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This serves as notification from the Shore Protection Committee (SPC) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from Beachside Colony Condominium Association, Inc. for a Shore Protection Act (SPA) Permit under O.C.G.A. 12-5-230 et. seq. for the construction of a dune crosswalk at 404 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, Chatham County, Georgia. The proposed project is considered a minor activity under O.C.G.A. 12-5-230 et. seq.
The applicant manages a ninety-seven (97) unit condominium complex landward of and adjacent to the beach on Tybee Island. Currently, guests utilize three (3) at grade beach paths to access the beach from the facility. Additionally, a public restaurant is located on the seaward side of the parcel. The proposed wooden dune crosswalk will be shared by residents and restaurant patrons and will extend approximately 250ft. seaward over the City of Tybee Island’s recently permitted sand dune restoration project.
The proposed dune crosswalk will be constructed after the City of Tybee Island constructs the dunes recently authorized under Shore Protection Act Permit #473, issued on November 1, 2019. The proposed structure will begin at the landward toe of the dune field and terminate seaward of the seaward-most dune but shall not encroach seaward of the ordinary high water line in the active intertidal beach. It will be no greater than 6ft. in width and at least 36in. above the grade of the sand dune.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate that the project is not contrary to the public interest and that no feasible alternative sites exist. In passing upon the application for permit, the permit issuing authority shall consider the public interest which for purposes of this part shall be deemed to be the following considerations: (1) Whether or not unreasonably harmful, increased alteration of the dynamic dune field or submerged lands, or function of the sand-sharing system will be created; (2) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicant's proposal will unreasonably interfere with the conservation of marine life, wildlife, or other resources; and (3) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicant's proposal will unreasonably interfere with reasonable access by and recreational use and enjoyment of public properties impacted by the project.
A detailed public notice with drawings has been distributed and is available by visiting the Division's website: CoastalGaDNR.org under “Marsh & Shore Permits”.
Please provide this office with substantive, site-specific comments as to why the proposed project should or should not proceed. Comments and questions concerning the proposed project should be submitted in writing by the close of business on March 12, 2020 to Deb Barreiro, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 185 Richard Davis Drive, Suite 104, Richmond Hill, Georgia, 31324.
Click here for Project Application
