Looking to repair or refresh your Lake Washington dock in Medina? Between fish windows, shoreline rules, and multiple agencies, it can feel complex. With a clear plan, you can protect the lake, stay compliant, and keep your project on schedule. This guide breaks down permits, timing, and smart construction choices so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Medina dock permit layers
City shoreline review
Medina regulates docks through its Shoreline Master Program, which implements the state Shoreline Management Act. City staff determine if your work qualifies as “normal maintenance and repair” or needs a shoreline substantial development permit, a conditional use, or a variance. Review the city’s shoreline framework and recent filings in the state’s SMP register to understand local expectations at a high level. You can browse examples of city shoreline permit packets in recent public meeting materials.
- Explore Medina’s Shoreline Master Program context: Ecology’s SMP Register
- See Medina shoreline permit packets: City meeting documents
WDFW Hydraulic Project Approval
Any work that uses, diverts, obstructs, or changes the lakebed or flow requires a Hydraulic Project Approval from Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Typical dock repairs like pile removal or replacement, decking changes, and float work often need an HPA. WDFW generally decides standard HPAs within 45 days of a complete application and may set conditions for timing, materials, and methods. Start HPA early so you can bake its conditions into your contractor’s scope.
- Start here: WDFW HPA application and process
Federal review and 401 certification
If your project affects navigable waters or involves dredge or fill, you may need authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and state water quality review under Section 401. Many small projects fit within general permits, but you should confirm early. Coordinate federal submissions in parallel with the city and WDFW to avoid delays.
- Learn more: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit guidance
DNR aquatic lands permissions
If your dock extends over state-owned aquatic lands, Washington DNR rules may allow certain private recreational docks, or you may need a lease or authorization. Check eligibility, size limits, and use restrictions before finalizing design.
- Read DNR rules for private recreational docks: DNR guidance
Step-by-step permit path
Pre-application and scoping. Talk with City of Medina planning staff to confirm permit type and submittal requirements. A short scope, photos, and a sketch help. Early contact with a WDFW habitat biologist can surface timing and design expectations before you finalize drawings.
City shoreline and building permits. File for a shoreline determination or shoreline permit and any needed building permit. Some routine maintenance may be exempt from a shoreline substantial development permit, but you still must meet city standards.
WDFW HPA. Submit your HPA application and incorporate expected conditions in your plans, such as silt control, pile handling, and grating. WDFW typically issues a decision within 45 days of a complete application.
Federal and 401, if applicable. If dredge, fill, or new piles trigger federal jurisdiction, submit to the Corps and coordinate any required state 401 review at the same time.
DNR aquatic lands, if applicable. Confirm bed ownership and whether your design fits DNR’s private dock allowances or needs a lease.
Construction and compliance. Follow all permit conditions, including in-water timing, turbidity controls, material handling, and any notification requirements.
Helpful references:
- City shoreline process examples: Medina permit packets
- WDFW HPA process and timelines: HPA application
- Shoreline procedures and exemptions overview: State shoreline guidance
Timing on Lake Washington
The most important calendar factor is the WDFW in-water work window for Lake Washington, also called WRIA 8. For many in-water activities, the typical window runs from July 15 to September 30. Your HPA will confirm the exact timing for your address and scope. Starting design and permits well before spring helps you hit this window without rushing.
- Check timing rules and standards: Chapter 220-660 WAC
What a realistic schedule looks like for a straightforward repair:
- Pre-application and design: 2 to 6 weeks
- City and HPA submittals in parallel: 1 to 2 months if complete and no hearing
- Federal and 401, if needed: add 1 to 3 months, depending on scope
- Construction: a few days to a few weeks, with in-water work inside the WRIA 8 window
Design and construction best practices
Follow WDFW technical standards and your city permit conditions to protect habitat and speed approvals.
Light-friendly decking. Use grated decking to increase light to the water. WDFW rules specify minimum open-area percentages for ramps and decks.
Keep it narrow and efficient. Limit dock width and footprint to reduce shading and overwater coverage. Local rules can be more restrictive than state minimums.
Pile removal and handling. Extract piles carefully and move them immediately to a barge or upland. Never rinse treated wood in the lake. Cap broken stumps and fill holes where feasible.
Materials that last without leaching. Avoid creosote and high-leaching older treated woods in water. Choose modern, approved materials and fasteners suited for aquatic use.
Control turbidity and debris. Use turbidity curtains, work from barges where feasible, and capture demolition debris before it reaches the water.
Technical standards overview: Ecology SMP Register resources
State shoreline policy framework: WAC 173-26
Medina-specific tips
Expect emphasis on habitat. Lake Washington’s shoreline near Medina supports juvenile salmon migration. Agencies will focus on shading, vegetation, and pile impacts.
Consider shared moorage. Many shoreline programs prefer joint or shared moorage to limit the number of docks. Be ready to show why sharing is not feasible for a new or expanded private dock.
Talk to the city early. Medina’s Development Services team will clarify whether your scope is exempt maintenance or a shoreline permit case that may involve public notice or a hearing. You can see how recent applications were handled in city meeting packets.
Start with the city: Medina shoreline materials
SMP context and updates: Ecology SMP Register
Planning to sync dock work with a future sale or purchase? Smart timing and pre-planning can protect your budget and your timeline. If you want a local game plan, reach out to Bill Blanchard for a calm, step-by-step strategy tailored to your Medina property.
FAQs
Do you need a shoreline permit for dock repairs in Medina?
- Some “normal maintenance and repair” may be exempt from a shoreline substantial development permit, but you should confirm with the City of Medina. Separate approvals like WDFW’s HPA can still apply. See the state’s shoreline procedures and exemptions overview for context: state shoreline guidance.
When is in-water dock work allowed on Lake Washington?
- WDFW’s standard WRIA 8 fish window is commonly July 15 to September 30, set in your site-specific HPA. Review timing tables in Chapter 220-660 WAC.
What is a WDFW HPA and how long does it take?
- A Hydraulic Project Approval authorizes work that disturbs the bed or flow of state waters; WDFW generally issues standard HPAs within 45 days of a complete application. Start here: HPA application and process.
Do residential docks ever need federal or DNR approvals?
- Projects that involve dredge, fill, or new piles may need U.S. Army Corps review and state 401 certification; docks over state-owned aquatic lands may need DNR permission or a lease. See USACE permit guidance and DNR private dock rules.
Will grated decking or narrower design help my permit?
- Yes. Grating that increases light transmission and a smaller overwater footprint align with WDFW and shoreline goals and can make approvals smoother. For standards and policy context, review Ecology’s SMP Register.
