SAVANNAH — A judge says a Georgia commission violated state rules protecting coastal marshes when it granted a permit for a new marina near Savannah without requiring proof the boat docks were needed.

Administrative Law Judge Kristin L. Miller struck down the marina permit Monday after ruling the state Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee failed to follow its own rules requiring a needs assessment for projects that would impact protected marshlands.

The permit was granted a year ago to owners of a condominium complex on the Bull River. They wanted to build a marina with room for 45 boats over the marsh along the river.

The Southern Environmental Law Center filed a legal challenge on behalf of three conservation groups. They argued several public marinas and boat ramps are located near the condos.