[ The following is a letter from the City of Austin sent to Lake Austin Homeowners as a resource for Frequently Asked Questions during the 2016 Lake Austin Drawdown. ]
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.
Founded by Congress, Republic of Texas, 1839
Watershed Protection Department
P.O. Box 1088, Austin, Texas 78767
LAKEFRONT DEVELOPMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I want to remove trash and debris from the lake during the drawdown. Is that ok?
A: Yes! We encourage the removal of trash from the lake and no permission from the CoA is required. However, woody debris in the reservoir is a natural occurrence and provides habitat for beneficial lake critters. Please consider retaining woody debris within the lake.
Q: I’ve heard I need a site plan for dock or bulkhead construction, but I’ve also heard my project might qualify for a site plan exemption. What is the difference?
A: Larger construction projects and projects occurring within sensitive environmental areas require site plans, which are detailed drawings sealed by an engineer that shows how the construction will meet development rules and preserve existing environmental features such as wetlands, trees, and steep slopes. Minor construction efforts are exempt from site plan requirements and can often be reviewed in a couple of weeks. Consequently, the fees incurred during site plan review and the time it takes for approval of a site plan is greater than a site plan exemption review and approval. For more information about site plan exemptions, see Land Development Code Chapter 25-5-2(J) online at https://www.municode.com/library/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances.
Q: My dock needs minor maintenance, such as a new roof, new handrails, and/or new decking. What kind of permit do I need?
A: Non-structural repairs of docks can often be permitted with a site plan exemption. A building permit might also be required. Contact the Development Assistance Center at 505 Barton Springs Road. Walk-in appointments are available from 9-12 M-F for site plan exemption determinations.
Q: What type of information does a site plan exemption require?
A: To determine if a project is exempt from a site plan, city staff will need to see the following information: Plan and elevation views of the dock, topography, location of trees 8” or more in diameter, location of existing wetlands if known, location of the shoreline (492.8 contour elevation), construction access and limits of construction, authorization from the property owner, erosion control if necessary, and clearly identify work proposed. Additional information may be requested depending upon the situation proposed. Site plan exemption forms are found online at:http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Planning/Applications_Forms/30_site_plan_exemption_form.pdf. Contact the Development Assistance Center at 505 Barton Springs Road. Walk-in appointments are available from 9-12 M-F for site plan exemption determinations.
Q: My dock is old and needs to be rebuilt. What kind of permit do I need?
A: You will need to submit a site plan sealed by a licensed professional engineer and secure a building permit. Typically construction of new docks occurs via barge during normal water levels.
Review and approval of a standard boat dock that does not require variances often takes between 5-6 months.
Q: During the drawdown, I want to remove sediment out from a boat slip. Does this activity need a permit?
A: Removal of up to 25 cubic yards of sediment from a slip might be permissible with a site plan exemption *during a drawdown*. However, you will need to clarify where the dredged material will go after removal (hint: out of the floodplain), ensure that there is ready access of equipment, and avoid any previously identified wetlands. During normal water levels, a site plan is required for dredging activities.
Q: My bulkhead is crumbling and needs to be repaired. What kind of permits do I need?
A: Up to 25% of a bulkhead may be repaired in the same footprint using the same materials with a site plan exemption. If more than 25% of the bulkhead needs to be repaired, or if a new bulkhead will be constructed in front of the existing bulkhead, a site plan will be required and the new bulkhead will need to be brought up to current code. A building permit will be required for any repairs to a bulkhead.
Q: My bank is eroding. What can I do to prevent further erosion?
A: Shorelines and banks are often highly erodible and can face erosion from both boat waves and also from increased run-off from upstream development. Upstream impervious cover (from driveways and homes) can be mitigated through the use of rain barrels, rain gardens and other features that hold water back and allow stormwater to infiltrate into the soil or be reused for irrigation rather than running off down the slope. Customers of Austin Water Utility might qualify for rebates for such features. Visit http://www.austintexas.gov/department/waterwise-rainscape-rebate for more information. Larger construction projects such as new bulkheads or bank terracing to stabilize eroding banks and shorelines will require site plan review and approval.
Q: My situation is complicated and not addressed here? Where can I find more information?
A: Contact the Development Assistance Center at 505 Barton Springs Road, 512.974-6370. Walk-in appointments are available from 9-12 M-F.
Q: What happens if I do work on my shoreline or boat dock without a permit?
A: If a permit for construction, maintenance, or repair is not approved by The Development Services Department an enforcement action which may include Notices of Violation and applied fines may occur. The Austin Code Department as well as The Environmental Inspection Division of The Development Services Department have the authority of enforcement action and can initiate the general compliance and enforcement process. You may report suspected violations by calling 3-1-1 or filing a complaint online.
