Shoreline Management Policy (SMP) Waiver Guidance

Table 1.  SMP Waiver Worksheet

1. Does the request comply with the Shoreline Management Policy standards?

□ No (continue with Question 2)

□ Yes (proceed with review of application)    

2. Is the applicant’s property in a subdivision?

□ No (continue with Question 3a)

□ Yes (continue with Question 3b)

3a. Is the property within 1/4 mile radius of a location where a facility was permitted prior to 11/1/99?

□ No (contact applicant to modify request)

□ Yes (property is eligible for waiver - continue with Question #4)

3b. Is the property in a subdivision where facilities were permitted prior to 11/1/99?

□ No (contact applicant to modify request)

□ Yes (property is eligible for a waiver - continue with Question #4)

4.  Does the request comply with the Pre-SMP Guidelines (see Table 2)?

□ No (continue with #5)

□ Yes (proposed facility is eligible for waiver; proceed with review of application)

5. Does the request comply with prevailing permitted practices on surrounding lots? (Prevailing permitted practices means that the requested facility is similar in size or design to at least 51% of the facilities permitted by TVA within the subject subdivision or within 1/4 mile of the proposed structure location if not within a subdivision.)

□ No (contact applicant to modify request)

□ Yes (proposed facility is eligible for waiver; proceed with review of application)

Table 2.  Pre-Shoreline Management Policy Guidelines.  If the proposed structure or use to be approved under the waiver provision is not addressed herein, then the standards of Subpart C TVA-owned Residential Access Shoreland apply.

Docks (Piers) and Open Slips

• Docks, boatslips, piers, and fixed or floating boathouses are allowable. These and other water use facilities associated with a lot must be sited within a 1,800 square foot rectangle or square area (unless prevailing practice is larger) at the lake ward end of the access walkway that extends from the shore to the structure. The walkway to the water use structure is not included in calculating the 1,800 square foot area.  

• In navigation restricted areas only, a 10-foot-wide by 40-foot-long boardwalk parallel to the shoreline may be permitted.

• It may be necessary, particularly in coves, to angle the facility in front of a neighbor's view shed because of space limitations.

• Floating dock platforms should be attached to the shore with a walkway whenever possible. If unattached, they must be anchored to the bank within 25 feet of the water's edge as the reservoir fluctuates. It may be necessary, particularly in coves, to angle the facility in front of a neighbor's view shed because of space limitations.

• In congested areas, it may be necessary to establish special permit conditions requiring dry-docking of floating structures at a specific elevation to prevent these structures from interfering with navigation, boating access, or adjacent structures.

• Walkways from shore to the dock, pier or boathouse shall not exceed six feet in width.

• Second stories on covered docks, piers, boatslips, or boathouses may be constructed as open decks with railing, but shall not be covered by a roof or enclosed with siding or screening.

• Covered docks, boatslips, and boathouses shall not exceed one story in height.

Enclosed Storage Space

• The enclosed space may be up to 32 square feet and located either on land or on an approved dock, pier, or other water use facility may be permitted.

Vegetation Management

• Clearing of vegetation that is less than three inches in diameter at four feet high may be approved.

Walkways, Steps, and Landings

• Walkways, steps, and landings must be installed in such a way that they will not restrict pedestrian access across the land by the public. Handrails are permitted only where needed for safety reasons (such as steep slopes) and shall not impede or restrict public access.

Land-Based Shelters for Storage of Recreational Watercraft and Accessories on TVA Land

• Unenclosed boat shelters on land must be located above the limits of the 100-year floodplain and have no sides and no completely enclosed floor space in excess of 32-square feet. Wire mesh or similar screening is permissible.

• The structure may be used solely for the storage of boating accessories and no more than two vessels.

• Enclosed dry-land boathouses or boat garages are not permitted on TVA land.

Driveways

• Only driveways directly serving recreational boat launching ramps shall be considered on TVA land.

Shoreline Stabilization

• TVA will permit riprap or retaining walls where there is active shoreline erosion as determined by TVA and where other methods are determined by TVA to be impractical or ineffective. When the severity of the erosion and the physical conditions warrant an engineered solution, riprap is preferred over retaining walls.

Terraces, Covered or Uncovered Patios, and Gazebos

• The applicant is required to evaluate alternatives for placement of these facilities on the adjacent private property and above the 100-year floodplain.

• If justification exists for placement of the facilities on TVA land, the facilities must not have side enclosures (except screen wire or mesh).

• Patios or Gazebos must be no greater than 400 square feet in area on TVA land.