| Non-Conforming Dock Documentation Frequently Asked Questions |
- Why is Appalachian Power Company making us document our existing dock?
- Does my existing dock have to be modified to meet the Shoreline Management Plan?
- Do I need to have a surveyor or an engineering firm document the location of my dock?
- How am I suppose to know what the requirements for the SMP are?
- What are extended side lot lines and dock easement lines?
- I don’t have 100’ of shoreline. Do I have to document my lot and my dock?
- Do I have to submit a survey of my property?
- I submitted my documentation last week, but I haven’t gotten anything back. Why?
- I think my dock meets the requirements of the plan, but I’m not sure. Should I submit a form?
- The SMP states that no new beaches will be allowed but that I can maintain my existing beach. Should I document this as well?
- I have additional questions. How can I get them answered?
Why is Appalachian Power Company making us document our existing dock?
You are not required to document your dock. The purpose of documenting your structures within the 795 foot contour (or full pond) is so that you are able to rebuild the same footprint in the same location in the event it is destroyed even if it doesn’t meet the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) requirements.
Does my existing dock have to be modified to meet the Shoreline Management Plan?
No, your existing dock does not need to be modified to the meet SMP.
Do I need to have a surveyor or an engineering firm document the location of my dock?
No, it is not necessary to have a surveyor, an engineering firm or dock builder prepare the drawing of your dock but you may obtain professional assistance if needed. You may hand sketch your dock layout and provide photos. The important thing is to document any aspect of your dock that doesn’t meet the requirements of the SMP.
How am I suppose to know what the requirements for the SMP are?
The requirements of the SMP can be found on our website at www.smithmtn.com, under “Shoreline Management Plan.” The requirements for a single-family dock can be located under Section 2.5.4 “Low Density Use Regulations.”
What are extended side lot lines and dock easement lines?
Extended side lot lines are the property lines on both sides of your lot that are extended out into the water. Sometimes developers will draw these lines when they subdivide a parcel to show the area where your dock will be located. In such a case, these dock easement lines will be located on the subdivision plat. A developer may or may not draw dock easement lines straight out into the water. For example, in the backs of coves the lines may be skewed so the docks will fit.
I don’t have 100’ of shoreline. Do I have to document my lot and my dock?
If a lot was subdivided prior to the SMP, then the 100’ of shoreline is not required for a dock. If the lot was subdivided after the plan, then there needs to be 100’ of shoreline in order to construct a dock. Documentation of a dock on a lot with less than 100’ of shoreline but created prior to the SMP does not have to be submitted solely because of the shoreline. However there may be other reasons to document the structure. If your lot was subdivided prior to the plan and you have not built a dock, it would be a good idea to have a copy of your plat available showing the date it was subdivided for when you apply for a dock.
Do I have to submit a survey of my property?
No, you do not have to submit a plat with the documentation. It may make it easier to show the shoreline of your lot and your dock location relative to your lot, but a survey is not required.
I submitted my documentation last week, but I haven’t gotten anything back. Why?
As you can imagine, there are over 6000 existing docks on Smith Mountain Lake so it takes time to go through all the documentation. We will be sending something back to you after the information is reviewed and we will work with you if additional information is needed.
I think my dock meets the requirements of the plan, but I’m not sure. Should I submit a form?
If in doubt, go ahead and submit the form. It is never a bad idea to have documentation of your existing structure.
If you have an existing beach, it would be in your best interest to maintain any dated photographs, along with the dimensions of the beach, as proof that it was there prior to the implementation of the SMP or August 29, 2003. Appalachian is not documenting uses between the 795 and 800 foot contours.
I have additional questions. How can I get them answered?
You may contact AEP with shoreline management questions at aepsmp@AEP.com or 540-489-2556.
Last revised: 07/26/05