Frequently asked questions
How long does marine permitting take?
It depends on the agencies involved, the complexity of the proposal, whether the site has sensitive resources, and the completeness of the application. It is normally the longest item in a project schedule and it is not something any contractor controls. We will tell you what the realistic range looks like for your scope and will not promise a date that depends on someone else's queue.
Can you permit work that someone else will build?
Contact us and describe the project. Our permitting work is generally part of the projects we build, but it is worth a conversation rather than a blanket answer on a web page.
What happens if my project is denied?
Proposals are sometimes modified during review to address agency concerns, and that is a normal part of the process rather than a failure. This is also why we establish what is likely to be permittable before designing in detail — there is no value in drawing something that cannot be approved.
I have unpermitted work on my property. What now?
It is worth addressing rather than hoping it goes unnoticed, because it follows the property and tends to surface at sale. The path depends on what was built, where, and when. Tell us the situation and we will tell you what we can see of the options — and where you need to speak to the agency directly.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Barefoot Marine Construction. Permit requirements and agency rules change — confirm current requirements with the reviewing agency before you plan work.