Marine construction in Charleston includes new docks, lifts, bulkheads, and pilings. Almost all of it happens in South Carolina's critical area, so it's designed around SCDES dock and bulkhead rules and permitted through its Bureau of Coastal Management.
866-398-9323Licensed seawall specialists — FL · GA · SC
Seawall Repairs by Solid Foundations provides marine construction in Charleston, SC for homeowners, HOAs, and commercial waterfronts. Typical projects include new private docks across the marsh on James Island and Johns Island, bulkheads on West Ashley creeks, and pilings on helical foundations where pluff mud runs deep. Call 866-398-9323 or use the quote form to book a free on-site inspection. Licensed to perform marine construction in Georgia and South Carolina.
SC Regulation 30-12 sets the limits, and creek width drives most of them (SC Reg. 30-12):
| Creek width (marsh edge to marsh edge) | Total dock area allowed |
|---|---|
| Under 10 ft | No dock |
| 10–20 ft | Only with special circumstances; 50 sq ft cap; no lifts |
| 20–50 ft | 120 sq ft |
| 51–150 ft | 160 sq ft |
| Over 150 ft | 600 sq ft |
Other rules that shape the layout:
Special site conditions can allow more in some cases. We design inside the standard limits first so your application moves faster.
Doing dock and bulkhead work together can save money. See bulkhead replacement in Charleston.
Marine construction in Charleston typically costs $400–$800 per linear foot for new dock construction and $250–$600 per linear foot for new seawall or bulkhead construction. Walkway length, piling depth, and access shape the final price.
Where pluff mud runs deep, pilings may need extra support. See marine foundation repair in Charleston. Our Charleston seawall repair page covers wall work. We also build in Beaufort and Hilton Head.
On creeks 20 to 50 feet wide, total dock area is generally limited to 120 square feet. Wider creeks allow more. We measure your creek from marsh edge to marsh edge.
Yes. South Carolina allows joint-use docks, which can be larger than a single private dock and are exempt from the 20-foot property line setback between the two owners.
Lots under 50 feet wide at the marsh edge aren't eligible. For lots subdivided after May 23, 1993, a private dock needs 75 feet of frontage. Joint-use docks can help on narrower lots.
Permitting usually takes longer than building. Once approvals are in hand, most residential docks go up in a matter of weeks.
Licensed, insured, NCFI-certified. Serving Florida, Georgia & South Carolina since 1996.
866-398-9323