Section 26a Application Instructions (from TVA website)

TVA - Application Instructions

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Application Instructions
TVA is improving the online application system to serve you better! As part of the improvement, the
current system has been temporarily retired. Please see our FAQ page for more information. You can
find instructions to apply by mail below. If you have additional questions, please contact TVA’s Public
Land Information Center at (800) 882-5263 or [email protected].
To apply via traditional mail, follow these simple steps:

1. Review the regulations applicable to your project.
TVA’s 26a regulations contain construction standards for many activities as well as other requirements
pertaining to the application process. You can view TVA’s regulations here.
If you’re planning a project on the Clinch River, Hiwassee River, Tellico River, French Broad or Holston
River, special construction standards may apply to you. Access them below:
•

Clinch River

•

French Broad and Holston Rivers

•

Hiwassee River

•

Tellico River

 2. Make a drawing of your project.
You’ll need to make a drawing for each facility or activity you are proposing. We’ve provided a library of
downloadable drawings for common types of facilities and activities—including boat slips, docks and
boathouses as well as shoreline stabilization and vegetation management projects. Your drawing(s)
should meet the following criteria:
•

Be prepared on paper suitable for reproduction (8-1/2 by 11 inches)

•

Identify the kind of structure and its purpose or intended use

•

Show the principal dimensions, size and location in relation to the shoreline and adjacent property
boundaries

•

Show the height of the structure above the water

https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Shoreline-Construction/Application-Instructions

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TVA - Application Instructions

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Show both the plan view (the project as viewed from above) and the elevation view (the project as
viewed from the side).

•

Indicate the river or reservoir name, river mile, locator landmarks and direction of water flow, if
known.

3. Identify the geographic location of your project.
Provide a map that clearly shows the location of the proposed facility. An 8.5- by 11-inch copy of one of
the following is ideal: a subdivision or tax parcel map, a portion of a U.S. Geological Survey topographic
map or a portion of an online map. Be sure to include your subdivision name and lot number if applicable.
Also include the map number or name, if available. Contact the appropriate TVA Regional Watershed
Office for more assistance or if you have questions about the location of your project.

4. Take a picture.
You’ll need at least one photograph of the property that shows the location of the proposed structures or
alterations along the adjacent shoreline (a photo of existing facilities is also helpful, and necessary if
you’re applying for a transfer).

5. Fill out the application forms.
You will need to fill out two forms, the Application Form and the Applicant Disclosure Form. [Click here for
the joint application form and click here for the applicant disclosure form.]

6. Establish whether you’re on-reservoir or off-reservoir.
On-reservoir activities include Section 26a permit requests across, along or in TVA reservoirs where water
elevations are influenced by the operation of any dam. On-reservoir areas will generally equate to the
areas where TVA has obtained land and/or land rights.
Off-reservoir activities include Section 26a permit requests on all other perennial rivers and streams in the
Tennessee River Watershed. Off-reservoir areas will generally equate to the areas upstream of the
influence of any TVA dam as well as downstream of TVA dams where TVA has not obtained land and/or
land rights.
Uncertain? Contact the appropriate TVA Regional Watershed Office for more assistance

7. Include the correct fee.
Pursuant to federal regulations, applicants are required to reimburse TVA for the cost of processing a
Section 26a permit application (18 C.F.R. Part 1310). This practice ensures that the people who directly
benefit from the permit are responsible for the cost of the service provided. TVA has implemented an
application fee schedule to facilitate this reimbursement.

https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Shoreline-Construction/Application-Instructions

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These fees are based on the cost to TVA of providing this service. Paying the fee does not guarantee
approval of the permit, and the fee will not be refunded if the application is not approved.
A single permit application may include more than one construction activity at the same location for a
single fee (e.g., a dock and bank stabilization). If another application is later made for additional activities
or to modify previous permits, a separate fee will be charged for each new application.
Activity

Fee

On-reservoir application fee for docks, boathouses or other minor shoreline alterations

$500

On-reservoir application fee for change in ownership of existing permitted facilities

$250

(must be built and compliant with previous permit and plans)
Off-reservoir application fee for new construction, minor alterations to existing

$250

construction, or change in ownership of permitted facilities
In some instances, the size or scope of a project may require additional fees; if this applies to your
project, TVA will contact you.

8. Mail your application package to TVA.
Review this checklist to be sure you have included all required information. Be sure to include the correct
application fee, address your application to the Address your application to the appropriate TVA Regional
Watershed Office, and drop your package in the mail.

9. Let the process unfold.
Once your application is received, we will review it to make sure it is complete and that the correct fee is
included. TVA will contact you about your application, let you know if additional information is needed
and will usually conduct a site visit as part of the review process. For minor construction activities we
strive to issue permits within two months. If the application is not complete or other delays occur, the
review will take longer. Other delays include modifications to the project after the application was
submitted, potential impacts to sensitive resources, TVA’s programmatic interests (navigation, flood
control, etc.) or unresolved violations and encroachments. Projects that require a land use agreement
with TVA also take longer to issue.
NOTE: Site-specific conditions may impact the review and approval of your application. Applying does not
guarantee approval. TVA may change its application fees and/or its Section 26a rules and procedures
from time to time. Contact your local TVA Regional Watershed Office for more information and
clarification.

https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Shoreline-Construction/Application-Instructions

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Application Instructions
Shoreline Construction FAQ
Downloadable Drawings
Section 26a Jurisdiction
Section 26a Regulations

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https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Shoreline-Construction/Application-Instructions

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Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive 
Knoxville TN 37902
(865) 632-2101
[email protected]

https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Shoreline-Construction/Application-Instructions

5/6/2019