INTRODUCTION
Congress has delegated authority to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to manage and regulate public use of the lake. As part of its management program the Corps of Engineers may issue permits to install minor private facilities on certain public lands and waters. Permits and/or licenses are issued for a maximum of five years and are nontransferable. They grant no real estate rights, nor convey any private exclusive use privileges on government property. Lake Lanier’s shoreline is open to use by the general public.
WHO MAY APPLY FOR A PERMIT
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. Please keep your mailing address and phone numbers current.
HOW TO APPLY
Contact the Corps of Engineers Lake Lanier Operation Management Office at (770) 945-9531 and request an appointment with the ranger responsible for your area of the lake.
Be advised that the Management Office has a limit to the number of permits that can be issued for the lake at one time. If there are no permits available, you can request to be put on our wait-list in the event a permit becomes available.
Follow the "Welcome to Lanier" packet instructions for more information on applying for permits.
WHERE TO FILE
Lanier Operation Management Office
Lake Sidney Lanier, Lakeshore Management
P O Box 567
Buford, Georgia 30515-0567
Telephone: 770-904-3262
WHAT FACILITIES MAY BE AUTHORIZED/RATES
| New |
Yes |
| Reissue |
Yes |
| |
|
| Licensed Items |
|
| Electric Line |
Yes |
| Water Line |
Yes |
| Telephone Line |
Yes |
| Water Pump |
Yes |
| Steps and/or Walkway |
Yes |
| Shoreline Protection |
Yes |
| |
|
| Administrative Fee |
|
| New Permit / Change of Ownership |
Yes
|
| Reissue |
Yes
|
| Modification |
Yes
|
| |
|
| Grandfathered Permits** |
|
| Boat Launching Ramp |
Yes
|
| Shoreline Access Road |
Yes
|
| Marine Rail |
Yes
|
| Patio |
Yes
|
| Pumphouse |
Yes
|
| Well |
Yes
|
| Picnic Shelter |
Yes
|
| Hand Rail |
Yes
|
| Land-based Boathouse |
Yes |
* Rates are subject to change.
** New authorizations are not permitted. Removal is required when the facility becomes unsafe or unusable.
HOW TO MODIFY THE PERMIT
Modifications to existing facilities require prior approval of the Operation Manager. Contact your Area Ranger for additional information.
PERMITTED ITEMS/WORK
Any type of work or installation of facilities on public property must be approved by the Corps of Engineers. A permit must be issued prior to any work being done on public property. To protect and properly manage Lake Lanier’s land and water resources the following is a partial list of acts that are prohibited:
- Clearing of trees and understory vegetation
- Planting of non-native and ornamental vegetation
- Placement of non-permitted items (such as swings, picnic tables, benches, storage sheds, boat trailer, etc.)
Grading Regulations governing the use of Lake Lanier are established in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 327. Copies are available at the Operation Management Office. A violation of provisions of the regulation shall subject the violator to a fine of not more than $5,000.00 or imprisonment for not more than six (6) month or both, restitution of damages, restorations and/or permit revocation.
PROCESSING THE APPLICATION
It will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to evaluate and process your application, once we have received the completed package. Be sure to check all application requirements prior to mailing.