Yes. In California the State Lands Commission owns the beds of navigable waters and requires a Commission-issued lease before any dock or pier construction begins.
That is a real step, not a formality, and it comes before the build. We can tell you where you stand and set up the equipment once the authorization is in hand.
What this means for you. Start the lease early; we will have your setup ready when it clears.
Source: California State Lands Commission . General guidance; verify current rules with the managing authority before you build.
Not sure how this applies to you? Tom can talk it through.