Marine construction on St. Simons Island covers docks, marsh walkways, floating docks, bulkheads and pilings. Work over marsh or tidal water needs Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division approval, and local permits go through Glynn County, since the island is unincorporated.
866-398-9323Licensed seawall specialists — FL · GA · SC
Seawall Repairs by Solid Foundations provides marine construction in St. Simons Island, GA for waterfront homeowners, HOAs, and commercial owners. Typical projects include marsh walkways out to the Frederica River and tidal creeks, floating docks and gangways built for big tides, and new bulkheads on creek lots. Call 866-398-9323 or use the quote form to book a free on-site inspection.
| Step | Who | What |
|---|---|---|
| State (marsh and tidal water) | GA DNR Coastal Resources Division | Revocable License for a private dock from your own parcel; CMPA permit for community docks and marinas |
| State (beach and dunes) | GA DNR Coastal Resources Division | Shore Protection Act review |
| Local | Glynn County | Building permits; the Islands Planning Commission covers St. Simons, Sea Island and Little St. Simons |
| Federal | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | Where federal authorization applies |
Sources: GA DNR CRD and Glynn County.
We're licensed to perform marine construction in Georgia and South Carolina and coordinate all of these.
A lot, and soon. The Army Corps' programmatic permit for private docks expired in 2022. Since then, the Coastal Resources Division has used a temporary Standard Operating Procedure while it writes permanent rules. Public comment runs through September 30, 2026, and CRD expects to ask the Board for final action in late October 2026 (GA DNR CRD). If you're planning a dock, we'll design to the rules in effect when you apply and tell you if anything shifts mid-project.
The daily range at St. Simons Light is about 7.2 feet, and spring tides go higher. Many island lots need:
If your bulkhead is near the end of its life, replace it before you build. See bulkhead replacement on St. Simons Island.
Marine construction on St. Simons Island 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 across the marsh, piling depth and access drive the total.
If existing supports are sinking, see marine foundation repair on St. Simons Island. Our St. Simons Island seawall repair page lists every island service. We also build in Brunswick. Ready to start? Contact us.
No city, since the island is unincorporated. Local permits come from Glynn County, and the dock itself needs a Revocable License from the Coastal Resources Division.
Board action is expected in late October 2026. If you're early in planning, it can make sense to design with the new rules in view. We'll advise on timing.
The walkway has to cross the marsh and reach water deep enough at low tide, and the tide swings about 7.2 feet.
Over the Torras Causeway or by water, depending on the job. We plan access around your lot and the marsh.
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866-398-9323