The minimum plan submittal
The city's Docks, Seawalls and Boatlifts checklist (revised May 6, 2024) lists (city checklist):
- a signed and sealed survey of the property less than two years old, electronically signed or bearing a visible raised seal,
- electronically signed and sealed engineering drawings,
- Broward County Environmental Review Approval and a Transportation Concurrency Certificate (county questions: (954) 357-6666, extension 2),
- a Broward County Environmental Resource General License from the Environmental Permitting Division (questions: (954) 519-1483),
- approval or correspondence from Florida DEP ((561) 681-6600), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ((561) 472-3504) and the South Florida Water Management District ((561) 686-8800) where they apply,
- HOA approval if your association requires it, and an owner/builder affidavit if the owner does the work,
- a special inspector form if pilings are installed.
Apply in the right order
The checklist tells applicants to apply with Broward County first, because the county may hold delegated authority to perform the state review, the federal review and the water management district review. Going to the county first can save a separate application.
Docks, lights and lifts
Lights on a dock need an electrical permit and plans. A new boat lift needs an electrical permit and a copy of the lift's shop drawings, electronically signed and sealed (city checklist). The city also regulates how far docks and boats sit from property lines and the center of the waterway (City of Wilton Manors).
Reviews and inspections
Plans go through structural, zoning and public utilities review, plus electrical and plumbing when they apply. Inspections are requested online before 4:30 p.m. for the next business day. The city notes the checklist is not all-inclusive.
The plans must meet Section 11-27's 5 foot NAVD88 standard if the work is new or a substantial rehabilitation. See the Wilton Manors seawall height requirement.