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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 shared dune crosswalk at 708 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 is constructing a new gated community landward of and adjacent to the beach on Tybee Island. The proposed wooden dune crosswalk will be shared by residents of the new subdivision and their guests. Ten (10) recorded lots front on a private Right of Way called Ocean Drive. The proposed dune crosswalk will extend approximately 520ft. seaward over the City of Tybee Island’s beach. The dune crosswalk will begin at the landward toe of the dune within a recorded 20-foot pedestrian access easement and terminate seaward of the seaward-most dune. The structure will not encroach seaward of Mean High Water (MHW) on the active intertidal beach at this location. The dune crosswalk will be no greater than 6ft. in width (including handrails and supports) and at least 36in. above the grade of the sand dunes. Total impacts associated with the proposed private dune crosswalk for Ocean Drive landowners are approximately 3,120sq.ft. (0.072 acre). Public access Dune Crosswalks are maintained by the City of Tybee Island at 7th Street (approximately 920 feet / 0.17 mile from subdivision gate) and 8th Street (approximately 775 feet / 0.15 mile from subdivision gate).
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 “Public Notices.”
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 August 16, 2024 to Deb Barreiro, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 185 Richard Davis Drive, Suite 104, Richmond Hill, Georgia, 31324 or via email at deb.barreiro@dnr.ga.gov.
Click here to view application.
Click here to view description.
