Georgia's Lake & Golf Country- Lake Oconee's 2009 Dock & Seawall Guidelines

Good Thursday Morning. With Lake Season right around the corner I wanted to give a quick update on Lake Oconee's guidelines for seawall and dock permits. I'll be doing a follow up piece on Lake Sinclair and it's 2009 guidelines in the next couple of days if you would like to check back for that as well. The 2009 guidelines are as follows:

L a k e O c o n e e

Seawalls

• Due to changing environmental requirements, this document is to be used only as a guideline. Consult your local GP Land Management Office for current seawall regulations and requirements.

• Seawall construction will require proper erosion and sedimentation controls. After completion of seawall and until the vegetative buffer is restored, a silt fence must be installed and maintained just behind the new seawall at ground level and a row 26' inland from wall. All disturbed ground within the 25' vegetative buffer will be covered with straw or sod.

• Plans should show the following:

1. the length of shoreline to be fronted by the seawall.

2. the type of foundation to be installed and depth below ground line.

3. the type of materials to be used for construction of the seawall.

4. the height of the seawall should be no higher than necessary to stabilize shoreline.

5. a re-vegetation plan.

• The distance between the proposed seawall and the existing shoreline shall not exceed 2'. The location of the proposed seawall must be staked at 25' intervals in order for inspectors to assure the original contour is adhered to as close as possible. For very irregular shoreline, stakes shall be no more than 10' apart.

• GP requires placing rip-rap along the base of all seawalls. This application helps reduce undermining and restores shoreline habitat. Recommended amount from normal (full pool) water level: slope ratio of 1' of width per every 1' of depth).

Docks

• Regarding newly established lots or developments: A minimum lot width of 100' at the shoreline and GP property line is required in order to have any shoreline structures. Seawalls are the exception.

• There is a minimum 15' setback from side lot line or any such extended imaginary lot line as determined by extending line lakeward.

• Only one dock is allowed per lot.

• Docks may be floating or stationary. Only approved encapsulated or Dow Polystyrene flotation will be permitted for use with floating docks.

Metal drums, plastic barrels, modified pontoon boats and other such items or materials are prohibited.

• No portion of a dock may be covered.

• The total length of any dock shall not exceed 50'.

• Maximum dimensions on any portion of a dock are 16' x 20' with the 16' being parallel to the shoreline.

• The minimum width of walkway is 4'. Maximum width, 6'.

• "T" or "I" shape docks are prohibited.

• Plumbing is prohibited.

• Replacement of unapproved flotation may be required at the time of any dock renovation or replacement. Replacement of unapproved flotation will be required at time of lease/license renewal or transfer.

• Color of docks must be brown, beige, gray or natural color.

* These rules are subject to change at Georgia Power's discretion.

Oconee is a great fishing, golf, and recreational lake. As always is you have any questions about the article or real estate in the area please let me know. 404-272-8037, bradwarnock@remax.net or www.BeAtTheLake.com

Take Care

Brad