Do You Need a Permit to Build a Dock in Massachusetts?

By Jed Hannon | August 11, 2026 |
A 400-foot pier and dock along the North River in Norwell, Massachusetts, permitted under Chapter 91

A Plain-English Guide to Chapter 91 By Jed Hannon, PE, MBA — Atlantic Coast Engineering, LLC The short answer: in almost every case, yes. If you want to build a dock, pier, float, or similar structure along the Massachusetts coast or on a great pond, you need approvals before you start — typically an Order…

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