Maintaining or repairing bulkheads and docks on Bainbridge Island involves multi-agency oversight, including the City, WA Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Hard concrete bulkheads are rarely approved for new construction, with environmental regulations preferring “soft-shore” bioengineering solutions.

Permitting Overhaul: The JARPA Process

Any work performed below or near the high water mark requires a Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA). This single application coordinates review across multiple government agencies:

• Local Level: City of Bainbridge Island Shoreline Permit.
• State Level: WDFW Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA).
• Federal Level: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 10 / Section 444 review.

Hard Armoring vs. Soft-Shore Stabilization

• Hard Bulkheads: Existing concrete or wooden seawalls may generally be maintained or repaired, but expanding them or replacing them with hard structures is strictly reviewed.
• Soft-Shore Bioengineering: Modern shoreline management favors natural gravel placement, anchored drift logs, and native beach planting to absorb wave energy while protecting fish habitats.

Private Dock Maintenance & Mooring Buoys

• Existing Docks: Maintenance of existing grandfathered docks is allowed, but materials must comply with environmental standards (e.g., non-toxic materials, grated decking to allow light penetration for marine life).
• Mooring Buoys: All private mooring buoys in Bainbridge Island waters must be properly permitted and registered through the WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local harbor authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you build a new bulkhead on Bainbridge Island?

New hard bulkheads (concrete or creosote armoring) are generally prohibited under current regulations unless a geotechnical study proves a primary structure is in imminent danger. Soft-shore stabilization methods are strongly favored.