Lake Martin Dock Permits from Alabama Power

Why Alabama Power

Alabama Power built and runs the dams on Lake Martin under a federal license, and it owns the lake's pool property up to the 491-foot full pool line. In many places it also holds a 30-foot strip of land above that line. Work on any of that land needs its permission in writing.

Between July 2017 and the end of 2022, Alabama Power issued 4,167 permits on Lake Martin.

What goes in the request

• A copy of your current deed, or your lease if you lease the lot.
• A current survey, when Alabama Power needs one to decide.
• A sketch of all existing and proposed shoreline structures.
• The name and contact details of the contractor you hire.

The permit is issued to the property owner. Alabama Power does not issue permits or give permission to contractors, so the builder helps you with the request rather than applying for you.

Before work starts

Construction, installation, repair or changes on Alabama Power's land start only after the written permit is issued and a pending permit tag is posted where it is easy to see.

Fees

• $400 General Construction Fee for new shoreline work under one permit, such as a pier, boathouse, seawall, riprap, stairs or a float.
• $200 General Repair Fee for substantial repair work.
• $100 Permit Modification Fee for changes you ask for after approval and before the work is finished.
• $400 Unauthorized Structure Repair Fee when a structure is substantially repaired without written approval first.

All four are non-refundable and are paid to Alabama Power. Ask the builder whether the fee is in the price.

Where to ask

Alabama Power Shoreline Management, 1296 South Tallassee Street, Dadeville, AL 36853. Phone (256) 825-0053 or (256) 825-1107. Ask the builder whether any other permit applies at your address.