Docks in Jupiter

Dock shapes and the open channel

Only rectangular, T and L shaped docks are allowed (shared docks may use a U-shaped terminal platform) unless the Director approves another shape, and a centreline channel of 50% of the waterway width must stay clear.[2]

Waivers

Owners can apply to the Town for a waiver of the projection, side setback, shape or parallel mooring rules, with a justification for each potential impact.[2]

Canal docks and river docks have different limits

On a man-made canal, a Jupiter dock may project 5 ft or 10% of the canal width from the high water line, whichever is greater. On a natural waterway such as the Loxahatchee, the limit is 20% of the width or 50 ft, whichever is less, so river lots usually get the longer dock.

That limit sets the size of the dock before any material choice.[1]

A survey less than six months old

Jupiter dock permits need a signed and sealed survey made within 6 months of the application, showing setbacks, the mean high water line in NAVD88 and the waterway width (Code 27-2626). An older survey from the house purchase usually has to be redone.

We prepare the drawings and surveys that permit path asks for.[1]

What makes Jupiter different

Town Code 27-2626 keeps half of every waterway clear: a centreline channel of 50% of the waterway width must stay unobstructed, or at least a 15 ft channel where that cannot be met. Only rectangular, T and L shaped docks are allowed unless the Planning and Zoning Director approves another shape.[2]

Who approves what

The Town's checklists ask for FDEP self-certification or exemption verification, Army Corps approval if not included in the DEP decision, and SFWMD approval for structures on submerged lands or in natural waterways such as the Loxahatchee River, the Intracoastal Waterway and Sawfish Bay.[3][1]

Permits for docks in Jupiter

• Town of Jupiter Building and Planning and Zoning: Marine structure permits; dock waivers under Town Code 27-2626.
• Florida DEP or South Florida Water Management District: FDEP self-certification or exemption verification for canal docks; SFWMD approval for structures in the Loxahatchee River, the Intracoastal and Sawfish Bay.
• US Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District: Army Corps approval where the FDEP decision does not include it, as the Town checklists note.

How big can my dock be?

It depends on where you are. Florida's statutory exemption covers private docks up to 1,000 sq ft of over-water area, or 500 sq ft in Outstanding Florida Waters, with one exempt dock per 65 ft of shoreline. Over-water area includes roofs, boat canopies, elevated platforms and decking. In Miami-Dade a single-family dock on the short-form permit may not protrude more than 25% of the waterway width.[6][7][8]

Docks over state-owned water

Most of Biscayne Bay and its natural tributaries, including the Miami River, Little River, Oleta River and Arch Creek, are state-owned submerged lands. A dock there needs the state's consent, which DERM can grant on the state's behalf for qualifying projects. FDEP requires structures to sit at least 25 ft inside riparian lines (10 ft for marginal docks), with exceptions.[8][7]

Frequently asked questions