP for a Chapter 91 license and check whether a federal Army Corps permit is needed.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit for a dock in Swampscott, Massachusetts?
- The bylaws reviewed don't have specific rules for private docks, piers or floats. Dock work on the coast would fall under Conservation Commission review, and state Chapter 91 and federal permits also apply.
- Does Swampscott, Massachusetts regulate private piers and floats?
- Not specifically in the bylaws reviewed. Review comes through the Conservation Commission under the Wetlands Protection Act, plus state Chapter 91 and federal permits.
- What approval does the Conservation Commission give for work on the coast in Swampscott, Massachusetts?
- Work affecting coastal banks, beaches or flood plains goes through a Notice of Intent and an Order of Conditions.
- Can I build in a VE flood zone in Swampscott, Massachusetts?
- New construction in the VE flood zone must be landward of mean high tide.
Massachusetts state rules for docks and piers
A private dock in Massachusetts usually needs several layers of approval beyond local zoning.
Chapter 91 waterways license (MassDEP): any structure, regardless of size, permanent or seasonal, in tidal waters, in a great pond (a pond over 10 acres in its natural state), or in certain navigable rivers needs Chapter 91 authorization (M.G.L. c. 91; 310 CMR 9.00). For small residential docks there are simpler routes:
- a General License certification for pile-supported residential docks, piers, ramps and floats with no fill or dredging, outside ACECs and Designated Port Areas (310 CMR 9.29)
- a Simplified License for residential docks up to 600 sq ft below the high-water line (310 CMR 9.10)
Licenses must be recorded at the Registry of Deeds, and Chapter 91 protects public rights to fish, fowl and navigate.
Conservation Commission: dock work in or near wetlands, banks or land under water needs an Order of Conditions under the Wetlands Protection Act (c. 131, §40).
Harbormaster: bottom-anchored moorings, floats and rafts (no pilings) can be authorized by an annual permit from the local harbormaster instead of a Chapter 91 license (c. 91, §10A). Mooring fees can't discriminate based on residence.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: work in navigable waters may also need federal approval. Small private piers and floats are often covered by the Corps' Massachusetts General Permits, which can involve self-verification or pre-construction notification.
What the bylaw says
- What are its duties and responsibilities?, Conservation Commission (Wetlands Protection Act jurisdiction), p. 1
The Commission devotes much of its time on the first job: reviewing permit applications (called Notices of Intent) and issuing permits (called Orders of Conditions) for proposed projects that may affect the Town's wetlands, coastal banks, beaches, or flood plains.
- Sec. 4.2.5.5, Zoning By-Law (Version 5-21-25; updated through Annual Town Meeting May 19, 2025), p. 50
4.2.5.5. All new construction within Zone VE must be located landward of the reach of mean high tide.