Planning a roof over your boat lift, a new dock or a covered slip and not sure what your county expects to see? Download our free sample boat dock permit drawing below. It comes from a real set we prepared for a past project in Florida: new roofs over two existing boat lifts. Client details are removed, so you can see how the sheets are organized and what plan reviewers usually ask for.
Before and after: the existing docks, and a rendering of the roofs we drew over both lifts.
What's in the free sample
The PDF has three sheets taken from a real permit set we drew for a past client, plus a page on how to order your own set:
- Proposed boat docks plan with new pilings and the roof outline
- Front and side elevations with roof height above the deck and water
- Structural details: piling embedment, rafter and post connections, diaphragm, and the Florida Product Approval table
Client names, addresses and parcel details have been removed, and every sheet is marked "Free sample – not for construction". The structural calculations, general notes and the remaining sheets are not included. This file is for reference only: it shows the level of detail a plan reviewer expects, but it cannot be submitted for a permit.
What your building department will check
- Dock and roof location on the lot and over the water, matching any approved water permit
- Piling size, spacing and embedment depth
- Beam, rafter and post sizes for the roof span
- Wind design: speed, exposure category (usually D over open water) and uplift connections
- Roof height and how much of each boat the roof covers
- Product approval numbers for roofing and connectors, where your state requires them
How to use this sample
Use it to see what a complete dock submittal looks like, to gather the information we will ask for, and to talk through options with your marine contractor. Your own set must be drawn for your dock, your lifts and your local code.
Tips before you start
- Measure the existing dock and each lift, and note the boat lengths you want covered.
- Take photos of the dock from the shore, from the water and from each side.
- Find any water, dredging or dock permit already approved for the property.
- Ask your county which agencies review structures over the water.
When you need custom drawings
If you are adding a roof to a boat lift, building a new dock or replacing an old one, you will need drawings for your exact site, and many counties also require a professional engineer's stamp. We prepare permit drawings for projects in all 50 states and send a fixed quote within 24 hours. A PE stamp is available through our partner engineers when your county requires it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this free boat dock permit drawing for my permit?
No. It is a reference sample. Your permit set must match your dock, your address and your local code.
Is the drawing stamped by an engineer?
No. Stamps are only provided on custom drawings when your county requires one, through our partner engineers.
What file format is the download?
A PDF you can open on any computer or phone and print.
