Do I need a permit for a shoreline wall or riprap in Pennsylvania?

Why it's regulated. Under Pennsylvania's Chapter 105 rules, a "body of water" includes any natural or artificial lake or pond, and a "water obstruction" includes a pier, wharf, wall, fill or other structure in, along, across or projecting into it. For ponds and lakes, a structure counts if, at normal pool level, it is in the water or touching the water's edge. The rules cover temporary structures as well as permanent ones. DEP says any change to a pond's cross-section that is not maintenance, such as a new dock, pier or island or making the pond bigger, needs a water obstruction and encroachment permit.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: 25 Pa. Code § 105.1, Definitions This may be outdated

Repairing an existing wall or riprap. General Permit 11 (GP-11) covers maintenance, testing, repair, rehabilitation or replacement of existing, currently serviceable water obstructions and encroachments, allowing only minor changes with minimal environmental impact. The registration fee in the regulation is $750 plus disturbance review fees where they apply.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Chapter 105 General Permits; fees from 25 Pa. Code § 105.13(c)(2) This may be outdated

New bank protection. General Permit 3 (GP-3) covers bank rehabilitation and bank protection, limited to 500 linear feet along a single reach, and may not be registered more than once to extend a project. It is not for use in wetlands. DEP describes the limit as measured along a stream channel, so ask DEP or your delegated conservation district whether a lakeshore project fits. The registration fee in the regulation is $250.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Chapter 105 General Permits; fees from 25 Pa. Code § 105.13(c)(2) This may be outdated

Wetlands change everything. If any of the work is in a wetland or places fill in one, GP-3 doesn't apply. Chapter 105 work that doesn't qualify for a waiver or a general permit needs an individual water obstruction and encroachment permit through DEP's Joint Permit Application, reviewed by DEP's regional office or a delegated conservation district. DEP recommends a pre-application meeting. In most cases the same application also covers the federal Army Corps authorization. Fill or dredging in waters or wetlands may also need federal (Army Corps) authorization, usually via DEP. If wetlands may exist near a proposed pond or could be affected, DEP says a certified wetland consultant must be hired to identify and delineate the wetlands and watercourses and to prepare the Environmental Assessment. Wetland or stream impacts that cannot be avoided must be replaced (mitigated), which adds cost and time.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Sources: Apply for a Water Obstruction and Encroachment Joint Permit (Chapter 105); Pennsylvania State Programmatic General Permit-7 (PASPGP-7), Part I and Part VI (dated April 27, 2026); Introduction to Ponds and Chapter 105 (Impacts to Water Resources; Mitigation) This may be outdated

Erosion control and digging. Any earth disturbance needs erosion and sediment control practices (BMPs). A written erosion and sediment control plan is required once the disturbance reaches 5,000 square feet (or if the work could discharge to a High Quality or Exceptional Value water), and it must be kept on site. Disturbing 1 acre or more generally needs an NPDES permit for construction stormwater. County conservation districts review these plans and may charge a review fee. Digging with machines? Notify PA One Call (811) 3 to 10 business days ahead, homeowners included.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Sources: Frequently Asked Questions: Erosion and Sediment Control (rev. Aug 12, 2026), FAQ #5; PA One Call: Homeowner FAQs; PA Act 287 as amended This may be outdated

Who owns the shore? On association, utility, Army Corps, state park or Fish and Boat Commission lakes, the owner's approval comes first and doesn't replace state permits. Run the navigator for your situation.

Your township, too. Your county, township or municipal government may have its own rules, codes or permits for pond construction or maintenance, so check with every level of local government before you start, especially for a new pond.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Pond Agencies and Permits in Pennsylvania: Local Government (updated May 19, 2025) This may be outdated