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You are here: Home / Environment / Shoreline Construction Permits
Section 26a Regulations
Subpart A: Procedures for Approval
Subpart B: Floating Cabins
Subpart C: TVA Residential Shoreland
Subpart D: Flowage Easement Shoreland
Subpart E: Miscellaneous
Subpart A: Procedures for Approval of Construction
Sections:
•
1304.1 Scope and intent
•
1304.2 Application
•
1304.3 Delegation of authority
•
1304.4 Application review and approval process
•
1304.5 Conduct of hearings
•
1304.6 Appeals
•
1304.7 Conditions of approvals
•
1304.8 Denials
•
1304.9 Initiation of construction
•
1304.10 Change in ownership of approved facilities or activities
•
1304.11 Little Tennessee River; date of formal submission
§ 1304.1 Scope and intent
The Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 among other things confers on TVA broad authority related
to the unified conservation and development of the Tennessee River Valley and surrounding area and
directs that property in TVA’s custody be used to promote the Act’s purposes. In particular, section 26a of
the Act requires that TVA’s approval be obtained prior to the construction, operation, or maintenance of
any dam, appurtenant works, or other obstruction affecting navigation, flood control, or public lands or
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reservations along or in the Tennessee River or any of its tributaries. By way of example only, such
obstructions may include boat docks, piers, boathouses, buoys, floats, boat launching ramps, fills, water
intakes, devices for discharging effluent, bridges, aerial cables, culverts, pipelines, fish attractors,
shoreline stabilization projects, channel excavations and floating cabins as defined in §1304.101.
Any person considering constructing, operating, or maintaining any such obstruction on a stream in the
Tennessee River Watershed should carefully review the regulations in this part and the 26a Applicant’s
Package before doing so. The regulations also apply to certain activities on TVA-owned land alongside
TVA reservoirs and to land subject to TVA flowage easements. TVA uses and permits use of the lands
and land rights in its custody alongside and subjacent to TVA reservoirs and exercises its land rights to
carry out the purposes and policies of the Act.
In addition, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.,
and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., (FWPCA), have
declared it to be congressional policy that agencies should administer their statutory authorities so as to
restore, preserve, and enhance the quality of the environment and should cooperate in the control of
pollution. It is the intent of the regulations in this part 1304 to carry out the purposes of the Act and other
statutes relating to these purposes, and this part shall be interpreted and applied to that end.
§ 1304.2 Application
(a) If the facility is to be built on TVA land, the applicant must, in addition to the other requirements of this
rule, own the fee interest in or have an adequate leasehold or easement interest of sufficient tenure to
cover the normal useful life of the proposed facility in land immediately adjoining the TVA land. If the
facility is to be built on private land, the applicant must own the fee interest in the land or have an
adequate leasehold or easement interest in the property where the facility will be located.
TVA recognizes, however, that in some cases private property has been subdivided in a way that left an
intervening strip of land between the upland boundary of a TVA flowage easement and the waters of the
reservoir, or did not convey to the adjoining landowner the land underlying the waters of the reservoir. In
some of these situations, the owner of the intervening strip or underlying land cannot be identified or
does not object to construction of water-use facilities by the adjacent landowner. In these situations, TVA
may exercise its discretion to permit the facility, provided there is no objection from the fee owner of the
intervening strip or underlying land.
A TVA permit conveys no property interest. The applicant is responsible for locating the proposed facility
on qualifying land and ensuring that there is no objection from any owner of such land. TVA may require
the applicant to provide appropriate verification of ownership and lack of objection, but TVA is not
responsible for resolving ownership questions. In case of a dispute, TVA may require private parties
requesting TVA action to grant or revoke a TVA permit to obtain a court order declaring respective land
rights. TVA may exercise its discretion to permit a facility on TVA land that is located up or downstream
from the land which makes the applicant eligible for consideration to receive a permit.
(b) Applications shall be addressed to the Tennessee Valley Authority, at one of the Watershed Team
locations.
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(c) Submittal of section 26a Application. Applicants must submit certain required information depending
upon whether a proposed facility is a minor or major facility. Examples of the two categories are provided
in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section. Most residential related facilities are minor facilities.
Commercial or community facilities generally are major facilities. TVA shall determine whether a
proposed facility is minor or major.
An application shall not be complete until payment of the appropriate fee as determined in accordance
with 18 CFR part 1310, and disclosed to the applicant in the materials provided with the application
package or by such other means of disclosure as TVA shall from time to time adopt. For purposes of the
information required to be submitted under this section and the determination of fees, a request for a
variance to the size limitations for a residential-related facility (other than a waiver request under
§1304.212 or §1304.300(a)) shall be regarded as an application for a major facility.
In addition to the information required below, TVA may require the applicant to provide such other
information as TVA deems necessary for adequate review of a particular application.
(1) Information required for review of minor facility. By way of example only, minor facilities may
include: boat docks, piers, rafts, boathouses, fences, steps, and gazebos. One copy of the application
shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the instructions included in the section 26a
Applicant’s Package. The application shall include:
(i) Completed application form. One (1) copy of the application shall be prepared and
submitted. Application forms are available from TVA at the locations identified at the beginning
of this section. The application shall include a project description which indicates what is to be
built, removed, or modified, and the sequence of the work.
(ii) Project, plan, or drawing. The project plan/drawing shall:
(A) Be prepared on paper suitable for reproduction (8 1/2 by 11 inches);
(B) Identify the kind of structure, purpose/intended use;
(C) Show principal dimensions, size, and location in relation to shoreline;
(D) Show the elevation of the structure above the full summer pool; and
(E) Indicate the river or reservoir name, river mile, locator landmarks, and direction of water
flow if known.
(iii) A site photograph. The photograph shall be at least 3 by 5 inches in size and show the
location of the proposed structure or alteration and the adjacent shoreline area.
(iv) Location map. The location map shall clearly show the location of the proposed facility and
the extent of any site disturbance for the proposed project. An 8 1/2 by 11-inch copy of one of
the following is ideal: a TVA land map, a subdivision map, or a portion of a United States
Geological Survey topographic map. The subdivision name and lot number and the map number
or name shall be included, if available.
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(v) Environmental consultations and permits. To the fullest extent possible the applicant shall
obtain or apply for other required environmental permits and approvals before or at the same
time as applying for section 26a approvals. Consultations under the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 shall take place, and permits
from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and state agencies for water or air regulation shall be
obtained or applied for at the same time as or before application for section 26a approval. The
applicant shall provide TVA with copies of any such permits or approvals that are issued.
(2) Information required for a major facility. One (1) copy of the application shall be prepared and
submitted according to instructions included in the section 26a Applicant’s Package. By way of
example only, major projects and facilities may include: marinas, community docks, barge terminals,
utility crossings, bridges, culverts, roads, wastewater discharges, water intakes, dredging, and
placement of fill. The application shall include:
(i) Completed application form. Application forms are available from TVA at the locations
identified at the beginning of this section. The application shall include a narrative project
description which indicates what is to be built, removed, or modified, and the sequence of the
work.
(ii) Project plan or drawing. Adequate project plans or drawings shall accompany the
application. They shall
(A) Be prepared on paper suitable for reproduction (no larger than 11 by 17 inches) or
contained on a 3 1/2-inch floppy disc in “dxf” format.
(B) Contain the date; applicant name; stream; river or reservoir name; river mile; locator
landmarks; and direction of water flow, if known;
(C) Identify the kind of structure, purpose/intended use;
(D) Include a plan and profile view of the structure;
(E) Show principal dimensions, size, and location in relation to shoreline;
(F) Show the elevations of the structure above full summer pool if located on a TVA
reservoir or above the normal high water elevation if on a free-flowing stream or river; and
(G) Show the north arrow.
(iii) Location map. The location map must clearly indicate the exact location and extent of site
disturbance for the proposed project. An 8 1/2 by 11-inch copy of the appropriate portion of a
United States Geological Survey topographic map is recommended. The map number or name
shall be included. In addition, recent photos of the location are helpful for TVA’s review and may
be included.
(iv) Other information where applicable. The location of any material laydown or assembly
areas, staging areas, equipment storage areas, new access roads, and road/access closure
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required by the project or needed for construction; the location of borrow or spoil areas on or off
TVA land; the extent of soil and vegetative disturbance; and information on any special reservoir
operations needed for the project, such as drawdown or water discharge restrictions.
(v) Site plans. Some projects, particularly larger ones, may require a separate site plan which
details existing and proposed changes to surface topography and elevations (cut and fill,
clearing, etc.), location of all proposed facilities, and erosion control plans.
(vi) Environmental consultations and permits. To the fullest extent possible the applicant shall
obtain or apply for other required environmental permits and approvals before or at the same
time as applying for section 26a approvals. Consultations under the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 shall take place, and permits
from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and state agencies for water or air regulation shall be
obtained or applied for at the same time as or before application for section 26a approval. The
applicant shall provide TVA with copies of any such permits or approvals that are issued.
(d) Discharges into navigable waters of the United States. If construction, maintenance, or operation of
the proposed structure or any part thereof, or the conduct of the activity in connection with which
approval is sought, may result in any discharge into navigable waters of the United States, applicant shall
also submit with the application, in addition to the material required by paragraph (c) of this section, a
certification from the state in which such discharge would originate, or, if appropriate, from the interstate
water pollution control agency having jurisdiction over the navigable waters at the point where the
discharge would originate, or from the Environmental Protection Agency, that such state or interstate
agency or the Environmental Protection Agency has determined that there is reasonable assurance that
the applicant’s proposed activity will be conducted in a manner which will not violate applicable water
quality standards.
The applicant shall further submit such supplemental and additional information as TVA may deem
necessary for the review of the application, including, without limitation, information concerning the
amounts, chemical makeup, temperature differentials, type and quantity of suspended solids, and
proposed treatment plans for any proposed discharges.
§ 1304.3 Delegation of authority
The power to approve or disapprove applications under this part is delegated to the Vice President,
Natural Resources, or the designee thereof, subject to appeal to the Chief Executive Officer and
discretionary review by a designated committee of the TVA Board, as provided in § 1304.6. The
administration of applications is delegated to the Natural Resources staff or the group with functionally
equivalent responsibilities.
§ 1304.4 Application review and approval process
(a) TVA shall notify the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and other federal agencies with jurisdiction
over the application as appropriate.
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(b) If a hearing is held for any of the reasons described in paragraph (c) of this section, any interested
person may become a party of record by following the directions contained in the hearing notice.
(c) Hearings concerning approval of applications are conducted (in accordance with § 1304.5) when:
(1) TVA deems a hearing is necessary or appropriate in determining any issue presented by the
application;
(2) A hearing is required under any applicable law or regulation;
(3) A hearing is requested by the USACE pursuant to the TVA/Corps joint processing Memorandum
of Understanding; or
(4) The TVA Investigating Officer directs that a hearing be held.
(d) Upon completion of the review of the application, including any hearing or hearings, the Vice President
or the designee thereof shall issue an initial decision approving or disapproving the application. The basis
for the decision shall be set forth in the decision.
(e) Promptly following the issuance of the decision, the Vice President or the designee thereof shall
furnish a written copy of the decision to the applicant and to any parties of record. The initial decision
shall become final unless an appeal is made pursuant to § 1304.6.
§ 1304.5 Conduct of hearings
(a) If a hearing is to be held for any of the reasons described in § 1304.4(c), TVA shall give notice of the
hearing to interested persons. Such notice may be given by publication in a daily newspaper of general
circulation in the area of the proposed structure, personal written notice, posting on TVA’s Internet Web
site, or by any other method reasonably calculated to come to the attention of interested persons. The
notice shall provide to the extent feasible the place, date, and time of hearing; the particular issues to
which the hearing will pertain; the manner of becoming a party of record; and any other pertinent
information as appropriate. The applicant shall automatically be a party of record.
(b) Hearings may be conducted by any such person or persons as may be designated by the Vice
President, the Vice President’s designee, or the Chief Executive Officer. Hearings are public and are
conducted in an informal manner. Parties of record may be represented by counsel or other persons of
their choosing. Technical rules of evidence are not observed although reasonable bounds are maintained
as to relevancy, materiality, and competency. Evidence may be presented orally or by written statement
and need not be under oath. Cross-examination by parties of witnesses or others providing statements or
testifying at a hearing shall not be allowed. After the hearing has been completed, additional evidence will
not be received unless it presents new and material matter that in the judgment of the person or persons
conducting the hearing could not be presented at the hearing. The Vice President may arrange a joint
hearing with another federal agency where the subject of an application will require the approval of and
necessitate a hearing by or before that other agency. In TVA’s discretion, the format of any such joint
hearing may be that used by the other agency.
§ 1304.6 Appeals
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(a) Decisions approving or disapproving an application may be appealed as provided in this section.
Decisions by the Vice President’s designee may be appealed to the Vice President and decisions by the
Vice President may be appealed to the Chief Executive Officer, with the possibility of further discretionary
review by a committee of the TVA Board.
(b) If a designee of the Vice President issues an initial decision disapproving an applicant, the applicant
may obtain the Vice President’s review of that decision by mailing within thirty (30) days after receipt of
the designee’s decision a written request to the Vice President, Natural Resources, Tennessee Valley
Authority, 400 West Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902. Otherwise, the initial decision of the
Vice President’s designee becomes final.
(c) If the Vice President, either initially or as the result of an appeal, disapproves an application or
approves it with terms and conditions deemed unacceptable by the applicant, the applicant may obtain
the Chief Executive Officer’s review of that decision by mailing within thirty (30) days after receipt of the
decision a written request to the Chief Executive Officer, Tennessee Valley Authority, 400 W. Summit Hill
Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902. Otherwise, the Vice President’s decision becomes final.
(d) The decision of the Chief Executive Officer shall become final unless a request for discretionary
review by a committee of the Board (Committee) is justified by extraordinary circumstances and mailed
within thirty (30) days after receipt of the decision to the attention of Board Services, Tennessee Valley
Authority, 400 West Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902. If within 60 days of such a request,
one or more members of the Committee indicate that there are extraordinary circumstances warranting
further review, the matter will be reviewed by the Committee. Otherwise, the Chief Executive Officer’s
decision becomes final. The Committee will schedule a meeting not more often that twice a year as
needed to hear discretionary appeals. The Committee decides what kind of process to use for these
appeals. Deliberations and voting on the reviews will take place at these meetings.
(e) Any interested party who becomes a party of record at a hearing as set forth in § 1304.4(b) and who is
aggrieved or adversely affected by any decision approving an application may obtain review by the Vice
President or Chief Executive Officer, as appropriate, and may request discretionary review by the
Committee, in the same manner as an applicant by adhering to the requirements of paragraphs (b), (c),
and (d) of this section.
(f) All requests for review shall fully explain the reasons the applicant or other aggrieved party of record
contends that the decision below is in error, and shall include a signed certification that the request for
review was mailed to each party of record at the same time that it was mailed to TVA. TVA shall maintain
lists of parties of record and make those available upon request for this purpose.
(g) The applicant and any party of record requesting review by the Vice President or Chief Executive
Officer may submit additional written material in support of their positions within thirty (30) days after
mailing the request for review or during such additional period as the Vice President or Chief Executive
Officer may allow.
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(h) In considering an appeal, the Vice President or Chief Executive Officer may conduct or cause to be
conducted such investigation of the application as he or she deems necessary or desirable, and may
appoint an Investigating Officer. The Investigating Officer may be a TVA employee or a person under
contract to TVA, and shall not have been directly and substantially involved in the decision being
appealed. The Investigating Officer may be the hearing officer for any hearing held during the appeal
process. The Vice President or Chief Executive Officer shall render a decision approving or disapproving
the application based on a review of the record and the information developed during any investigation
and/or submitted by the applicant and any parties of record.
No applicant or party of record shall contact the Chief Executive Officer, Committee members, or any
other TVA Board member during the appeal process, except as specified in correspondence from the
Chief Executive Officer or from the Committee Secretary. The appeal process runs from the date of an
appeal to the Chief Executive Officer until a final resolution of the matter.
A written copy of the decision by the Vice President or the Chief Executive Officer shall be furnished to the
applicant and to all parties of record promptly following determination of the matter.
In the event the Committee grants a request for discretionary review, notice of that decision and
information about the review shall be provided to the person(s) requesting review and to other parties of
record in accordance with the methods set forth in § 1304.5(a). Written notice of the Committee’s final
determination of the appeal shall be provided to the applicant and to all parties of record in accordance
with the methods set forth in § 1304.5(a)
§ 1304.7 Conditions of approvals
Approvals of applications shall contain such conditions as are required by law and may contain such
other general and special conditions as TVA deems necessary or desirable.
§ 1304.8 Denials
TVA may, at its sole discretion, deny any application to construct, operate, conduct, or maintain any
obstruction, structure, facility, or activity that in TVA’s judgment would be contrary to the unified
development and regulation of the Tennessee River system, would adversely affect navigation, flood
control, public lands or reservations, the environment, or sensitive resources (including, without limitation,
federally listed threatened or endangered species, high priority state-listed species, wetlands with high
function and value, archaeological or historical sites of national significance, and other sites or locations
identified in TVA Reservoir Land Management Plans as requiring protection of the environment), or would
be inconsistent with TVA’s Shoreline Management Policy. In lieu of denial, TVA may require mitigation
measures where, in TVA’s sole judgment, such measures would adequately protect against adverse
effects.
§ 1304.9 Initiation of construction
A permit issued pursuant to this part shall expire unless the applicant initiates construction within
eighteen (18) months after the date of issuance.
§ 1304.10 Change in ownership of approved facilities or activities
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(a) When there is a change in ownership of the land on which a permitted facility or activity is located (or
ownership of the land which made the applicant eligible for consideration to receive a permit when the
facility or activity is on TVA land), the new owner shall notify TVA within sixty (60) days. Upon application
to TVA by the new owner, the new owner may continue to use existing facilities or carry out permitted
activities pending TVA’s decision on reissuance of the permit. TVA shall reissue the permit upon
determining that the facilities are in good repair and are consistent with the standards in effect at the
time the permit was first issued.
(b) Subsequent owners are not required to modify existing facilities constructed and maintained in
accordance with the standards in effect at the time the permit was first issued provided they:
(1) Maintain such facilities in good repair; and
(2) Obtain TVA approval for any repairs that would alter the size of the facility or for any new
construction.
§ 1304.11 Little Tennessee River; date of formal submission
As regards structures on the Little Tennessee River, applications are deemed by TVA to be formally
submitted within the meaning of section 26a of the Act, on that date upon which applicant has complied
in good faith with all applicable provisions of §1304.2.
Subpart B: Regulation of Floating Cabins
Sections:
•
1304.100 Scope and intent
•
1304.101 Floating cabins
•
1304.102 Numbering of floating cabins and transfer of ownership
§ 1304.100 Scope and intent
This subpart prescribes requirements for floating cabins on the Tennessee River System. Floating cabins
as applied to this subpart include existing nonnavigable houseboats approved by TVA and other existing
structures, whose design and use is primarily for human habitation or occupation and not for navigation
or transportation on the water. Floating cabins that were not located or moored on the Tennessee River
System on or before December 16, 2016, shall be deemed new floating cabins. New floating cabins are
prohibited and subject to the removal provisions of this part and Section 9b of the TVA Act. No new
floating cabins shall be moored, anchored, or installed on the Tennessee River System. Floating cabins
that were located or moored in the Tennessee River System on or before December 16, 2016 shall be
deemed existing floating cabins. Existing floating cabins may remain moored on the Tennessee River
System provided they remain in compliance with the rules in this part.
§ 1304.101 Floating cabins
(a)(1) Floating cabins include nonnavigable houseboats approved by TVA on or before December 16,
2016, and other floating structures moored on the Tennessee River System as of this date, and
determined by TVA in its sole discretion to be designed and used primarily for human habitation or
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occupation and not designed and used primarily for navigation or transportation on the water. TVA’s
judgment will be guided by, but not limited to, the following factors:
(i) Whether the structure is usually kept at a fixed mooring point;
(ii) Whether the structure is actually used on a regular basis for transportation or navigation;
(iii) Whether the structure has a permanent or continuous connection to the shore for electrical,
plumbing, water, or other utility service;
(iv) Whether the structure has the performance characteristics of a vessel typically used for
navigation or transportation on water;
(v) Whether the structure can be readily removed from the water;
(vi) Whether the structure is used for intermittent or extended human-habitation or occupancy;
(vii) Whether the structure clearly has a means of propulsion, and appropriate power/size ratio;
(viii) Whether the structure is safe to navigate or use for transportation purposes.
(2) That a structure could occasionally move from place to place, or that it qualifies under another federal
or state regulatory program as a vessel or boat, are factors that TVA also will consider but would not be
determinative. Floating cabins are not recreational vessels to which §1304.409 applies.
(b)(1) Owners of floating cabins are required to register the floating cabin with TVA before January 1,
2020. Floating cabin owners must submit certain required information with their registration. Registration
shall include the following information: Clear and current photographs of the structure; a drawing or
drawings showing in reasonable detail the size and shape of the floating cabin (length, width, and height)
and attached structures, such as decks or slips (length, width, and height); and a completed and signed
TVA registration form. The completed TVA registration form shall include the mailing and contact
information of the owner(s); the TVA permit or TVA-issued numbers (when applicable); the mooring
location of the floating cabin; how the floating cabin is moored; how electrical service is provided; how
waste water and sewage is managed; and an owner’s signature.
(2) Existing floating cabins may remain on TVA reservoirs provided they stay in compliance with the rules
contained in this part and pay any necessary and reasonable fees levied by TVA to ensure compliance
with TVA’s regulations. Existing floating cabins must be moored at one of the following locations:
(i) To the bank of the reservoir at locations where the owner of the floating cabin is the owner or
lessee (or the licensee of such owner or lessee) of the proposed mooring location provided the
floating cabin was moored at such location prior to December 16, 2016;
(ii) At locations described by §1304.201(a)(1), (2), and (3) provided the floating cabin was moored at
such location prior to December 16, 2016;
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(iii) To the bank of the reservoir at locations where the owner of the floating cabin obtained written
approval from TVA pursuant to subpart A of this part authorizing mooring at such location on or
before December 16, 2016; or
(iv) Within the designated and approved harbor limits of a commercial marina that complies with
§1304.404. As provided in §1304.404, TVA may adjust harbor limits and require relocation of an
existing floating cabin within the harbor limits. Accordingly, in the case of relocations that occur after
December 16, 2016, an existing floating cabin can relocate only to the harbor limits of a commercial
marina that complies with §1304.404.
(3) All floating cabins must be moored in such a manner as to:
(1) Avoid obstruction of or interference with navigation, flood control, public lands or reservations;
(2) Avoid adverse effects on public lands or reservations;
(3) Prevent the preemption of public waters when moored in permanent locations outside of the
approved harbor limits of commercial marinas;
(4) Protect land and landrights owned by the United States alongside and subjacent to TVA
reservoirs from trespass and other unlawful and unreasonable uses; and
(5) Maintain, protect, and enhance the quality of the human environment.
(c) All approved floating cabins with toilets must be equipped as follows with a properly installed and
operating Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) or Sewage Holding Tank and pumpout capability:
(1) Floating cabins moored on “Discharge Lakes” must be equipped with a Type I or Type II MSD.
(2) Floating cabins moored in: “No Discharge Lakes” must be equipped with holding tanks and
pumpout capability. If a floating cabin moored in a “No Discharge Lake” is equipped with a Type I or
Type II MSD, it must be secured to prevent discharge into the lake.
(d) Existing floating cabins shall be maintained in a good state of repair and may be maintained without
additional approval from TVA. Existing floating cabins may be rebuilt to the same configuration, total
footprint and dimensions (length, width and height) as permitted without additional TVA approval.
Owners are required to notify TVA thirty days in advance and submit their proposed plans for rebuilding
the floating cabin. Within thirty days of completion, owners must submit a photo of the rebuilt floating
cabin for TVA's records. Any expansion in length, width or height is prohibited, except as approved in
writing by TVA and necessary to comply with health, safety and environmental requirements.
(e) All floating cabins shall comply with the requirements for flotation devices contained in §1304.400.
(f) Applications for mooring of a floating cabin outside of designated harbor limits will be disapproved if
TVA determines that the proposed mooring location would be contrary to the intent of this subpart.
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(g) All floating cabins not in compliance with this part are subject to the applicable removal provisions of
§1304.406 and Section 9b of the TVA Act.
§ 1304.102 Number of floating cabins and transfer of ownership
(a) All approved floating cabins shall display a number assigned by TVA. The owner of the floating cabin
shall paint or attach a facsimile of the number on a readily visible part of the outside of the facility in
letters at least 3 inches high. If TVA provided a placard or tag, the tag must be displayed on a readily
visible part of the outside of the floating cabin.
(b) The transferee of any floating cabin approved pursuant to the regulations in this subpart shall, within
thirty (30) days of the transfer transaction, report the transfer to TVA.
(c) A floating cabin moored at a location approved pursuant to the regulations in this subpart shall not be
relocated and moored at a different location without prior approval by TVA, except for movement to a
new location within the designated harbor limits of the same commercial dock or marina.
Subpart C: TVA-Owned Residential Access Shoreland
Sections:
•
1304.200 Scope and intent
•
1304.201 Applicability
•
1304.202 General sediment and erosion control provisions
•
1304.203 Vegetation management
•
1304.204 Docks, piers, and boathouses
•
1304.205 Other water-use facilities
•
1304.206 Requirements for community docks, piers, boathouses, or other water-use facilities
•
1304.207 Channel excavation on TVA-owned residential access shoreland
•
1304.208 Shoreline stabilization on TVA-owned residential access shoreland
•
1304.209 Land-based structures/alterations
•
1304.210 Grandfathering of preexisting shoreland uses and structures
•
1304.211 Change in ownership of grandfathered structures or alterations
•
1304.212 Waivers
§ 1304.200 Scope and intent
Subpart C applies to residential water-use facilities, specifically the construction of docks, piers,
boathouses (fixed and floating), retaining walls, and other structures and alterations, including channel
excavation and vegetation management, on or along TVA-owned residential access shoreland. TVA
manages the TVA-owned residential access shoreland to conserve, protect, and enhance shoreland
resources, while providing reasonable access to the water of the reservoir by qualifying adjacent
residents.
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§ 1304.201 Applicability
This subpart addresses residential-related (all private, noncommercial uses) construction activities along
and across shoreland property owned by the United States and under the custody and control of TVA.
Individual residential landowners wishing to construct facilities, clear vegetation and/or maintain an
access corridor on adjacent TVA-owned lands are required to apply for and obtain a permit from TVA
before conducting any such activities.
(a) This subpart applies to the following TVA-reservoir shoreland classifications:
(1) TVA-owned shorelands over which the adjacent residential landowner holds rights of ingress and
egress to the water (except where a particular activity is specifically excluded by an applicable real
estate document), including, at TVA’s discretion, cases where the applicant owns access rights
across adjoining private property that borders on and benefits from rights of ingress and egress
across TVA-owned shoreland.
(2) TVA-owned shorelands designated in current TVA Reservoir Land Management Plans as open for
consideration of residential development; and
(3) On reservoirs not having a current approved TVA Reservoir Land Management Plan at the time of
application, TVA-owned shorelands designated in TVA’s property forecast system as “reservoir
operations property,” identified in a subdivision plat recorded prior to September 24, 1992, and
containing at least one water-use facility developed prior to September 24, 1992.
(b) Construction of structures, access corridors, and vegetation management activities by owners of
adjacent upland residential property shall not be allowed on any TVA-owned lands other than those
described in one or more of the classifications identified in paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Flowage easement shoreland. Except as otherwise specifically provided in subpart D of this part,
subpart C does not apply to shoreland where TVA’s property interest is ownership of a flowage easement.
The terms of the particular flowage easement and subparts A, B, D, and E of this part govern the use of
such property.
§ 1304.202 General sediment and erosion control provisions
(a) During construction activities, TVA shall require that appropriate erosion and sediment control
measures be utilized to prevent pollution of the waters of the reservoir.
(b) All material which accumulates behind sediment control structures must be removed from TVA land
and placed at an upland site above the 100-year floodplain elevation or the Flood Risk Profile Elevation
(whichever is applicable).
(c) Disturbed sites must be promptly stabilized with seeding, vegetative planting, erosion control netting,
and/or mulch material.
§ 1304.203 Vegetation management
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No vegetation management shall be approved on TVA-owned Residential Access Shoreland until a
Vegetation Management Plan meeting the vegetation management standards contained in this section is
submitted to and approved by TVA.
(a) Except for the mowing of lawns established and existing before November 1, 1999, all vegetation
management activities on TVA-owned property subject to this subpart (including all such activities
described in paragraphs (b) through (m) of this section as “allowed” and all activities undertaken in
connection with a section 26a permit obtained before September 8, 2003 require TVA’s advance written
permission. Special site circumstances such as the presence of wetlands may result in a requirement for
mitigative measures or alternative vegetation management approaches.
(b) Vegetation may be cleared to create and maintain an access corridor up to but not exceeding 20 feet
wide. The corridor will extend from the common boundary between TVA and the adjacent landowner to
the water-use facility.
(c) The access corridor will be located to minimize removal of trees or other vegetation on the TVA land.
(d) Grass may be planted and mowed within the access corridor, and stone, brick, concrete, mulch, or
wooden paths, walkways and/or steps are allowed. Pruning of side limbs that extend into the access
corridor from trees located outside the access corridor is allowed.
(e) A 50-foot-deep shoreline management zone (SMZ) shall be designated by TVA on TVA property;
provided, however, that where TVA ownership is insufficient to establish a 50-foot deep SMZ, the SMZ
shall consist only of all of the TVA land at the location (private land shall not be included within the SMZ).
Within the SMZ, no trees may be cut or vegetation removed, except that which is preapproved by TVA
within the access corridor.
(f) Within the 50-foot SMZ and elsewhere on TVA land as defined in §1304.201, clearing of specified
understory plants (poison ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, kudzu, and other exotic plants on a list provided by
TVA) is allowed
(g) On TVA land situated above the SMZ, selective thinning of trees or other vegetation under 3 inches in
diameter at the ground level is allowed.
(h) Removal of trees outside of the access corridor but within the SMZ may be approved to make the site
suitable for approved shoreline erosion control projects.
(i) Vegetation removed for erosion control projects must be replaced with native species of vegetation.
(j) The forest floor must be left undisturbed, except as specified in this section. Mowing is allowed only
within the access corridor.
(k) Planting of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, native grasses, and ground covers within the SMZ is allowed to
create, improve, or enhance the vegetative cover, provided native plants are used.
(l) Fertilizers and herbicides shall not be applied within the SMZ or elsewhere on TVA land, except as
specifically approved in the Vegetative Management Plan.
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(m) Restricted use herbicides and pesticides shall not be applied on TVA-owned shoreland except by a
State certified applicator. All herbicides and pesticides shall be applied in accordance with label
requirements.
§ 1304.204 Docks, piers, and boathouses
Applicants are responsible for submitting plans for proposed docks, piers, and boathouses that conform
to the size standards specified in this section. Where and if site constraints at the proposed construction
location preclude a structure of the maximum size, TVA shall determine the size of facility that may be
approved. Applicants are required to submit accurate drawings with dimensions of all proposed facilities.
(a) Docks, piers, boathouses, and all other residential water-use facilities shall not exceed a total footprint
area of greater than 1000 square feet, unless the proposed water-use facility will be located in an area of
preexisting development. For the purpose of this regulation, “preexisting development” means either: The
water-use facility will be located in a subdivision recorded before November 1, 1999, and TVA permitted
at least one water-use facility in the subdivision prior to November 1, 1999; or if there is no subdivision,
where the water-use facility will be located within a quarter-mile radius of another water-use facility that
TVA permitted prior to November 1, 1999. TVA may allow even larger facilities where an applicant
requests and justifies a waiver or variance, set forth in §§1304.212 and 1304.408 respectively, but such
waivers or variances shall be made in TVA’s discretion and on a case-by-case basis.
(b) Docks, boatslips, piers, and fixed or floating boathouses are allowable. These and other water-use
facilities associated with a lot must be sited within a 1000- or 1800-square-foot rectangular or square
area as required by §1304.204(a) at the lakeward end of the access walkway that extends from the shore
to the structure. Access walkways to the water-use structure are not included in calculating the 1000- or
1800-square-foot area.
(c) Docks and walkway(s) shall not extend more than 150 feet from the shoreline, or more than one-third
the distance to the opposite shoreline, whichever is less.
(d) All fixed piers and docks on Pickwick, Wilson, Wheeler, Guntersville, and Nickajack Reservoirs shall
have deck elevations at least 18 inches above full summer pool level; facilities on all other reservoirs,
shall be a minimum of 24 inches above full summer pool.
(e) All docks, piers, and other water-use facilities must be attached to the shore with a single walkway
which must connect from land to the structure by the most direct route and must adjoin the access
corridor.
(f) Docks, piers, and boathouses may be fixed or floating or a combination of the two types.
(g) Roofs are allowed on boatslips, except on Kentucky Reservoir where roofs are not allowed on fixed
structures due to extreme water level fluctuations. Roofs over docks or piers to provide shade are allowed
on all reservoirs.
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(h) Docks proposed in subdivisions recorded after November 1, 1999, must be placed at least 50 feet
from the neighbors’ docks. When this density requirement cannot be met, TVA may require group or
community facilities.
(i) Where the applicant owns or controls less than 50 feet of property adjoining TVA shoreline, the overall
width of the facilities permitted along the shore shall be limited to ensure sufficient space to
accommodate other property owners.
(j) Covered boatslips may be open or enclosed with siding.
(k) Access walkways constructed over water and internal walkways inside of boathouses shall not
exceed 6 feet in width.
(l) Enclosed space shall be used solely for storage of water-use equipment. The outside dimensions of
any completely enclosed storage space shall not exceed 32 square feet and must be located on an
approved dock, pier, or boathouse.
(m) Docks, piers, and boathouses shall not contain living space or sleeping areas. Floor space shall not
be considered enclosed if three of the four walls are constructed of wire or screen mesh from floor to
ceiling, and the wire or screen mesh leaves the interior of the structure open to the weather.
(n) Except for floating cabins approved in accordance with subpart B, toilets and sinks are not permitted
on water-use facilities.
(o) Covered docks, boatslips, and boathouses shall not exceed one story in height.
(p) Second stories on covered docks, piers, boatslips, or boathouses may be constructed as open decks
with railing, but shall not be covered by a roof or enclosed with siding or screening, or covered by a roof.
(q) In congested areas or in other circumstances deemed appropriate by TVA, TVA may require an
applicant’s dock, pier, or boathouse to be located on an area of TVA shoreline not directly fronting the
applicant’s property.
§ 1304.205 Other water-use facilities
(a) A marine railway or concrete boat launching ramp with associated driveway may be located within the
access corridor. Construction must occur during reservoir drawdown. Excavated material must be placed
at an upland site. Use of concrete is allowable; asphalt is not permitted.
(b) Tables or benches for cleaning fish are permitted on docks or piers.
(c) All anchoring cables or spud poles must be anchored to the walkway or to the ground in a way that will
not accelerate shoreline erosion. Anchoring of cables, chains, or poles to trees on TVA property is not
permitted.
(d) Electrical appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, and microwave ovens are not permitted
on docks, piers, or boathouses.
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(e) Mooring buoys/posts may be permitted provided the following requirements are met.
(1) Posts and buoys shall be placed in such a manner that in TVA’s judgment they would not create a
navigation hazard.
(2) Mooring posts must be a minimum 48 inches in height above the full summer pool elevation of
the reservoir or higher as required by TVA.
(3) Buoys must conform to the Uniform State Waterway Marking system.
(f) Structures shall not be wider than the width of the lot.
(g) In congested areas, TVA may establish special permit conditions requiring dry-docking of floating
structures when a reservoir reaches a specific drawdown elevation to prevent these structures from
interfering with navigation traffic, recreational boating access, or adjacent structures during winter
drawdown.
(h) Closed loop heat exchanges for residential heat pump application may be approved provided they are
installed five feet below minimum winter water elevation and they utilize propylene glycol or water. All
land-based pipes must be buried within the access corridor.
§ 1304.206 Requirements for community docks, piers, boathouses, or other wateruse facilities
(a) Community facilities where individual facilities are not allowed:
(1) TVA may limit water-use facilities to community facilities where physical or environmental
constraints preclude approval of individual docks, piers, or boathouses.
(2) When individual water-use facilities are not allowed, no more than one slip for each qualified
applicant will be approved for any community facility. TVA shall determine the location of the facility
and the named permittees, taking into consideration the preferences of the qualified applicants and
such other factors as TVA determines to be appropriate.
(3) In narrow coves or other situations where shoreline frontage is limited, shoreline development
may be limited to one landing dock for temporary moorage of boats not to exceed the 1000-squarefoot footprint requirement, and/or a boat launching ramp, if the site, in TVA’s judgment, will
accommodate such development.
(b) Private and community facilities at jointly-owned community outlots:
(1) Applications for private or community facilities to be constructed at a jointly-owned community
outlot must be submitted either with 100 percent concurrence of all co-owners of such lot, or with
concurrence of the authorized representatives of a state-chartered homeowners association with the
authority to manage the common lot on behalf of all persons having an interest in such lot. If the
community facility will serve five or more other lots, the application must be submitted by the
authorized representatives of such an association. TVA considers an association to have the
necessary authority to manage the common lot if all co-owners are eligible for membership in the
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association and a majority are members. TVA may request the association to provide satisfactory
evidence of its authority.
(2) Size and number of slips at community water-use facilities lots shall be determined by TVA with
consideration of the following:
(i) Size of community outlot;
(ii) Parking accommodations on the community outlot;
(iii) Length of shoreline frontage associated with the community outlot;
(iv) Number of property owners having the right to use the community outlot;
(v) Water depths fronting the community lot;
(vi) Commercial and private vessel navigation uses and restrictions in the vicinity of the
community lot;
(vii) Recreational carrying capacity for water-based activities in the vicinity of the community lot,
and
(viii) Other site specific conditions and considerations as determined by TVA.
(3) Vegetation management shall be in accordance with the requirements of §1304.203 except that,
at TVA’s discretion, the community access corridor may exceed 20 feet in width, and thinning of
vegetation outside of the corridor within or beyond the SMZ may be allowed to enhance views of the
reservoir.
(c) TVA may approve community facilities that are greater in size than 1000 square feet. In such
circumstances, TVA also may establish harbor limits.
§ 1304.207 Channel excavation on TVA-owned residential access shoreland
(a) Excavation of individual boat channels shall be approved only when TVA determines there is no other
practicable alternative to achieving sufficient navigable water depth and the action would not
substantially impact sensitive resources.
(b) No more than 150 cubic yards of material shall be removed for any individual boat channel.
(c) The length, width, and depth of approved boat channels shall not exceed the dimensions necessary to
achieve 3-foot water depths for navigation of the vessel at the minimum winter water elevation.
(d) Each side of the channel shall have a slope ratio of at least 3:1.
(e) Only one boat channel or harbor may be considered for each abutting property owner.
(f) The grade of the channel must allow drainage of water during reservoir drawdown periods.
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(g) Channel excavations must be accomplished during the reservoir drawdown when the reservoir bottom
is exposed and dry.
(h) Spoil material from channel excavations must be placed in accordance with any applicable local,
state, and federal regulations at an upland site above the TVA Flood Risk Profile elevation. For those
reservoirs that have no flood control storage, dredge spoil must be disposed of and stabilized above the
limits of the 100-year floodplain and off of TVA property.
§ 1304.208 Shoreline stabilization on TVA-owned residential access shoreland
TVA may issue permits allowing adjacent residential landowners to stabilize eroding shorelines on TVAowned residential access shoreland. TVA will determine if shoreline erosion is sufficient to approve the
proposed stabilization treatment.
(a) Biostabilization of eroded shorelines.
(1) Moderate contouring of the bank may be allowed to provide conditions suitable for planting of
vegetation.
(2) Tightly bound bundles of coconut fiber, logs, or other natural materials may be placed at the base
of the eroded site to deflect waves.
(3) Willow stakes and bundles and live cuttings of suitable native plant materials may be planted
along the surface of the eroded area.
(4) Native vegetation may be planted within the shoreline management zone to help minimize further
erosion.
(5) Riprap may be allowed along the base of the eroded area to prevent further undercutting of the
bank.
(b) Use of gabions and riprap to stabilize eroded shorelines.
(1) The riprap material must be quarry-run stone, natural stone, or other material approved by TVA.
(2) Rubber tires, concrete rubble, or other debris salvaged from construction sites shall not be used
to stabilize shorelines.
(3) Gabions (rock wrapped with wire mesh) that are commercially manufactured for erosion control
may be used.
(4) Riprap material must be placed so as to follow the existing contour of the bank.
(5) Site preparation must be limited to the work necessary to obtain adequate slope and stability of
the riprap material.
(c) Use of retaining walls for shoreline stabilization.
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(1) Retaining walls shall be allowed only where the erosion process is severe and TVA determines
that a retaining wall is the most effective erosion control option or where the proposed wall would
connect to an existing TVA-approved wall on the lot or to an adjacent owner’s TVA-approved wall.
(2) The retaining wall must be constructed of stone, concrete blocks, poured concrete, gabions, or
other materials acceptable to TVA. Railroad ties, rubber tires, broken concrete (unless determined by
TVA to be of adequate size and integrity), brick, creosote timbers, and asphalt are not allowed.
(3) Reclamation of land that has been lost to erosion is not allowed.
(4) The base of the retaining wall shall not be located more than an average of two horizontal feet
lakeward of the existing full summer pool water. Riprap shall be placed at least two feet in depth
along the footer of the retaining wall to deflect wave action and reduce undercutting that could
eventually damage the retaining wall.
§ 1304.209 Land-based structures/alterations
(a) Except for steps, pathways, boat launching ramps, marine railways located in the access corridor,
bank stabilization along the shoreline, and other uses described in this subpart, no permanent structures,
fills or grading shall be allowed on TVA land.
(b) Portable items such as picnic tables and hammocks may be placed on TVA land; permanent landbased structures and facilities such as picnic pavilions, gazebos, satellite antennas, septic tanks, and
septic drainfields shall not be allowed on TVA land.
(c) Utility lines (electric, water-intake lines, etc.) may be placed within the access corridor as follows:
(1) Power lines, poles, electrical panel, and wiring must be installed:
(i) In a way that would not be hazardous to the public or interfere with TVA operations;
(ii) Solely to serve water-use facilities, and
(iii) In compliance with all State and local electrical codes (satisfactory evidence of compliance
to be provided to TVA upon request).
(2) Electrical service must be installed with an electrical disconnect that is:
(i) Located above the 500-year floodplain or the flood risk profile, whichever is higher, and
(ii) Is accessible during flood events.
TVA’s issuance of a permit does not mean that TVA has determined the facilities are safe for any purpose
or that TVA has any duty to make such a determination.
(d) Fences crossing TVA residential access shoreland may be considered only where outstanding
agricultural rights or fencing rights exist and the land is used for agricultural purposes. Fences must have
a built-in means for easy pedestrian passage by the public and they must be clearly marked.
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§ 1304.210 Grandfathering of preexisting shoreland uses and structures
In order to provide for a smooth transition to new standards, grandfathering provisions shall apply as
follows to preexisting development and shoreland uses established prior to November 1, 1999, which are
located along or adjoin TVA-owned access residential shoreland.
(a) Existing shoreline structures (docks, retaining walls, etc.) previously permitted by TVA are
grandfathered.
(b) Grandfathered structures may continue to be maintained in accordance with previous permit
requirements, and TVA does not require modification to conform to new standards.
(c) If a permitted structure is destroyed by fire or storms, the permit shall be reissued if the replacement
facility is rebuilt to specifications originally permitted by TVA.
(d) Vegetation management at grandfathered developments shall be as follows:
(1) Mowing of lawns established on TVA-owned residential access shoreland prior to November 1,
1999, may be continued without regard to whether the lawn uses are authorized by a TVA permit.
(2) At sites where mowing of lawns established prior to November 1, 1999, is not specifically
included as an authorized use in an existing permit, TVA will include mowing as a permitted use in
the next permit action at that site.
(3) The SMZ is not required where established lawns existed prior to November 1, 1999.
(4) Any additional removal of trees or other vegetation (except for mowing of lawns established prior
to November 1, 1999) requires TVA’s approval in accordance with §1304.203. Removal of trees
greater than 3 inches diameter at ground level is not allowed.
§ 1304.211 Change in ownership of grandfathered structures or alterations
(a) When ownership of a permitted structure or other shoreline alteration changes, the new owner shall
comply with §1304.10 regarding notice to TVA.
(b) The new owner may, upon application to TVA for a permit, continue to use existing permitted docks
and other shoreline alterations pending TVA action on the application.
(c) Subsequent owners are not required to modify to new standards existing shoreline alterations
constructed and maintained in accordance with the standards in effect at the time the previous permit
was first issued, and they may continue mowing established lawns that existed prior to November 1,
1999.
(d) New owners wishing to continue existing grandfathered activities and structures must:
(1) Maintain existing permitted docks, piers, boathouses, and other shoreline structures in good
repair.
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(2) Obtain TVA approval for any repairs that would alter the size of the facility, for any new
construction, or for removal of trees or other vegetation (except for mowing of lawns established
prior to November 1, 1999).
§ 1304.212 Waivers
(a) Waivers of standards contained in this subpart may be requested when the following minimum criteria
are established:
(1) The property is within a preexisting development (an area where shoreline development existed
prior to November 1, 1999); and
(2) The proposed shoreline alterations are compatible with surrounding permitted structures and
uses within the subdivision or, if there is no subdivision, within the immediate vicinity (one-fourth
mile radius).
(b) In approving waivers of the standards of this subpart C, TVA will consider the following:
(1) The prevailing permitted practices within the subdivision or immediate vicinity; and
(2) The uses permitted under the guidelines followed by TVA before November 1, 1999.
Subpart D: Activities on TVA Flowage Easement Shoreland
Sections:
•
1304.300 Scope and intent
•
1304.301 Utilities
•
1304.302 Vegetation management on flowage easement shoreland
•
1304.303 Channel excavation
§ 1304.300 Scope and intent
Any structure built upon land subject to a flowage easement held by TVA shall be deemed an obstruction
affecting navigation, flood control, or public lands or reservations within the meaning of section 26a of
the Act. Such obstructions shall be subject to all requirements of this part except those contained in
subpart C of this part, which shall apply as follows:
(a) All of §1304.212 shall apply.
(b) Sections 1304.200, 1304.203, 1304.207, and 1304.209 shall not apply.
(c) Section 1304.201 shall not apply except for paragraph (c).
(d) Section 1304.202 shall apply except that TVA shall determine on a case-by-case basis whether it is
necessary to remove materials accumulated behind sediment control structures to an upland site.
(e) Section 1304.204 shall apply except that the “50 feet” trigger of paragraph (i) shall not apply. TVA may
impose appropriate requirements to ensure accommodation of neighboring landowners.
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(f) Section 1304.205 shall apply except that the facilities described in paragraph (a) are not limited to
locations within an access corridor.
(g) Section 1304.206 shall apply except for paragraph (b)(3).
(h) Section 1304.208 shall apply except that TVA approval shall not be required to conduct the activities
described in paragraph (a).
(i) Section 1304.210 shall apply except for paragraph (d).
(j) Section 1304.211 shall apply except to the extent that it would restrict mowing or other vegetation
management.
Nothing contained in this part shall be construed to be in derogation of the rights of the United States or
of TVA under any flowage easement held by the United States or TVA.
§ 1304.301 Utilities
Upon application to and approval by TVA, utility lines (electric, water-intake lines, etc.) may be placed
within the flowage easement area as follows:
(a) Power lines, poles, electrical panels, and wiring shall be installed:
(1) In a way that would not be hazardous to the public or interfere with TVA operations; and
(2) In compliance with all State and local electrical codes (satisfactory evidence of compliance to be
provided to TVA upon request).
(b) Electrical service shall be installed with an electrical disconnect that is located above the 500-year
floodplain or the flood risk profile, whichever is higher, and is accessible during flood events.
TVA’s issuance of a permit does not mean that TVA has determined the facilities are safe for any purpose
or that TVA has any duty to make such a determination.
§ 1304.302 Vegetation management on flowage easement shoreland
Removal, modification, or establishment of vegetation on privately owned shoreland subject to a TVA
flowage easements does not require approval by TVA. When reviewing proposals for docks or other
obstructions on flowage easement shoreland, TVA shall consider the potential for impacts to sensitive
plants or other resources and may establish conditions in its approval of a proposal to avoid or minimize
such impacts consistent with applicable laws and executive orders.
§ 1304.303 Channel excavation
(a) Channel excavation of privately owned reservoir bottom subject to a TVA flowage easement does not
require approval by TVA under section 26a if:
(1) All dredged material is placed above the limits of the 100-year floodplain or the TVA flood risk
profile elevation, whichever is applicable, and
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(2) The dredging is not being accomplished in conjunction with the construction of a structure
requiring a section 26a permit.
(b) Any fill material placed within the flood control zone of a TVA reservoir requires TVA review and
approval.
(c) TVA shall encourage owners of flowage easement property to adopt the standards for channel
excavation applicable to TVA-owned residential access shoreland.
Subpart E: Miscellaneous
Sections:
•
1304.400 Flotation devices and material, all floating structures.
•
1304.401 Marine sanitation devices
•
1304.402 Wastewater outfalls
•
1304.403 Marina sewage pump-out stations and holding tanks.
•
1304.404 Commercial marina harbor limits.
•
1304.405 Fuel storage tanks and handling facilities.
•
1304.406 Removal of unauthorized, unsafe, and derelict structures or facilities.
•
1304.407 Development within flood control storage zones of TVA reservoirs.
•
1304.408 Variances.
•
1304.409 Indefinite or temporary moorage of recreational vessels
•
1304.410 Navigation restrictions
•
1304.411 Fish attractor, spawning, and habitat structures
•
1304.412 Definitions
§ 1304.400 Flotation devices and material, all floating structures
(a) All flotation for docks, boat mooring buoys, and other water-use structures and facilities, shall be of
materials commercially manufactured for marine use. Flotation materials shall be fabricated so as not to
become water-logged, crack, peel, fragment, or be subject to loss of beads. Flotation materials shall be
resistant to puncture, penetration, damage by animals, and fire. Any flotation within 40 feet of a line
carrying fuel shall be 100 percent impervious to water and fuel. Styrofoam floatation must be fully
encased. Reuse of plastic, metal, or other previously used drums or containers for encasement or
flotation purpose is prohibited, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section for certain metal drums
already in use. Existing flotation (secured in place prior to September 8, 2003) in compliance with
previous rules is authorized until in TVA’s judgment the flotation is no longer serviceable, at which time it
shall be replaced with approved flotation upon notification from TVA. For any float installed after
September 8, 2003, repair or replacement is required when it no longer performs its designated function
or exhibits any of the conditions prohibited by this subpart.
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(b) Because of the possible release of toxic or polluting substances, and the hazard to navigation from
metal drums that become partially filled with water and escape from docks, boathouses, houseboats,
floats, and other water-use structures and facilities for which they are used for flotation, the use of metal
drums in any form, except as authorized in paragraph (c) of this section, for flotation of any facilities is
prohibited.
(c) Only metal drums which have been filled with plastic foam or other solid flotation materials and
welded, strapped, or otherwise firmly secured in place prior to July 1, 1972, on existing facilities are
permitted. Replacement of any metal drum flotation permitted to be used by this paragraph must be with
a commercially manufactured flotation device or material specifically designed for marine applications
(for example, pontoons, boat hulls, or other buoyancy devices made of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or
plastic foam, as provided for in paragraph (a) of this section).
(d) Every flotation device employed in the Tennessee River system must be firmly and securely affixed to
the structure it supports with materials capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to wave wash and
weather conditions.
§ 1304.401 Marine sanitation devices
No person operating a commercial boat dock permitted under this part shall allow the mooring at such
permitted facility of any watercraft or floating structure equipped with a marine sanitation device (MSD)
unless such MSD is in compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations, including the FWPCA and
regulations issued thereunder, and, where applicable, statutes and regulations governing “no discharge”
zones.
§ 1304.402 Wastewater outfalls
Applicants for a wastewater outfall shall provide copies of all federal, state, and local permits, licenses,
and approvals required for the facility prior to applying for TVA approval, or shall concurrently with the
TVA application apply for such approvals. A section 26a permit shall not be issued until other required
water quality approvals are obtained, and TVA reserves the right to impose additional requirements.
§ 1304.403 Marina sewage pump-out stations and holding tanks
All pump-out facilities constructed after September 8, 2003, shall meet the following minimum design and
operating requirements:
(a) Spill-proof connection with shipboard holding tanks;
(b) Suction controls or vacuum breaker capable of limiting suction to such levels as will avoid collapse of
rigid holding tanks;
(c) Available fresh water facilities for tank flushing;
(d) Check valve and positive cut-off or other device to preclude spillage when breaking connection with
vessel being severed;
(e) Adequate interim storage where storage is necessary before transfer to approved treatment facilities;
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(f) No overflow outlet capable of discharging effluent into the reservoir;
(g) Alarm system adequate to notify the operator when the holding tank is full;
(h) Convenient access to holding tanks and piping system for purposes of inspection;
(i) Spill-proof features adequate for transfer of sewage from all movable floating pump-out facilities to
shore-based treatment plants or intermediate transfer facilities;
(j) A reliable disposal method consisting of:
(1) An approved upland septic system that meets TVA, State, and local requirements; or
(2) Proof of a contract with a sewage disposal contractor; and
(k) A written statement to TVA certifying that the system shall be operated and maintained in such a way
as to prevent any discharge or seepage of wastewater or sewage into the reservoir.
§ 1304.404 Commercial marina harbor limits
The landward limits of commercial marina harbor areas are determined by the extent of land rights held
by the dock operator. The lakeward limits of harbors at commercial marinas will be designated by TVA on
the basis of the size and extent of facilities at the dock, navigation and flood control requirements,
optimum use of lands and land rights owned by the United States, carrying capacity of the reservoir area
in the vicinity of the marina, and on the basis of the environmental effects associated with the use of the
harbor. Mooring buoys, slips, breakwaters, and permanent anchoring are prohibited beyond the lakeward
extent of harbor limits. TVA may, at its discretion, reconfigure harbor limits based on changes in
circumstances, including but not limited to, changes in the ownership of the land base supporting the
marina.
§ 1304.405 Fuel storage tanks and handling facilities
Fuel storage tanks and handling facilities are generally either underground (UST) or aboveground (AST)
storage tank systems. An UST is any one or combination of tanks or tank systems defined in applicable
federal or state regulations as an UST. Typically (unless otherwise provided by applicable federal or state
rules), an UST is used to contain a regulated substance (such as a petroleum product) and has 10 percent
or more of its total volume beneath the surface of the ground. The total volume includes any piping used
in the system. An UST may be a buried tank, or an aboveground tank with buried piping if the piping holds
10 percent or more of the total system volume including the tank. For purposes of this part, an
aboveground storage tank (AST) is any storage tank whose total volume (piping and tank) is less than 10
percent underground or any storage tank defined by applicable law or regulation as an AST.
(a) TVA requires the following to be included in all applications submitted after September 8, 2003, to
install an UST or any part of an UST system below the 500-year flood elevation on a TVA reservoir, or
regulated tailwater:
(1) A copy of the state approval for the UST along with a copy of the application sent to the state and
any plans or drawings that were submitted for the state’s review;
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(2) Evidence of secondary containment for all piping or other systems associated with the UST;
(3) Evidence of secondary containment to contain leaks from gas pumps(s);
(4) Calculations certified by a licensed, professional engineer in the relevant state showing how the
tank will be anchored so that it does not float during flooding; and
(5) Evidence, where applicable, that the applicant has complied with all spill prevention, control and
countermeasures (SPCC) requirements.
(b) The applicant must accept and sign a document stating that the applicant shall at all times be the
owner of the UST system, that TVA shall have the right (but no duty) to prevent or remedy pollution or
violations of law, including removal of the UST system, with costs charged to the applicant, that the
applicant shall at all times maintain and operate the UST system in full compliance with applicable
federal, state, and local UST regulations, and that the applicant shall maintain eligibility in any applicable
state trust fund.
(c) An application to install an AST or any part of an AST system below the 500-year elevation on a TVA
reservoir or a regulated tailwater is subject to all of the requirements of §1304.405 (a) and (b) except that
paragraph (a)(1) shall not apply in states that do not require application or approval for installation of an
AST. Eligibility must be maintained for any applicable AST trust fund, and the system must be maintained
and operated in accordance with any applicable AST regulations. The applicant must notify and obtain
any required documents or permission from the state fire marshal’s office prior to installation of the AST.
The applicant must also follow the National Fire Protection Association Codes 30 and 30A for installation
and maintenance of flammable and combustible liquids storage tanks at marine service stations.
(d) Fuel handling on private, non-commercial docks and piers. TVA will not approve the installation,
operation, or maintenance of fuel handling facilities on any private, non-commercial dock or pier.
(e) Floating fuel handling facilities. TVA will not approve the installation of any floating fuel handling
facility or fuel storage tank.
(f) Demonstration of financial responsibility. Applicants for a fuel handling facility to be located in whole
or in part on TVA land shall be required to provide TVA, in a form and amount acceptable to TVA, a surety
bond, irrevocable letter of credit, pollution liability insurance, or other evidence of financial responsibility
in the event of a release.
§ 1304.406 Removal of unauthorized, unsafe, and derelict structures or facilities
If, at any time, any dock, wharf, boathouse (fixed or floating), floating cabin, outfall, aerial cable, or other
fixed or floating structure or facility (including any navigable boat or vessel that has become deteriorated
and is a potential navigation hazard or impediment to flood control) is anchored, installed, constructed, or
moored in a manner inconsistent with this part, or is not constructed in accordance with plans approved
by TVA, or is not maintained or operated so as to remain in accordance with this part and such plans, or is
not kept in a good state of repair and in good, safe, and substantial condition, and the owner or operator
thereof fails to repair or remove such structure (or operate or maintain it in accordance with such plans)
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within ninety (90) days after written notice from TVA to do so, TVA may cancel any license, permit, or
approval and remove such structure, and/or cause it to be removed, from the Tennessee River system
and/or lands in the custody or control of TVA.
Such written notice may be given by mailing a copy thereof to the owner’s address as listed on the
license, permit, or approval or by posting a copy on the structure or facility. TVA may remove or cause to
be removed any such structure or facility anchored, installed, constructed, or moored without such
license, permit, or approval, whether such license or approval has once been obtained and subsequently
canceled, or whether it has never been obtained. TVA’s removal costs shall be charged to the owner of
the structure, and payment of such costs shall be a condition of approval for any future facility proposed
to serve the tract of land at issue or any tract derived there from whether or not the current owner caused
such charges to be incurred.
In addition, any applicant with an outstanding removal charge payable to TVA shall, until such time as the
charge be paid in full, be ineligible to receive a permit or approval from TVA for any facility located
anywhere along or in the Tennessee River or its tributaries. TVA shall not be responsible for the loss of
property associated with the removal of any such structure or facility including, without limitation, the loss
of any navigable boat or vessel moored at such a facility. Any costs voluntarily incurred by TVA to protect
and store such property shall be removal costs within the meaning of this section, and TVA may sell such
property and apply the proceeds toward any and all of its removal costs. Small businesses seeking
expedited consideration of the economic impact of actions under this section may contact TVA’s Supplier
and Diverse Business Relations staff, TVA Procurement, 1101 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee
37402-2801.
§ 1304.407 Development within flood control storage zones of TVA reservoirs
(a) Activities involving development within the flood control storage zone on TVA reservoirs will be
reviewed to determine if the proposed activity qualifies as a repetitive action. Under TVA’s
implementation of Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, repetitive actions are projects within
a class of actions TVA has determined to be approvable without further review and documentation
related to flood control storage, provided the loss of flood control storage caused by the project does not
exceed one acre-foot. A partial list of repetitive actions includes:
(1) Private and public water-use facilities;
(2) Commercial recreation boat dock and water-use facilities;
(3) Water intake structures;
(4) Outfalls;
(5) Mooring and loading facilities for barge terminals;
(6) Minor grading and fills; and
(7) Bridges and culverts for pedestrian, highway, and railroad crossings.
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(b) Projects resulting in flood storage loss in excess of one acre-foot will not be considered repetitive
actions.
(c) For projects not qualifying as repetitive actions, the applicant shall be required, as appropriate, to
evaluate alternatives to the placement of fill or the construction of a project within the flood control
storage zone that would result in lost flood control storage. The alternative evaluation would either
identify a better option or support and document that there is no reasonable alternative to the loss of
flood control storage. If this determination can be made, the applicant must then demonstrate how the
loss of flood control storage will be minimized.
(1) In addition, documentation shall be provided regarding
(i) The amount of anticipated flood control storage loss;
(ii) The cost of compensation of the displaced flood control storage (how much it would cost to
excavate material from the flood control storage zone, haul it to an upland site and dispose of
it);
(iii) The cost of mitigation of the displaced flood control storage (how much it would cost to
excavate material from another site within the flood control storage zone, haul it to the project
site and use as the fill material);
(iv) The cost of the project; and
(v) The nature and significance of any economic and/or natural resource benefits that would be
realized as a result of the project.
(2) TVA may, in its discretion, decline to permit any project that would result in the loss of flood
control storage.
(d) Recreational vehicles parked or placed within flood control storage zones of TVA reservoirs shall be
deemed an obstruction affecting navigation, flood control, or public lands or reservations within the
meaning of section 26a of the Act unless they:
(1) Remain truly mobile and ready for highway use. The unit must be on its wheels or a jacking
system and be attached to its site by only quick disconnect type utilities;
(2) Have no permanently attached additions, connections, foundations, porches, or similar
structures; and
(3) Have an electrical cutoff switch that is located above the flood control zone and fully accessible
during flood events.
§ 1304.408 Variances
The Vice President or the designee thereof is authorized, following consideration whether a proposed
structure or other regulated activity would adversely impact navigation, flood control, public lands or
reservations, power generation, the environment, or sensitive environmental resources, or would be
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incompatible with surrounding uses or inconsistent with an approved TVA reservoir land management
plan, to approve a structure or activity that varies from the requirements of this part in minor aspects.
§ 1304.409 Indefinite or temporary moorage of recreational vessels
(a) Recreational vessels’ moorage at unpermitted locations along the water’s edge of any TVA reservoir
may not exceed 14 consecutive days at any one place or at any place within one mile thereof.
(b) Recreational vessels may not establish temporary moorage within the limits of primary or secondary
navigation channels.
(c) Moorage lines of recreational vessels may not be placed in such a way as to block or hinder boating
access to any part of the reservoir.
(d) Permanent or extended moorage of a recreational vessel along the shoreline of any TVA reservoir
without approval under section 26a of the TVA Act is prohibited.
§ 1304.410 Navigation restrictions
(a) Except for the placement of riprap along the shoreline, structures, land based or water use, shall not
be located within the limits of safety harbors and landings established for commercial navigation.
(b) Structures shall not be located in such a way as to block the visibility of navigation aids. Examples of
navigation aids are lights, dayboards, and directional signs.
(c) The establishment of “no-wake” zones outside approved harbor limits is prohibited at marinas or
community dock facilities that are adjacent to or near a commercial navigation channel. In such
circumstances, facility owners may, upon approval from TVA, install a floating breakwater along the
harbor limit to reduce wave and wash action.
§ 1304.411 Fish attractors
Fish attractors constitute potential obstructions and require TVA approval.
(a) Fish attractors may be constructed of anchored brush piles, log cribs, and/or spawning benches, stake
beds, vegetation, or rock piles, provided they meet “TVA Guidelines for Fish Attractor Placement in TVA
Reservoirs” (TVA 1997).
(b) When established in connection with an approved dock, fish attractors shall not project more than 30
feet out from any portion of the dock.
(c) Any floatable materials must be permanently anchored.
Subpart E
§ 1304.412 Definitions
Except as the context may otherwise require, the following words or terms, when used in this part 1304,
have the meaning specified in this section.
100-year floodplain means that area inundated by the one percent annual chance (or 100-year) flood.
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500-year floodplain means that area inundated by the 0.2 percent annual chance (or 500-year) flood; any
land susceptible to inundation during the 500-year or greater flood.
Act means the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as amended.
Applicant means the person, corporation, state, municipality, political subdivision or other entity making
application to TVA.
Application means a written request for the approval of plans pursuant to the regulations contained in
this part.
Backlot means a residential lot not located adjacent to the shoreline but located in a subdivision
associated with the shoreline.
Board means the Board of Directors of TVA.
Chief Executive Officer means the Chief Executive Officer, TVA.
Committee means a committee of the TVA Board of Directors that has been designated by the TVA Board
to hear appeals under this regulation.
Community outlot means a subdivision lot located adjacent to the shoreline and designated by deed,
subdivision covenant, or recorded plat as available for use by designated property owners within the
subdivision.
Dredging means the removal of material from a submerged location, primarily for deepening harbors and
waterways.
Enclosed structure means a structure enclosed overhead and on all sides so as to keep out the weather.
Existing floating cabin means a floating cabin that was located or moored on the Tennessee River
System on or before December 16, 2016.
Flood control storage means the volume within an elevation range on a TVA reservoir that is reserved for
the storage of floodwater.
Flood control storage zone means the area within an elevation range on a TVA reservoir that is reserved
for the storage of floodwater. TVA shall, upon request, identify the contour marking the upper limit of the
flood control storage zone at particular reservoir locations.
Flood risk profile elevation means the elevation of the 500-year flood that has been adjusted for
surcharge at the dam. Surcharge is the ability to raise the water level behind the dam above the top-ofgates elevation.
Flowage easement shoreland means privately owned properties where TVA has the right to flood the
land.
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Footprint means the total water surface area of either a square or rectangular shape occupied by an
adjoining property owner’s dock, pier, boathouse, or boatwells.
Full summer pool means the targeted elevation to which TVA plans to fill each reservoir during its annual
operating cycle. Applicants are encouraged to consult the appropriate TVA Watershed Team or the TVA
website to obtain the full summer pool elevation for the reservoir in question at the time the application is
submitted.
Land-based structure means any structure constructed on ground entirely above the full summer pool
elevation of a TVA reservoir but below the maximum shoreline contours of that reservoir.
Maximum shoreline contour means an elevation typically five feet above the top of the gates of a TVA
dam. It is sometimes the property boundary between TVA property and adjoining private property.
New floating cabin means a floating cabin that was not located or moored on the Tennessee River
System on or before December 16, 2016.
Owner or landowner ordinarily means all of the owners of a parcel of land. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in these rules, in all cases where TVA approval is required to engage in an activity
and the applicant’s eligibility to seek approval depends on status as an owner of real property, the owner
or owners of only a fractional interest or of fractional interests totaling less than one in any such property
shall not be considered, by virtue of such fractional interest or interests only, to be an owner and as such
eligible to seek approval to conduct the activity without the consent of the other co-owners.
In cases where the applicant owns water access rights across adjoining private property that borders
TVA-owned shoreland, TVA may exercise its discretion to consider such person an owner, taking into
account the availability of the shoreline to accommodate similarly situated owners and such other factors
as TVA deems to be appropriate. In subdivisions where TVA had an established practice prior to
September 8, 2003, of permitting individual or common water-use facilities on or at jointly-owned lots
without the consent of all co-owners, TVA may exercise its discretion to continue such practice, taking
into account the availability of the shoreline to accommodate similarly situated owners and other factors
as TVA deems to be appropriate; provided, however, that the issuance of a TVA permit conveys no
property interests, and the objections of a co-owner may be a basis for revocation of the permit.
Rebuilding means replacement of all or a significant portion of an approved obstruction to the same
configuration, total footprint, and dimensions (length, width, and height) as the approved plans, standards,
and conditions of the Section 26a permit.
Shoreland means the surface of land lying between minimum winter pool elevation of a TVA reservoir and
the maximum shoreline contour.
Shoreline means the line where the water of a TVA reservoir meets the shore when the water level is at
the full summer pool elevation.
Shoreline Management Zone (SMZ) means a 50 feet deep vegetated zone designated by TVA on TVAowned land.
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Tennessee River System means TVA reservoirs, the Tennessee River or any of the Tennessee River’s
tributaries.
TVA means the Tennessee Valley Authority.
TVA Investigating Officer means a TVA employee or a person under contract to TVA appointed by the
Vice President or the CEO to investigate any issue concerning an appeal of a decision on an application
under this part.
TVA property means real property owned by the United States and under the custody and control of TVA.
Vice President means the Vice President, Natural Resources, TVA, or a position with functionally
equivalent supervisory responsibilities.
Water-based structure means any structure, fixed or floating, constructed on or in navigable waters of the
United States.
Winter drawdown elevation means the elevation to which a reservoir water level is lowered during fall to
provide storage capacity for winter and spring floodwaters.
Winter pool means the lowest level expected for the reservoir during the flood season.
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| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Shoreline-Construction/TVA-Act- |
| Author | mrwinter |
| File Modified | 2019-05-06 |
| File Created | 2019-05-06 |