A Seawall is needed for waterfront lots to protect your land from erosion.
If you are building on a waterfront lot, the slope to the water might get to steep, so you will need a seawall. It will also increase the usable area of land in your backyard. You will also need it to build any kind of boat dock. Seawalls need to go through the permit system of the City and need a permit application. This application will be prepared by the contractor you choose for your seawall. The price of a seawall can vary significantly, due to the building company, size of seawall, height of the panels etc. Our seawall was around $25,000, a very reasonable price nowadays. Contact us to find out our recommended seawall contractor, which is considered the best around Cape Coral.
Definition of a seawall
Seawalls are constructed by 5 ft wide and 8 to 10 ft high concrete panels (you can choose the height you want), which are connected to the panels at the side of your lot and then will be flushed into the soil in the water and reach along the whole width of your waterfront property.
You need a seawall to build a boat dock
Latest Municipal Changes for Seawalls
The building standards for seawalls have been under consideration for several years. Following the collapse of numerous old seawalls during Hurricane Ian in 2022, the city has engaged in discussions about substantial structural modifications that will ultimately impact costs as well.
Most of the damaged canal walls date back to the 1960s and have typically reached their maximum lifespan due to outdated construction standards. The cracked concrete slabs allowed saltwater to seep into unprotected steel supports embedded in the ground, resulting in severe rusting. Additionally, the hurricane’s reverse suction effect drew water from the canals, creating a back pressure that affected the saturated soil on the opposite side, exacerbating issues with older installations. Now is the time for change: any permit issued for seawall construction on canals with Gulf access starting March, 2023 will need to comply with new regulations requiring taller concrete walls. Previously set at 8 feet high, these panels will now be raised to a height of 10 feet. Consequently, once installed deeper into the ground, the wall will rise approximately 18 inches above water level. The poured concrete cap will also be thicker and wider than before, along with larger dead man anchors. However, this upgrade comes at a cost; constructing a canal wall for an average lot could range between $25,000 and $35,000 or even more.
Ready for the next step….
