Town Pier Slips

**Fishing is permitted off the town wharf without a fishing license. Fishing in any other location requires the purchase of a Maryland State Fishing License.

The Town Pier was funded by grant money from the State of Maryland’s Boating Administration. As such, the State and the Town have certain regulations that must be followed in making this pier available for use by the public.

• All slip holders will have the right of renewal in the following year
• The Boating Administration – Dept. of Natural Resources has authorized a fee of $754.00 per annum.
• Additionally, a Boat Slip User Fee (tax) will be applied in the amount of five percent (5%) of the cost of the slip not to exceed $100 per annum, authorized by Charlestown Ordinance 2011-01, as amended August 2012. The slip taxes for the upcoming year, based on the aforementioned slip rental fee, is $37.70.
• The fees were approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and are necessary to ensure adequate revenue is available for future maintenance of the facility. The DNR requires the Town to maintain this facility, in which the State has invested public funds, and the DNR cannot guarantee the availability of funds in the future.
• The total fees for the 2024 boating season are $791.70 (slip fee plus boat slip user fee), and the fees must be paid to the Town prior to occupying your assigned slip no later than March 15th. Any slips not contracted by March 15th may be assigned to the next person on the waiting list.
• The Boating Administration requires that all boats occupying seasonally assigned slip must be Maryland registered. The regulation must be met prior to occupying seasonally assigned slips.
• The Town Pier boating season is March 15th thru November 14th. Boats will not be permitted at the pier from November 15th thru March 14th of the following year, due to winter icing.
• The Boating Administration and the Town require that this facility be used to its maximum extent. Therefore, any slip contracted must be actively occupied during the season and not vacant. Any slips that are not regularly occupied during the summer may be reassigned to the next person on the waiting list.
• All slips are 11’x24’ with 4’ of water depth. The maximum length boat permitted at this dock is 26’ over-all.
• Because of the limited width of the dock surface, dock boxes are not permitted.
• Any structures or devices to aid in boat boarding must receive prior approval before installation.
• All slip holders will be responsible for securing their boats within their assigned slips. There is no regular Town security patrol. As boat piers carry some inherent degree of personal danger, all slip holders use this facility at their own risk. The Town will not assume any liability for theft, sinking, injuries or other damage caused by boats, property, or people using this facility.
• NO SUBLETTING. All boats must be registered to the applicant.
• You will retain the same slip that you occupied the previous year.
• This pier is strictly for boating activities. Fishing and swimming are not permitted from this facility.
• Courteous and proper behavior is required at all times.
• Electricity and water pedestals have been installed on the Town Pier. Continual use of electricity will not be permitted, i.e. air-conditioning and heating.

Any violation of the above regulations may result in the loss of your boat slip with no refund.

Waiting List: The Town currently has a lengthy waiting list for Town Pier boat slips. If you would to be added to the wait list, please complete the Application for Town Boat Slip Waitlist. If you have any questions, please contact Town Hall at (410) 287-6173 or via email at Staff@charlestownmd.org.