Residential Docks

To apply for zoning approval, you may apply in-person or online via ePortal.

To apply online, please visit ePortal. When you are logged into your ePortal account, go to "Apply", select "Plans", and select “Zoning Approval – Building Permit Zoning Approval.” Please follow the instructions on screen.

To apply in-person, please bring all necessary documents and check in at the Early Assistance Desk, Development Services Building, 5 County Complex Court, Prince William, VA 22192, to obtain a service ticket for Zoning Counter services. The Zoning Counter is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Tickets for zoning counter services stop at 2:00 pm to ensure all customers are served by close of business.

Please note:

• Exact dimensions including length and width for all labeled dock sections are required.
• If the dock traverses HOA or common shared land, an approval letter from the regulating authority is required.
• An approval letter from the governing authority for the body of water that the dock is located on is required.
  • Virginia Marine Resources Commission – Tidal waters of Prince William County
  • Fairfax Water – Occoquan Reservoir
  • Homeowners Association – Lakes
• Additional structures proposed in association with a dock project (deck, walkway, etc.) must be entirely within the property's boundaries and will need to obtain separate zoning approval.
• Environmental Management review and approval, including, but not limited to, Resource Protection Area review or Flood Hazard Use permit issuance by Land Development, may be required.
• After zoning approval is issued, applications for dock permits must be submitted to the Building Plan Review Division for review. For information on dock permits and submission requirements, visit Residential Docks, call Building Plan Review at (703) 792-4040 or email [email protected]
• This overview is for general information purposes only and may not reflect all aspects of the review process. Site-specific requirements will be discussed at the time of the formal review.

• Provide a completed Zoning Application Form.
• Approval letter from the party responsible for the body of water.
• Provide the full-size, 100% to-scale, house location survey plat that clearly shows the surveyor’s seal, signature, and scale used.
• Draw the dock to-scale on the house location survey plat.
  • Provide the exact dimensions of the full project, including length and width for the dock and dock sections.
  • Highlight the dock location.
  • If applying in-person provide 2 copies of the 100% to scale house location survey plat.
• Provide plans that show the exact dimensions of the dock and all dock sections, including length & width, if available.
• Review the Zoning Fee Schedule for the applicable processing fee and pay by credit card.
• Review Step 3 below to check if other requirements may apply to your property or project.

• A Special Power of Attorney Affidavit is required if the applicant is not the homeowner or a registered Prince William County contractor.
• If a project is within any easements, including utility easements, written approval from the easement holder may be required.
• If other home improvement projects have been completed on the property without prior zoning approval, review of those improvements may be required before issuance of new zoning approvals.
• Zoning Administration or non-conforming use review may be required at the time of review due to lot size, setbacks, structure, verifications, recertifications, determinations, or use. They may be emailed at [email protected]
  • A-1 zoned lots less than 10 acres must have a completed approved non-conforming use review on file before zoning review or issuance.
• Review by the Environmental Management department will be required. If the property is identified as having an RPA (resource protection area), 100 Year Floodplain, or a FEMA floodway area, storm drain/storm sewer easement, conservation or buffer area, the project exceeds 2,500 sq. ft, or any other public works impacts, Environmental Management review will be needed before zoning issuance. Environmental Management Combined Application Form / Flood Hazard Use Permit Application.
• If the property is being served by a well and septic, you may reach out to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to inquire about recommended distances from well and septic components to docks.

• To research a property, visit the County Mapper to find the zoning district, environmental impacts, and any overlay districts.
• Learn more about House Location Survey Plats.
• Find the Guidelines for Permitting Residential Docks.