Marine private moorage

This page provides information about private moorage in marine environments on Crown land. Learn about the requirements here: Private Moorage Application Requirements List (PDF, 43KB)

On this page

• Updated private moorage application requirements
• Management plans
• First Nations and local governments
• Baseline marine habitat assessment

Updated private moorage application requirements

Why the marine private moorage application requirements changed

Various agencies have identified the need for applicants to provide accurate site information, including but not limited to the location of sensitive habitats, the nature of the seabed and water depths. The enhanced marine private moorage application requirements were developed to enable a review process that adequately considers environmental, cultural and cumulative impacts. Only applications in compliance with these enhanced standards of accuracy and information will be accepted.

Which areas are affected by the enhanced application requirements

The enhanced application requirements apply within all marine areas of British Columbia that the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has jurisdiction over.

What to do if you are unable to meet the enhanced mandatory requirement for submission of a marine private moorage application

Only applications in compliance with these enhanced standards of accuracy and information will be accepted by FrontCounter BC. Incomplete applications and application fees will be returned to the applicant, outlining the areas of deficiency.

Provincial and federal best management practices still apply

Despite the enhanced application requirements, provincial and federal best management practices and guidelines for dock construction are applicable. Compliance with these standards is still required.

Management plans

There are additional application requirements besides plans

Refer to the Private Moorage Application Requirements List (PDF, 43KB). The first two items (the site plan and a side profile) mentioned on that website are replaced by the enhanced application requirements, however, all subsequent items (for example, photographs and a management plan) are still required.

Who you can hire to produce these plans, including depth soundings, and how much it is likely to cost

You can hire a British Columbia Land Surveyor (BCLS), a professional engineer (PEng.), or the services of a marine construction company. Costs will vary depending on location and the extent of the proposed structures. Some hydrographic charts may provide adequate information pertaining to the water depth and nature of the sea bottom, depending on the scale of the charts.

First Nations and local governments

Why you need to provide written confirmation from local government that the proposal complies with the existing zoning bylaws

This region has multiple local governments with different zoning bylaws, some of which expressly forbid marine private moorages, docks, etc. Some bylaws may also have bearing on the design of the structures which has to be investigated by the applicant. Prior to submitting an application to FrontCounter BC, please submit a copy of your application or development plan to your local government to enable them to review the proposal. This will assist in helping ensure that the facility you want to construct will be in compliance with local zoning or building bylaws should your Land Act tenure be approved.

Why applicants are encouraged to describe and discuss their proposals with pertinent First Nation(s)

The B.C. government has an obligation to consult with First Nations prior to making decisions on applications over Crown land. Some of the procedural aspects of consultation, such as information sharing, can be taken on by the applicant as a way of streamlining the application review process. Further, these direct discussions can facilitate a better mutual understanding of the proposal and the nature of First Nations’ interests affected by it.

Baseline marine habitat assessment

When a baseline marine habitat assessment is required 

A baseline marine habitat assessment may be required when an application for a marine private moorage is submitted in the vicinity of an ecologically sensitive area, for example an eelgrass bed, or when the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship has information available that warrants a scientific study prior to approval. The decision whether a baseline marine habitat assessment will be required is made after the application has been accepted by FrontCounter BC and during the review process. Costs for these studies vary depending on the specifics of the proposal.