| Lakefront Development Terms |
| Structures.
Any man-made structure, such as · Buildings · Fences · Patios · Retention walls · Decks · Any artificial construction … added to the 50 foot lakefront/shoreline offset |
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| New Construction.
· New dock · New dock addition · Dock repair · Grading · Bank Stabilization and/or sea wall construction |
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 | 50 foot Easement/Property.
· The 50 foot has been reserved in all lakefront land records for public use. No private construction has ever been permitted within the 50 foot. |
 | 50 foot Lakefront/Shoreline Offset.
The City’s 50’ easement/property extends straight back; a 50’ parallel offset from Lake Williamstown’s normal pool shoreline. |
| Lakefront Property Owner Compliance Process |
 | Existing Dock.
Submit a Dock Permit Application for any existing dock and/or structure within the 50 foot lakefront/shoreline offset. New Dock.
Before starting a project, submit a Dock Permit Application for any new construction
· New dock · New dock addition · Dock repair · Grading · Bank Stabilization and/or sea wall construction |
| Other Regulatory Agencies.
Prior to submitting a City Dock Permit for any new construction Submit proper forms to notify: Kentucky Division of Water (KDoW)
o Stream Construction Permit § All bank stabilization projects o Water Quality Certification § Bank stabilization projects along all waterways greater than 299’ o Storm Water Construction Permit § 1 acre or more ground disturbance above a waterway Army Corps of Engineers (ACoE)
o ACoE Nationwide 13 or Individual Permit § All bank stabilization projects Note: In order to build, add or maintain a dock on Lake Williamstown, you must meet the City of Williamstown's shoreline\embankment protection specifications. The City's specifications refine current State and Federal guidelines. |
| Lakefront: Permitted |
 | Grandfathered Structures.
Docks or structures existing prior to May 13, 2004 which do not meet the guidelines in the Lake Ordinance will be grandfathered to current and future owners as long as they are properly maintained. |
 | Walkways and Handicap Paths.
Only acceptable new construction in 50 foot offset: ü Walkways should be perpendicular to the shoreline and not exceed 48” in width. ü Handicap* cart paths should not exceed 72” in width. *documented by a Physician |
 | Dock Specifications.
ü Only one dock located in front of the property ü Surface dimensions; 38’ wide x 36’ deep ü Setback at least 10 feet from projected property line ü Include Bank Stabilization to control erosion Optional upgrades may include: ü roofs not exceeding 14’ above normal pool ü diving boards not extending 18” beyond dock’s edge ü slides not extending 18” beyond dock’s edge and not exceeding 8’ in height |
 | Bank Stabilization.
Materials: ü Rip-rap with geo-tech fabric ü Riparian vegetation *perferred method ü Rip-rap and vegetation combination ü Manufactured interlocking concrete block Use Best Management Practices: ü When using concrete, use pre-formed concrete ü Maintain natural slope, preventing water resource loss ü Have erosion control measures in place before nightfall ü Leave lake rock and lake life undisturbed ü Use materials that are advantageous to wildlife |
 | Erosion Control Measures.
Use Best Management Practices · 80-100 tons of soil per acre per year empty into Kentucky lakes from unmanaged construction sites.* *source: KDOW published average for KY |
| Lakefront: Non-compliance & Mitigation |
 | Unauthorized Structures.
Should the structure fail, the structure can only be replaced if it meets current standards and complies with current policy, or the owner must remove the structure and the area restored in accordance with the current regulations. |
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Waterway Obstructions.
Remove r Any permanently fixed floating devices Only permissible if floating device is ü Out on weekends, 6am till 6pm ü Does not extend past your dock ü Does not interfere with neighbor’s property |
 | Harmful Bank Stabilization Practices.
When constructing Bank Stabilization , avoid: r Poured concrete r Excessive grading, backfill and land building r Exposed soil r Use of native lake rock r Constructing a statically indeterminate wall r Guardrail, gabion cages, rail-road ties |
 | Do not r Construct any structures within the 50 foot
lakefront/shoreline offset.
r Construct a new dock, dock addition or dock repair without notifying the City first.
r Grade the soil or dredge prior to getting written consent from the City, KDoW and the ACoE. r Construct any dock, structure or Bank Stabilization on the lakefront that is not directly adjacent to your lakefront property.
Or
City will order Structures, not meeting current standards and compliance with current policy as defined in the Lake Ordinance, to be removed. The land disturbing activity along Lake Williamstown or its contributory streams will be reported to the Kentucky E.P.A. Division of Water (KDoW) and the Army Corps of Engineers (ACoE). Property owners found in violation will be subject to civil penalties and required to mitigate.
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For additional information, please contact the Lakefront Development Services Office at (859) 824-3606 or Contact Us via email |