Lake Lanier Real Estate Today! A Look At Pathways And Steps On The Government Shoreline Of The Lake!

In Lake Lanier real estate today, I thought that it might be wise to examine one of the most common questions that I am asked as a real estate agent when I am showing properties on Lake Lanier.  Whether it be land, lots or homes, most Lake Lanier real estate backs up to property owned by our federal government and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  It is typical to walk to the back of a given private property and notice boundary markers and survey pins which designate the separation points of privately owned property and government land which is between the private land and the waters of Lake Lanier.  We often casually refer to this government land as "Corps Property", "Corps Of Engineers Land" or "Guvmunt Land"! (-:

Most potential real estate buyers on Lake Lanier will eventually ask what their personal rights are in regard to this property that separates the private land from the water.  Normally, my immediate response to this is NONE!  Well, it's not your land!  But if you have a dock permit that is granted with the property or home that you purchase on Lake Lanier, you will have some ability to access this government land by creating and/or maintaining a foot path from your private property (Lake Home) through the Corps' Property and down to your dock on Lake Lanier.  So, the questions regarding the government land often range in topics from "Can I cut trees?", "Can I clear and undercut?", "Can I mow?", Can I pave a sidewalk?", "Can I clear a path for my car to get to my dock?", "What can I do on their land?", "Do I maintain it?"  The best answer to these and many more questions on this topic can be found in the 2004 Final Lake Lanier Shoreline Mangement Plan.  You'll find so much information and guidance in this plan, that you'll soon learn that you and your neighbors might not be following appropriate guidelines.  For this reason and more, you should read the Plan.  So, our exercise for today is to read this excerp regarding proper guidelines for pathways and steps along Lake Lanier's shoreline, courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Mobile District.  Please enjoy!

15.3.11 Pathways and Steps

Meandering pedestrian pathways may be created for access to the permitted facilities at no

fee. Pathways will follow a meandering route that conforms to the topography as much as

possible to help prevent erosion, avoid the need for removal of vegetation, and prevent the

construction of bridges or steps. All work will be completed with hand tools only unless

otherwise authorized in writing by the Operations Manager. If surface treatment is required

to prevent erosion or fill depressions, wood chips or on-site forest litter are recommended. If

erosion is evident due to continued foot traffic and water run off, intermittent water breaks

may be necessary.

If slopes prohibit safe access by means of a natural path then steps or a bridge creating the

least environmental impacts may be authorized under permit with a fee. Materials used to

create these structures must be properly treated and environmentally friendly, no wood

treated with arsenic will be authorized. All steps must be constructed of at least eight (8)

inches wide by six (6) inches high material without borders. Every effort should be made to

prevent continuous running steps. Steps may not be elevated nor create a boardwalk. Steps

or landings may not be erected in a manner to create patios. Unless the steepness of the slope

dictates it or handicap needs demand it, steps should be constructed without handrails. All

steps must be constructed at contour or ground level. If backfilling is required, the surface

treatment must be wood chips or similar mulch. Landscape timbers are not authorized for

step construction due to safety considerations.

Footbridges may only be authorized if there are no other alternatives to provide safe access.

Footbridges may not exceed four (4) feet in width. All foot bridges more than four (4) feet

above the surface of the ground must have a handrail. The rails shall be 36-48 inches high

with an intermediate guardrail approximately one-half the distance below the top rail. The

pathway permit does not convey the right to use equipment or construct any other structure

unless specifically authorized.

Pedestrian access lighting may be installed underground following the meandering footpath.

Permit holders are required to use mushroom style lighting, not to exceed a height of two (2)

feet. See Exhibit 3, " Requirements for Installation and Use of Electric Service on

Government Property at Lake Lanier". Existing pathway lighting not meeting this standard

will require replacement upon repair.

Natural pathways are considered unsafe when the terrain is too steep to safely access the

shoreline, thus requiring improved steps. Pathways must remain free of stumps, snags and

other tripping hazards. Steps are considered unsafe and unauthorized when poorly placed or

constructed so that the step is loose; or when materials are defective damaged, or decaying.