Google apparently doesn’t have the permits for the barge that’s been taking up residence in San Francisco Bay.

Google Barge To Relocate

The Google barge, with its in-progress four-story structure, currently rests at Treasure Island, which is somewhere between San Francisco and Oakland, Calif., reported CNN. When it was first sighted last year, the curious began contemplating what Google was working on. The theories ranged from a data center to a Google Glass shop.

In order to quell the speculation, Google decided to reveal the true purpose behind the barge project. “Google Barge … A floating data center? A wild party boat? A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur? Sadly, none of the above,” Google said in a statement. “Although it's still early days and things may change, we're exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology.”

While Google had received the go-ahead on the project from the Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA), it did not get the permits required by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC).

"We are asking TIDA to work with us so that the necessary permits can be applied for and completed to enable lawful activities to be undertaken at the site in the future (perhaps including shipbuilding and repair)," said Larry Goldzband, executive director of the BCDC, reported CNN.

If Google wants the project completed, the company will have to see the barge transported to an approved shipbuilding facility and get the permits needed from the BCDC. Until then, all work on the barge must be halted.

– Chelsea Regan

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