Name:	Little Gray -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/14/2018 7:34:43 PM

We have a pretty nice boathouse that was in place when we purchased our deeded lake property 6 years ago. I understand this boathouse has been here some 17 yrs or so. We would very much like to install a ceiling in this boathouse.  Does anyone know if we must obtain a permit from Alabama Power to do this?

Thank you in advance for your advice! 

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/14/2018 11:45:28 PM

I wouldn't see why you should, but they left me a notice when I had my existing dock resurfaced.  No other changes. 

Name:	lakngulf -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/15/2018 7:52:05 AM (updated 2/15/2018 7:52:39 AM)

This was the answer in December 2009:

Twas the week before Christmas and all over the lake
Alabama power was stirring making quite a big wake
An owner had replaced a worn two by four
Then came home to find a note on his door

As the water receded, we looked on with dread
To see all the washes in the 490 lake bed
Common sense says just fill those holes with lake dirt
But the note on the door says that “will not work”

When out on the lawn there arose such a splatter
I sprang from by bed to see what was the matter
If you move one rock there will be much clatter
AP will make you put it back, and you will be sadder

Oh no, the footing of my sea wall has washed in
Send in that permit and write $250 with your pen
We’ll tell you what you can do with YOUR land
And don’t give us lip ‘cause we are “the man”

So I called the phone number of the lake daddy
He said he would lead the parade anytime we are ready
He questioned our wash problems because there were no big boats
Since the 3-lake ban had rid us of those folks

The man was named BigFoot, so lively and quick
He came to our rescue, said he could be St. Nick
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name?

Now Catboat, now Maverick, now Jlazc and ‘Hound
On Summer, On Pontoon, Rude, Kizma and MartiniMan
With Lotowner,lamont, Hodja and Mack
We must will send them a message and take our lake back.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/15/2018 9:23:21 AM

My understanding is that any work done outside the 490 requries an APCO permit.  I think they allow basic maintenance but anything else requires you pay them....um, I mean, you need a permit.  I would call one of the dock companies and ask them.  They will know.  If you call APCO they will say yes.

Name:	GC -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/15/2018 9:30:07 AM

Since it is interior work and not expanding an existing structure, I would take the “beg forgiveness” route.  I just replaced my pier and was told that if I was merely replacing the existing size there would have been no $250 fee.  I expanded the structure to include a boat slip, I paid the fee.  

Have fun!

Name:	BigFoot -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/15/2018 11:01:58 AM

Ahhh...a blast from the past by the blastmeister even though I barely remember this one (if at all) but I am sure I must have tagged this one for a BF award!

Name:	PTClakefan -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/15/2018 12:10:43 PM

A couple years ago I replaced all of the decking on my existing boathouse.  Shortly after I completed the project, an APCO boat sauntered up to my newly decked-out boathouse (fresh YellaWood tags and all) and posted a request that I stop in and visit the nearest APCO office in Dadeville, which I did.  I explained that I did not think that I needed a permit as all I did was replace the old decking and did not make any modifications to the existing structure.  The story I was given is that APCO wants to know EVERYTHING that goes on below the 491 mark, even if it is just ordinary repair and maintenance.  So, they said I needed to fill-out an application for the project that had already been completed, which I did and which was approved.  There was no charge for the permit and I was told that as long as it is routine maintenance/repair and no modifications are made to the existing structure, no fee is charged, even though a permit is still required. 

Name:	LonghornBoater -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/15/2018 12:29:09 PM

I have had numorus conversations with the folks at Alabama Power Shoreline Management and have found that a honst and direct questiuon has always been answered with coutesy and a full explaination.  Basically as stated above they want to know what your doing and only charge when you are doing new construction, replacing an exhisting structure completely, or adding to a current structure.

Again the folks are happy to answer your questions and I have never felt uncomfortable putting "what if" type questions to them

Their number is 256-825-0053

Name:	BigFoot -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/15/2018 5:59:21 PM

I agree completely...always a positive experience with them.

Name:	Little Gray -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/15/2018 6:30:21 PM

Lots of great advice here! Thanks!!! You guys are the best!

Name:	Zman -	Reply
Subject:	I have a question!
Date:	2/15/2018 10:31:37 PM

And I agree with Bigfoot.  Positive experiences.  Ours and lake's best interest in mind.