A good rule of thumb for determining whether a permit is required is that a permit usually IS required when work will be performed below the mean high water level of the lake or its bays, in adjacent wetlands, when the lake or river's bed or banks are being changed or disturbed, when the course or current of the lake or river is being altered, or when a structure is being placed in the water. The delineation between different permitting regions of the shoreline is shown on the permitting guidelines diagram below.

Click on the buttons below for regulation information about specific topics most relevant to small, private shoreline property owners. This list is not meant to be used as a final reference. Much of this information is taken directly from the Federal, State or local agency that enforces the regulation and is up-to-date at the time this CD was produced. Make sure you contact your local regulators and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for more information. The NYS DEC and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office diagram includes contact numbers for the offices in your area.