New Fixed Docks
Every new pile-mounted dock, boathouse, or slip structure built on a TVA reservoir. Permit covers the dock plus any integrated lift.
Every dock on a TVA-managed lake needs a Section 26a permit. We file the application, cover the $1,000 government fee, manage every back-and-forth with TVA, and don't break ground until the approval is in hand.
Section 26a of the TVA Act gives the Tennessee Valley Authority approval authority over any structure built across, along, or in the waters of TVA-managed reservoirs — that includes every fixed dock, floating dock, boathouse, boat lift, mooring buoy, and shoreline modification on the lakes we work.
Without an approved 26a permit, building a dock is a violation. With one, you're legal, insurable, and protected against future removal orders. We file the permit on every project we build, included at no extra charge.
TVA's 26a authority is broader than people expect. The most common projects we permit:
Every new pile-mounted dock, boathouse, or slip structure built on a TVA reservoir. Permit covers the dock plus any integrated lift.
All floating dock systems on TVA waters — aluminum and wood frame, single section and multi-section. Anchoring system is part of the application.
Lifts being added to existing permitted docks usually fall under the existing permit. New lifts on new docks are part of the 26a submission.
Tear-out and removal of any structure on TVA waters requires its own 26a, even when no new build follows. Scope and disposal plan are part of the submission.
Adding slips, changing footprint, adding a second story, or significant structural changes typically trigger a new 26a review.
Retaining walls, riprap, beach fill, or any structure within TVA's lakeward jurisdiction. Often paired with a dock build.
We do every step. Your only job is to sign the application and the build contract.
We walk the shoreline, take depth readings, photo the existing site, and map setbacks to property lines and neighbor docks.
Drawings, site map, project description, and supporting photos packaged to TVA's spec. You review and sign once.
TVA assigns a reviewer, may request a site visit of their own, and asks for clarifications. We respond to all of it.
26a approval lands. We mobilize the build, finish in 3–5 weeks for most docks, and tie into TVA's post-build inspection if required.
TVA charges a $1,000 application fee on most 26a permits. On every dock we sign to build, we pay that fee out of our pocket — it's bundled into the project, not added on top. Here's the full scope of what we handle:
The permit step is included in every Blue Horizon build. No add-ons, no surprise paperwork bills, no "permit fee charged separately."
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TVA officially allows up to 150 days for 26a review. Most straightforward applications come back in 60–120 days. We submit as early in the process as possible so the build can land in spring or early summer.
Almost always, yes — especially if the footprint or structure changes. If you're swapping decking on an existing permitted dock with no structural change, you may not, but we'll confirm before assuming.
TVA notifies adjacent landowners as part of the review. Objections are heard but rarely block a properly-spec'd permit. We design to setbacks and standards specifically to avoid issues at this stage.
No — Section 26a is TVA-specific. Private lakes have their own rules (often through the HOA or landowner association), which we'll check at site visit. Private lakes generally permit much faster than TVA reservoirs.
Stop building and call us. TVA can require removal of unpermitted structures. We can usually file a retroactive permit and bring the build into compliance, but the path is harder than starting fresh.
If we build the dock and install the lift together, they go on one 26a permit. Lifts being added to existing permitted docks usually don't require a new permit.
One phone call kicks off the site visit. From there we handle TVA from end to end — you sign once, we file, review, and break ground when the permit lands.
We'll reach out within one business day.