Alabama Power dock permit: Smith, Martin, Logan Martin, Weiss and more

On Alabama Power lakes water, the lake operator is the real permit gate. Here is who issues it, the rules, the fees and the official sources — before you build or buy.

How to get the permit

• A permit is needed for any work in the lakebed or flood easement except painting and pressure washing. Verbal approval is not enough.
• Apply on the APCShorelines site or app. Send the signed guidelines, your recorded deed, a dimensioned drawing and any ARC or HOA approval.
• Drawdown is the best time to build.

Size and placement rules

• At least 15 ft from the extended property line.
• Lots with under 100 ft of shoreline may be restricted or ineligible.
• In a narrow slough, no more than one-third of the way across, boats included.
• A walkway up to 6 ft wide does not count toward size. Maximum two levels. Covered structures must be open-sided. Up to two PWC floats or lifts.
• Maximum size by lake: Smith 1,444 sq ft / 92 ft · Weiss 1,220 / 80 · Neely Henry 1,220 / 50 · Logan Martin 1,220 / 80 · Lay, Mitchell, Jordan, Bouldin 1,220 / 50 · Martin, Yates, Thurlow 1,510 / 62 · Harris 1,520 (1,220 water + 300 land) / 50.

Fees

• Construction $400 · elevated structure $500 · repair $200 · modification $100.
• Unauthorized construction $600 · unauthorized repair $400 · non-compliance $800.

Buying or selling a lake house

• The permit is not transferable without Alabama Power's written consent.
• The seller must give Alabama Power the buyer's name and address at least 7 days before the transfer and disclose the permit to the buyer.

Other layers that can apply

• Town or county — zoning, shoreland and building permits.
• State — see the state page for your lake.
• Federal — Army Corps Section 10 / Section 404 where the work triggers them.

Official sources

APC Shorelines — permits · Lakes served · Smith Lake guidelines (rev. Jul 15 2025) · Weiss Lake guidelines (rev. Jan 13 2026) · Neely Henry / Logan Martin guidelines · Lay / Mitchell / Jordan / Bouldin guidelines · Martin / Yates / Thurlow guidelines · Lake Harris guidelines (May 2025) · Last verified 2026-10-29

Questions? Call 207-600-2705.

Preliminary regulatory path. Ask Dock.AI is an information tool, not a permitting authority. Rules change and every waterbody has its own owner and wrinkles. Confirm your project with the listed authority before you build. You pull your own permit; we show you the path. Ask Dock.AI is powered by Alummikon — engineered aluminum docks, stairs and waterfront access, built in Maine.