The Low Density Use category consists of 3 types of low density development. Any of the 3 types may be developed adjacent to shoreline that has been designated as low density use. The sub-categories are single-family residential, low-density multi-use (to serve condominiums, off water lots, or apartments), and low-density commercial. The associated regulations for each of the sub-categories follow:

Single Family Residential

1. All shoreline distances are measured at the 795-foot contour line National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) for Smith Mountain Lake and the 600-foot contour NGVD for Leesville Lake. These respective contours are hereafter referred to as base elevation. Verifying the location of the base elevation and all appropriate distances is the responsibility of the applicant.

2. The project boundary for Smith Mountain Lake is the 800-foot contour NGVD and for Leesville Lake is the 620-foot contour NGVD. These respective contours are hereafter referred to as the project boundary.

3. All docks shall meet all local, state and federal requirements.

4. Docks may not exceed a maximum of 1/3 cove width or 80 feet in length, whichever is less, as measured from the base elevations. (Figure 1)

5. Any dredging that occurs shall meet all state, federal, county, and AEP dredging requirements. Any dredging that occurs without proper approvals could be subject to a fine.

6. No pier/dock shall be constructed within the line of sight of two navigational aids. The location of navigational aids is controlled by the TLAC. Individuals can apply to TLAC for relocation of navigational aids that would allow for pier/dock location that would be precluded by existing navigational aids.

7. The dock owners shall sign an acknowledgement when obtaining their dock permit that water depths may not be adequate for accessing the lake during times of low inflow or drought or for any other reason the reservoir is drawn down.

8. The maximum size of dock structures located within the base elevation, including slip area, shall be 1,500 square feet. (Figure 2)

9. Structures located between the project boundary and the base elevation shall be limited to a structure that provides access to the dock. This includes a stairway, ramp or landing that connects the dock to the land. The maximum width of this structure shall be six feet. (Figure 2)

10. The minimum water frontage required shall be 100 feet. Two adjoining shoreline lots having a total of 150 feet minimum shoreline may share a pier/dock. Shared piers/docks shall be located as close as possible to the shared side lot line. If a lot is subdivided prior to (date of implementation), then it does not have to meet the frontage requirement but the structure does have to meet setback requirements.

11. In some cases, a landowner may own substantially more than 100 linear feet of shoreline. In the event that a landowner would prefer additional structures, a minimum of 500 feet shall be maintained between each structure. However, only three slips total shall be considered for approval and all other setback requirements apply.

12. A maximum of 2 slips per dock shall be considered for approval.

13. All structures located within the project boundary shall be located within the extended side lot lines and shall maintain a setback of at least 15 feet from extended side lot lines or in accordance with an approved subdivision plat. (Figure 3)

14. The maximum size of an enclosure on the dock shall be 48 square feet. These enclosures shall not be used for human habitation and shall not be equipped with fixtures such as sinks, showers, toilets, etc. The enclosure shall be located on the lower level of the dock. A screened area is considered an enclosure.

15. The maximum height, as measured from the base elevation to the highest point on the structure, shall be 16 feet for a structure with a flat roof and 19 feet for a structure with a pitched roof. Roofs shall only be allowed on floating docks at Leesville Lake. The water elevation at Smith Mountain Lake can rise up to and occasionally over 800-foot contour NGVD as measured at the dam. At Leesville Lake, the water elevation can rise up to and occasionally over 620-foot contour NGVD as measured at the dam. This is to be taken into consideration when designing the overall height of the boat dock. The boat dock may have a roof but no additional roofs or roofed areas shall be allowed to create a second story. (Figure 4)

16. White reflective tape or white reflectors are required on each furthermost waterward corner of the dock and every 20 feet on both sides of the dock.

17. Existing non-conforming structures may be maintained and repaired up to 50% of the total physical structure but the non-conformity may not be increased. If more than 50% of the total physical is replaced, it shall meet the new requirements.

Low Density Multi-use (to serve condominiums, off water lots or apartments)

18. All shoreline distances are measured at the base elevations. Verifying the location of the base elevation and all appropriate distances is the responsibility of the applicant.

19. The project boundary for Smith Mountain Lake is the 800-foot contour NGVD and for Leesville Lake is the 620-foot contour NGVD. These respective contours are hereafter referred to as the project boundary.

20. Docks shall meet all local, state and federal requirements.

21. Docks shall not exceed a maximum of 1/3 cove width or 80 feet in length whichever is less, as measured from the base elevation .

22. Any dredging that occurs shall meet all state, federal, county, and AEP dredging requirements. Any dredging that occurs without proper approvals could be subject to a fine.

23. No pier/dock shall be constructed within the line of sight of two navigational aids. The location of navigational aids is controlled by the TLAC. Individuals can apply to TLAC for relocation of navigational aids that would allow for pier/dock location that would be precluded by existing navigational aids.

24. The dock owner shall sign an acknowledgement when obtaining their dock permit that water depths may not be adequate for accessing the lake during times of low inflow or drought or for any other reason the reservoir is drawn down.

25. The maximum size of dock structures located within the base elevation, including slip area, shall be 5,000 square feet.

26. Structures located between the project boundary and the base elevation shall be limited to a structure that provides access to the dock. This includes a stairway, ramp or landing that connects the dock to the land. The maximum width of this structure shall be six feet.

27. A maximum of 1 watercraft slip per housing unit shall be considered for approval.

28. All structures located within the project boundary shall be located within the extended side lot lines and shall maintain a setback of at least 30 feet from extended side lot lines.

29. Enclosures on the dock are not allowed. A screened area is considered an enclosure.

30. The maximum height, as measured from the base elevation to highest point on the structure, shall be 16 feet for a structure with a flat roof and 26 feet for a structure with a pitched roof. Roofs shall only be allowed on floating docks at Leesville Lake. The water elevation at Smith Mountain Lake can rise up to and occasionally over 800-foot contour NGVD as measured at the dam. At Leesville Lake, the water elevation can rise up to and occasionally over 620-foot contour NGVD as measured at the dam. This is to be taken into consideration when designing the overall height of the boat dock. The boat dock may have a roof but no additional roofs or roofed areas shall be allowed to create a second story.

31. Slips shall be constructed in conjunction with residential units.

32. White reflective tape or white reflectors are required on each furthermost waterward corner of the dock and every 20 feet on both sides of the dock.

33. Existing non-conforming structures may be maintained and repaired up to 50% of the total physical structure but the non-conformity may not be increased. If more than 50% of the total physical structure it shall meet the new requirements.

34. A low density multi-use dock shall be limited to no more than 2 slips per 100’ of shoreline. These slips shall be grouped together to the greatest extent possible given restrictions based on other regulations.

Low Density Commercial

1. All shoreline distances are measured at the base elevation. Verifying the location of the base elevation and all appropriate distances is the responsibility of the applicant.

3. Docks shall meet all local, state and federal requirements.

4. Any dredging that occurs shall meet all state, federal, county, and AEP dredging requirements. Any dredging that occurs without proper approvals could be subject to a fine.

5. Docks shall not exceed a maximum of 1/3 cove width or 80 feet in length, whichever is less, as measured from the base elevation.

8. The maximum size of dock structures located within the base elevation, including slip area, shall be 5,000 square feet.

10. All structures located within the project boundary shall be located within the extended side lot lines and shall maintain a setback of at least 30 feet from extended or actual side lot lines.

11. No enclosures shall be located within the project boundary.

12. The maximum height, as measured from the base elevation to highest point on the structure, shall be 16 feet for a structure with a flat roof and 26 feet for a structure with a pitched roof. Roofs shall only be allowed on floating docks at Leesville. The water elevation at Smith Mountain Lake can rise up to and occasionally over 800 foot contour NGVD as measured at the dam. At Leesville Lake, the water elevation can rise up to and occasionally over 620 foot contour NGVD as measured at the dam. This is to be taken into consideration when designing the overall height of the boat dock. The boat dock may have a roof but no additional roofs or roofed areas shall be allowed to create a second story.

13. White reflective tape or white reflectors are required on each furthermost waterward corner of the dock and every 20 feet on both sides of the dock.

14. Existing non-conforming structures may be maintained and repaired up to a total of 50% of the total physical structure but the non-conformity may not be increased. If more than 50% of the total physical structure is replaced, it shall meet the new requirements.

15. A low density commercial dock shall be limited to no more than 2 slips per 100’ of shoreline. These slips shall be grouped togetherto the greatest extent possible given restrictions based on other regulations.