Permit plan · Lower or drain the water

Your permit plan: Lower or drain the water

Based on your answers. Cards are in the order you'll usually need them. Checked Oct 4, 2026.

Your answers (change any of them)

Who owns the water and the lakebed? A natural lake or river open to the public · change
Is the water body larger than 1 acre? No, 1 acre or smaller · change
Does the project need another state permit, such as a dam permit or a water obstruction permit? No · change

Info

Small pond, no other state permit

PFBC

Over 1 acre (or with another state permit): PFBC drawdown permit, 30+ days ahead, no fee. If neither condition applies to your project, PFBC's drawdown permit isn't triggered; the wildlife timing below still matters.

PFBC: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments This may be outdated

Info

Time it before hibernation

PFBC

PFBC warns that if you draw a pond down after turtles, frogs and salamanders begin hibernating in the mud, and that mud is exposed, the animals will likely be killed. A drawdown can dry out and partly control plants in the exposed area, especially together with freezing weather.

PFBC: Drawdown considerations

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments: Drawdown Considerations This may be outdated

State

Submerged Lands License Agreement (navigable waters only)

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Fee: On state-owned navigable waters, docks also need a Submerged Lands License Agreement.

On a stream, river or lake that has been legally determined to be a navigable water of the Commonwealth, where the state owns the bed, a dock or other permitted structure also needs a Submerged Lands License Agreement with DEP. DEP publishes the lists of covered waters. The regulation sets a $250 annual charge for a private recreational dock owned and used only by the adjacent riparian owners, and no charge when the dock is built under a general permit; DEP makes the final determination.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Submerged Lands License Agreement This may be outdated

Also check

Local

Also check with your municipality

Your township, borough or city (and county)

Ask about zoning, building and floodplain permits. 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

A summary, not legal or engineering advice. The regulation, the permit documents and the product label control. Confirm with the agency before you start.

Pros for this work

Optional. We use it only to show pros who serve your area. It isn't saved with your plan.

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Your cards plus a timeline counted back from your start date, a document checklist for each permit, a call list with links, questions to ask contractors and a tracker. Delivered instantly.

This is not a permit or an application. We don't file anything for you. Agency fees are paid only to the agency.

Pond & Shore PA plan · lakepennsylvania.us/plan/2wx40 · Checked Oct 4, 2026

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