Those who are fortunate enough to live on the shore of Lake Lanier know their property increases in value if they have valid dock permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the authority delegated by the federal government to manage and regulate public use of the lake.
Homeowners may pay higher taxes to live “on the lake” but Lake Lanier’s shoreline is open to use by the general public.
According to the USACE, buying a lake house doesn’t mean purchasers have “any real estate rights nor convey any private exclusive use privileges on government property.”
As part of what USACE calls its “shoreline management” responsibilities, the Corps may issue permits to install minor private facilities on certain public lands and waters, such as docks. Permit/Licenses are issued for a maximum of five years and are nontransferable. In order to distribute dock permits fairly, the Corps began to use a lottery program in 2009.
Soon, according to an article published by The Gainesville Times on July 29, 2014, the USACE lottery program will end. The Times quoted a source named Chief Ranger Ernest Noe who said “Corps officials will announce the final number available when they start the first-come, first-served process, sometime after Labor Day.”
The Lake Lanier Corps office indicates there are 65 dock permits yet to be issued for the lake, as of August 6, 2014. The lake isn’t getting any bigger and USACE regulations are not easily changed. If you are interested in filing the paperwork to obtain a dock on Lake Lanier, you should not waste any time in doing so.
Click Here for ACE Chart of Remaining Dock Permits on Lake Lanier
Who May Apply for Lake Lanier Dock Permits
Individuals who own property adjacent to public lands zoned as “limited development” may apply for a Shoreline Use Permit/License. First-time applicants for new facilities must meet on-site with a Ranger. New owners of existing facilities may apply for a permit at the Operation Management Office. The renewal of permits will be initiated by the Corps of Engineers.
How to Apply for Lake Lanier Dock Permits
You may call the Corps Lanier Operation Management Office at 770-945-9531 to request an appointment with the Ranger responsible for your area of the lake. The Ranger will meet with you at the property to discuss Shoreline Management policies.
If the site conditions meet USACE guidelines, you will be given an application packet to complete and return to the Operation Management Office (within 90 days) for review and consideration. Final approval will not be given until the Operation Management Office reviews and issued the permit.
Should you be given the application packet, you will need to submit:
- Two (2) completed original applications.
- One (1) copy of recorded property deed, closing or settlement statement. (NOTE: MUST BE SIGNED AND NOTARIZED.)
- Copy of property plat.
- One (1) site plan drawing.
- Two (2) standard dock drawings displaying dimensions.
- Electrical certification statement (after installation/upon reauthorization)
- A check made out to: USACE F&A OFFICER.
Click Here for the USACE Shoreline Program for Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier Corps of Engineers Contact Information
Lanier Operation Management Office
Lake Sidney Lanier, Lakeshore Management
P O Box 567
Buford, Georgia 30515-0567
Telephone: 770-945-9531
