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This serves as notification from the Shore Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from Crown KP Hotel, LLC for a Shore Protection Act (SPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-230 et seq. for the construction of a new private wooden crosswalk within SPA jurisdiction at 201 Arnold Road, St. Simons Island, Glynn County, Georgia. The proposed project is considered a minor activity under O.C.G.A. 12-5-230 et. seq.
SPA Permit #472 was issued August 23, 2019, and authorized the construction of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant crosswalk with a ramp and stairs, abandonment of the existing crosswalk, a spa and spa equipment storage area, and installation of brick and concrete paver walkways. The ADA compliant crosswalk was never constructed.
The subject parcel is 153,410sq.ft. (3.52 acres), of which 15,706sq.ft. (0.36 acres) lies within SPA jurisdiction. Approximately 9,413sq.ft. of the SPA area consists of impervious improvements, with the remaining 6,293sq.ft. consisting of lawn and landscaping. A hotel resort and amenities are located landward of an existing concrete wall and rip rap revetment separating the resort from the dynamic dune field and Atlantic Ocean. The existing developed area within SPA jurisdiction consists of lawn and landscaping, pool deck, sidewalk and pavers, asphalt and gravel, and a small area of artificial turf. No activities are being proposed in the existing developed area.
The dynamic dune field at this location has experienced significant accretion and a tidal pool has formed seaward of the King and Prince. The area within jurisdiction consists of the private resort amenities listed above, vegetated dynamic dune field, and a tidal pool. According to the applicant, the resort is required by law to provide ADA compliant access to all public areas at the resort, and the beach is an integral part of accommodating ADA qualifying guests. There are existing non-ADA public accesses at the eastern terminus of Neptune Road (No.22) and at the eastern terminus of Arnold Road (No.23).
Due to a continued trend of accretion in this area and development of a tidal pool, the applicant proposes to construct a new 5.83ft. x 220ft., ADA compliant, wooden crosswalk that would begin at the existing concrete wall approximately 150ft. north of the southern property corner and extend seaward of the dynamic dune field to reach the dry sand beach. The landward portion of the structure would be constructed at the same elevation as the concrete wall (9.56MSL) and extend at that elevation to approximately 137ft., at which point the structure would start a gradual decline in accordance with ADA guidelines. The first descent section would be 24ft. long at a 1:12 maximum grade leading to a 5.3ft. level landing. A second 24ft. ramp at a 1:12 maximum grade leading to a second 5.3ft. level landing would lead to the final 24ft. ramp section terminating perpendicular to the shoreline approximately 24ft. seaward of the toe of the seaward-most dune and 196ft. landward of the Ordinary High-Water Mark (OHWM). The height of the crosswalk above the dunes will vary based upon site conditions at the time of construction due to ADA grade requirements. Total impacts within SPA jurisdiction of the proposed crosswalk will be approximately 1,283sq.ft. (0.03 acres).
All construction access will occur from the applicant’s property. All work within jurisdiction will be accomplished using low impact hand tools and mechanized equipment, as needed, operated from the crosswalk. Any native dune vegetation impacted by construction activity will be replaced in like kind.
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 Department of Natural Resources website: CoastalGaDNR.org under “Public Notices”.
Please provide this office with substantive, site-specific comments as to why the proposed work should or should not proceed. Comments and questions concerning this proposed project should be submitted in writing and be submitted by the close of business on August 26, 2026 to Beth Byrnes, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or via email at elizabeth.byrnes@dnr.ga.gov.
Click here to view the Application.
Click here to view the Description.
