Thinking about buying a waterfront property in British Columbia with a General Permission dock? Proceed with caution. Unlike Specific Permission docks, General Permission docks lack formal Crown land tenure, placing more risk and responsibility on the buyer. Let’s go through a practical checklist to help you before making an offer on a property with a General Permission dock.

Why It Matters

General Permission is a policy-based allowance, not a guaranteed tenure, and applies only if the dock meets specific requirements in the Private Moorage Policy. If the dock fails to meet these requirements or if rules change, you might face compliance issues, penalties, or removal orders.

Step 1: Confirm that the Dock Meets General Permission Criteria

General Permission only applies to docks that:

• Are for private, non-commercial use
• Serve a single waterfront property
• Meet size and location restrictions (e.g., not in environmentally sensitive areas)
• Have no covered structures or enclosed areas
• Are not located in restricted zones or on leased Crown land

You can find the latest criteria in the BC Ministry of Forests’ Private Moorage Policy. If the dock doesn’t meet the criteria, it may be unauthorized.

Step 2: Search iMapBC and Contact FrontCounter BC

Although General Permission docks do not have a tenure record, it’s still important to:

• Check iMapBC for signs of existing Crown tenures that might affect the property
• Contact FrontCounter BC to confirm that there is no existing dock tenure
• Ask whether there are any compliance concerns or complaints on file

This confirms the dock is indeed considered under General Permission — not an expired or revoked tenure.

Step 3: Review the Physical Condition of the Dock

Have a marine contractor or builder assess the dock to ensure:

• It appears to have been constructed according to General Permission guidelines
• It is structurally sound and safe
• There is no evident environmental damage (e.g., erosion, vegetation removal)

If the dock is overbuilt or encroaches into sensitive areas, it likely won’t qualify.

Step 4: Include Subject-to Clauses in the Offer

Because General Permission docks are not tied to a Crown tenure or registered title, they cannot be “transferred” like other assets. That makes buyer protections in the offer even more important. A sample subject-to clause:

“Subject to the Buyer confirming, to their sole satisfaction on or before [date], that the dock associated with the property is authorized under the General Permission provisions of the Province of British Columbia, and that there are no outstanding compliance issues or removal orders.”

Work with a lawyer to tailor the clause to the property’s specific risks and your intended use.

Step 5: Investigate Insurance and Financing Implications

Some insurers may limit or exclude coverage if the dock is not expressly authorized by a tenure. Similarly, some lenders may ask whether all structures on the property are compliant.

What to do:

• Ask your insurer if a dock under General Permission is covered
• Confirm your lender doesn’t require formal tenure for financing

Being caught off guard after closing can create unexpected costs or insurance gaps.

Step 6: Consider Future Use Plans

Do you plan to:

• Add a boat lift?
• Enlarge the dock?
• Convert it to shared or commercial use?

If so, General Permission will likely not cover those modifications. You may need to apply for Specific Permission in the future, which is not guaranteed to be approved.

Step 7: Get Legal Advice

An experienced real estate lawyer can:

• Interpret the General Permission policy in light of your situation
• Draft appropriate contract language
• Advise on the risks if compliance is unclear

This is especially helpful when there is limited documentation available from the seller.

Summary: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Buying a property with a General Permission dock can be a smooth process — if you verify everything in advance. The key difference is that you’re relying on a policy interpretation, not a registered document. That means doing extra homework, asking the right questions, and writing a protective offer.