26a Standards for Residential Structures

Docks, Piers, and Boathouses

TVA has developed standards for docks, piers, and boathouses that define the maximum size of the proposed water-use facility. If there are reasons why the maximum-sized facility cannot be built at the proposed location, TVA will determine the size of the facility that can be approved. Applicants are required to submit accurate drawings of all proposed facilities.

1. Docks, piers, boathouses and other residential water-use facilities shall not exceed a total footprint area of greater than 1,000 square feet.
2. Docks, slips, piers, and boathouses are allowable. These, and other water-use facilities associated with a lot, must be sited within a 1,000-square-foot area at the lakeward end of the access walkway that extends from the shore to the structure. Walkways are not included in calculating the 1,000-foot area.
3. Docks and walkway(s) shall not extend more than 150 feet from the shoreline and in coves shall not extend more than one-third the distance to the opposite shore.
4. All fixed piers shall have deck elevations at least 18 inches above normal summer pool level, (Chickamauga, Watts Bar, and Fort Loudoun, shall be a minimum of 24 inches above normal summer pool).
5. All docks, piers, and other water-use facilities must be attached to the shore with a walkway, which must connect from land to the structure by the most direct route and must connect to the access corridor.
6. Fixed or floating water-use facilities may be allowed (fixed piers, floating docks, boatslips, boathouses, etc.).
7. Boatslips may have a roof except on Kentucky Reservoir, where roofs are not permitted on fixed structures due to extreme water level fluctuations.
8. Docks proposed in subdivisions recorded after the effective date of these regulations must be placed at least 50 feet from the neighbors’ docks. Where this density requirement cannot be met, only group or community facilities will be allowed.
9. Covered boatslips may be enclosed with siding.
10. Access walkways constructed over water and walkways inside of boathouses shall not exceed 6 feet in width.
11. Enclosed storage space shall be used solely for storage of water-use equipment. The outside dimensions of the completely enclosed storage space shall not exceed 32 square feet and must be located on an approved dock, pier, or boathouse.
12. Docks, piers, and boathouses shall not contain living space or sleeping areas. Floor space shall not be considered enclosed if three of the four walls are constructed of wire or screen mesh from floor to ceiling, and the wire or screen mesh leaves the interior of the structure open to the weather.
13. Toilets, or sinks creating discharges into the lake, are not permitted.
14. Covered docks, boatslips, and boathouses shall not exceed one story in height.
15. Second stories on covered docks, boatslips, or boathouses may be constructed as open decks with railing but shall not be enclosed with siding, screening, or covered by a roof.

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