License check
How to check a marine contractor's license in Suffolk or Nassau
What New York State and federal rules say
- Under DEC's tidal wetlands program, almost any activity that will alter wetlands or their adjacent areas needs a permit, and those areas reach up to 300 feet inland from the wetland boundary outside New York City.
- Replacing broken boards on a functional dock does not require a DEC permit, the agency says, but changing the dock's length, width or position does.
- Besides DEC, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has jurisdiction, and DEC notes that a Corps permit may be required whether or not DEC requires one.
Towns with a license of their own
- Town of Shelter Island: Shelter Island's notice to contractors says every contractor or subcontractor working on the island, landscapers included, needs a town license.
Beyond the license
- Ask for a certificate of insurance sent to you by the insurer, naming you as the certificate holder.
- Ask who files the permit and books the inspections, and get it in the contract.
- Get the price, the scope, the start and finish dates and the payment schedule in a written contract.
Related
Questions homeowners ask
Do I need a permit to replace a bulkhead on Long Island?
Almost always some approval applies, from New York State, the town or its trustees, depending on where the water and wetlands are. The town pages below quote each official page.
Who regulates docks and bulkheads on Long Island?
Tidal wetlands are regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and towns and their trustees add rules of their own.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these official pages. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the office before you file anything.
Checked 2026-11-03. Facts come only from the official pages listed, read on that date.
Talk the job through before you call anyone
Tell us about the house and the job in about four minutes. Revival calls you, free, to go over the scope, the budget, the timing and your town's permit office. Contractor matches open as our first licensed partners sign.