Almost every activity related to Marine Construction and wetlands require the filing of regulatory permits from local, state and/or federal agencies. We must obtain the necessary authorization before any construction is to begin to avoid costly fines. This process starts with the filing of a Joint Permit Application.  Most applications can take up to 30-60 days to review & process once submitted however some applications have taken longer.

Applications are reviewed and based on several issues, including but not limited to: environmental impacts, adjacent property owners’ comments, dimensions of the proposed project, etc. The overall outcome is determined by the local, state and federal agencies not Pier Masters, Inc.

Most people find the permit process difficult so we offer the service of following the appropriate steps for you. Pier Masters, Inc only completes permitting applications for jobs our company is awarded. We will require a signed permit contract before we begin any Joint Permit Application.  Our services include but are not limited to; a properly submitted application based on information that is provided by you and obtained from site visits.  It also includes measurements & drawings, tide readings, professional representation at review hearings when necessary and to track the progress of the application from time to time.

Please keep in mind a properly submitted application does not guarantee approval. If your project does not meet the specific guidelines or is determined to be unreasonable, you’re project may have to be revised or modified to get authorization.  If any prior unauthorized construction exists, it may delay the review of your application and/or result in the denial of your proposed project.  Fines may also be incurred.

Our permitting service does not cover the cost of any other application processing fees including but not limited to, building or zoning fees, newspaper notices, survey fees, wetland fees, etc., which are to be paid by the Applicant/Property Owner. These costs vary per county. The building fees range from $4 - $10 per every $1,000 of the cost of the entire project plus zoning fees of up to $150.00 depending on the project. Some counties charge by the square footage of the proposed project with a minimum fee imposed.

Any shore stabilization project, such as a bulkhead or a riprap revetment, usually requires a wetlands application fee of $150.00-$200.00.  This fee is usually non-refundable despite the outcome of your application.  Shore stabilizers generally require a wetlands review hearing as well.  Applications are scheduled for review based on order of submission.  Applications submitted in the beginning of the month will be scheduled for hearing on the following month’s agenda pending scheduling availability and timely delegation of your application. The application is first submitted to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.  They will delegate the application to the other agencies including but not limited to; VIMS, The Army Corps of Engineers, DEQ, and the local wetlands office.  These agencies also reserve the right to perform site visits to the property related to the proposed project.

Our fee for filing your JPA is dependent upon job location, size of the project and whether it requires a review hearing.  Contact Us for more information on pricing.

*NOTE* In the event your proposed project does not meet the specific guidelines set forth by the deciding agencies or is determined to be unreasonable or has to be modified, the review process may take longer to complete and additional fees may be incurred if you elect to proceed.