Public use areas are defined as Project lands and waters where facilities are operated by non-profit organizations and/or governmental entities and that support various public recreational amenities or areas that are used for the public good. Examples of the public use classification include public access areas, and state, district, county and city parks that adjoin the project boundary, water intake areas, lake clean-up facilities and other similar public use type endeavors. Public use areas may include multi-slip docks and boat ramps with courtesy docks.

Multi-slip docks

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

5. The docks shall not exceed a maximum of 1/3 cove width or 100 feet in length, whichever is less, as measured from the base elevations.

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 owner will 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 elevations, including slip area, shall be 2,500 square feet, unless the facility is located in an area classified as high-density commercial or high-density multi-use. In this case the maximum size of dock structures would be 5,000 square feet.

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. Fishing piers may be allowed.

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

11. No enclosures shall be allowed within the project boundary for a public use facility. A screened area is considered an enclosure.

12. Only floating docks or uncovered piers shall be considered for public use areas.

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 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.

Courtesy dock and ramp

1. Courtesy docks shall meet all local, state and federal requirements.

2. Courtesy docks shall not exceed a maximum of 1/3 cove width or 80 feet in length, whichever is less, as measured from 795-foot contour NGVD. Verifying the location of 795-foot contour NGVD is the responsibility of the landowner.

3. 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.

4. The maximum size of dock structures located within 795-foot contour NGVD, including slip area, is 480 square feet.

5. 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.

6. No enclosures shall be allowed on the courtesy dock. A screened area is considered an enclosure.

7. The courtesy dock shall be floating or an uncovered pier.

8. A ramp lane shall measure twelve feet wide and have the required length to be functional.

9. Boat ramp construction shall meet all local, state, and federal requirements.

10. Ramps shall be constructed of reinforced concrete with a minimum thickness of four inches.

11. Ramps and courtesy docks shall not be located closer than 100 feet to any side lot line.

12. 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.