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This serves as notification from the Shore Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from John C. Shelton and Pamela A. Flick for a Shore Protection Act (SPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-230 et seq. for the removal and installation of native landscaping, removal of a portion of sandbags, and installation of a retaining wall, pool and spa, pool deck and coping, a firepit, and fencing within the State’s SPA jurisdiction at 4212 Thirteenth Street, St. Simons Island, Glynn County, Georgia.
On December 4, 2007, an SPA Emergency Authorization was given for the placement of sandbags along the escarpment of the subject parcel and at the end of 13th Street. SPA Permit #385 was issued July 24, 2008, and authorized a four phase project including leaving the sandbags as they were placed under the Emergency Authorization, covering the bags with beach quality sand and native vegetation, authorization to move existing sandbags and place additional sandbags if the existing sandbags are damaged, and authorization to create a rock revetment at the same slope and on top and at the seaward toe if it was determined this action was needed to stabilize the sandbags in the future.
The applicant’s property is approximately 6,050 sq.ft. (0.13 acres), of which 1,735 sq.ft. (0.04 acres) is within SPA jurisdiction. The area within jurisdiction consists of a mix of bare sand, sparse grass, weeds, vines, and shrubs covering the existing sandbags authorized under SPA Permit #385. The area within jurisdiction also contains 63 sq.ft. of concrete paver walkway, 164 sq.ft. of wood deck and stairs, and an 8 sq.ft. portion of house. A rock revetment, commonly referred to as the Johnson Rocks, are located approximately 100ft. east of the subject parcel. An 8 sq.ft. portion of the existing house is also within SPA jurisdiction.
The applicant proposes to remove 63 sq.ft. of existing concrete paver walkway, 164 sq.ft. of existing wood deck and stairs, and excavate a 215 sq.ft. portion of the existing sandbags. The applicant also proposes to install 308 sq.ft. of pool and spa; 590 sq.ft. of pool coping, pool deck of sand set pavers, and a gas burning fire pit; and 136 sq.ft. of masonry retaining wall within SPA jurisdiction. The proposed masonry retaining wall will be 18in. above finished grade of the landward side of the wall as it pertains to the pool deck. Overall height and elevation specifications from the seaward side will be field determined due to shifting elevations at the toe of dune. Width of the wall is 10in. with a 12in. wide cap. A 153 linear foot portion (26sq.ft.) of aluminum fencing will also be constructed within SPA jurisdiction.
If disturbed during construction, the applicant proposes to return an area of 667 sq.ft. back to a natural or improved topographic and vegetative condition by installing native landscaping and grass of like kind or beach quality sand of like kind. Underground irrigation will be installed in the lawn and landscaped areas. A final landscape plan will be submitted for approval prior to conducting the work.
All work within jurisdiction will be accomplished with typical earth-moving equipment including excavators and skid-steer. Existing and proposed impacts within jurisdiction will total 1,068 sq.ft. (61.6%), approximately 667 sq.ft. (38.4%) of the state’s jurisdictional area will remain in a natural or improved topographic and vegetative condition.
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 July 22, 2023 to Beth Byrnes, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or via email at elizabeth.byrnes@dnr.ga.gov.
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