Ernest Noe is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chief Ranger over Shoreline Management at Lake Lanier.  If you want to know what’s happening with dock permits, he’s the man to ask.  So, we sent him a few questions and asked if there are any more dock permits available on Lanier, and a few other things we’ve been wondering about.
Here are our questions and Ranger Noe’s entire answers.
We’ve heard reports that no more permits are available for additional boat docks on Lake Lanier. Is that true?
Yes
The Corps has been quoted as saying, “Our maximum number of dock permits that can be issued for Lake Lanier is 10,615.” Any chance that figure could change … or would it take another major environmental impact study, such as the one done 13 years ago in 2003?
For that number to change it would take another environmental impact study.
Just to be clear … does this mean that no one can get a permit to build a dock for a new house on Lake Lanier? Â And new docks are not available for those who want to renovate an older home that doesn’t have a current dock permit?
Correct, we do not have any permits available at this time.
Wasn’t there a lottery a few years ago where names could be randomly selected to — for the lack of a better word — win the right to apply for a dock permit?
We did have the lottery.  Once all the requestors from the lottery were addressed, we found that we still had permits available.  So, per the 2004 Shoreline Management Plan we went back to first come first serve.
Any chance someone’s name could still be picked to get a dock permit?
Only if a present permitted facility were to not be reissued. That permit would go back into the system and the next person on the waiting list would be called.
If the lake has reached its limit, why is there a waiting list?
[As I stated,] from time to time a permit may not be reissued or someone may let their permit go (not very likely). Per the 2004 Shoreline Management Plan, on the second Monday of March of the following year we will look to see if there are any permits available and will go to the next name on the list.
There are some pretty decrepit docks on the lake that have permits. Can I buy a permit from a private individual who is willing to sell one?
The Corps of engineers owns the permits and the individual adjacent land owners cannot sell the permits.
What’s the penalty for putting a dock in the lake without a permit?
Penalties can vary but we have support through the federal courts under Title 36 section 327 for fines up to $5,000 and 6 months in prison. We can also confiscate the unauthorized structure for disposal and put a notice of encroachment on the adjacent private property.
What if someone says, “I know a guy … who knows a guy … who can sell you a permit for cash!” Â That would be a scam, right?
Scam and fraud
Anything else you want folks to know?
It is important to know that the public property adjacent to and including the lake is for the use of the public and not an extension of adjacent land owners private property. Do not do any construction on or to public property without permission, and do not remove any vegetation without permission. Removal of vegetation on public property can be very expensive in restitutions and replantings.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Info on Dock Permits
I have a question about dock permits… How long do they last, how hard are they to get, and how much does it cost to get them? Thanks, Ginger
The only way to get a dock on Lake Lanier these days is to buy a house that already has one.
RJS
http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier/Shoreline-Management/Permit-Program/
Hi,
You should contact the Corps of Engineers for a definitive answer.
http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier/Shoreline-Management/
RJS
We have some property for sale with a dock and the dock permit States it’s nontransferable. Does that mean the permit is lost with the sell of the property & cant be transferred to the new owner ?
Hi,
You should contact the Corps of Engineers for a definitive answer.
http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier/Shoreline-Management/
RJS
Where is the correct place to post your Lake Lake Lanier dock permit?
options: On dock,on a tree, etc.
Hi,
Here is the best source for you to get a correct answer:
http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier/Shoreline-Management/
Thanks,
RJS
Hi,
You should contact the Corps of Engineers for a definitive answer.
http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier/Shoreline-Management/
RJS
Hi,
You should contact the Corps of Engineers for a definitive answer.
http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier/Shoreline-Management/
RJS
I am looking for electrician to check dock installation and sign Exhibit C for permitting issue. Any contact information about electrician would be much appreciated