This serves as notification from the Shore Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from Matt Piatt for a Shore Protection Act (SPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-230 et. seq. for  removal of an existing crosswalk, wood decks, and stepping stones; construction of a pool, pool deck, a fence, landscaping, and installation of concrete stepping stones within the State’s SPA jurisdiction at 11 Sunrise Way, Saint Simons Island, Glynn County, Georgia.

The applicant’s property is approximately 6,050 sq. ft. (0.14 acres), of which 100% is located within SPA jurisdiction. SPA permit #370 issued on March 2, 2007 authorized the construction of a pool, pool deck, porches, and landscaping, but was never constructed. Existing impacts within SPA jurisdiction includes an existing rock revetment (572 sq. ft.), a wooden crosswalk (250 sq. ft.), a single family residence (1557 sq. ft.), a covered terrace (370 sq. ft.), HVAC unit (45 sq. ft.), wooden decks (407 sq. ft.), concrete driveway (292 sq. ft.), stone and gravel walkways (230 sq. ft.), and stepping stones (24 sq. ft.). Total existing impacts within the subject parcel’s SPA jurisdiction are 3,497 sq. ft. (57.8 %).

The applicant proposes to remove the existing wooden crosswalk (250 sq. ft.), remove the existing wooden decks (407 sq. ft.), and remove existing stepping stones (24 sq. ft.). The applicant also proposes to construct a pool (400 sq. ft.), hot tub/spa (71 sq. ft.), and pool deck constructed of modular concrete pavers built over a 4 in. thick gravel base (546 sq. ft.). Also proposed in the subject parcel is the construction of a wooden upper deck with staircase (162 sq. ft.), an aluminum picket fence (20 sq. ft.), and installation of 31 concrete stepping stones (124 sq. ft.).  

In addition to impacts within the subject parcel, approximately 48 sq. ft. of the wooden crosswalk located in the Glynn County 20 ft. alley and 14th Street right-of-way will be removed, resulting in approximately 166 sq. ft. of temporary impacts. Also proposed is the removal of 56 sq. ft. of stepping stones within the 20 ft. alley, resulting in a total of approximately 200 sq. ft. of temporary impacts.

The applicant also proposes landscaping using cabbage palms, date palms, muhly grass, ornamental native grasses (approximately 267 sq. ft.). Prior to landscaping, a subsurface drip irrigation system will be installed throughout all landscaped beds underneath the mulch.

All construction access will occur from the east side of the applicant’s property. A combination of rubber and plywood weight distribution mats will be used along the access route to limit impacts. Construction activity around the existing structure shall be completed in such a manner as to minimize disturbance to dune vegetation and root mass. Any native dune vegetation impacted by construction activities shall be replaced in kind. All grass and sandy areas that are disturbed will be rejuvenated with sand and replanted with like kind-native species. Construction fencing is not proposed for the project.

As proposed, new construction impacts total 1,192 sq. ft., and temporary construction impacts will be approximately 2,988 sq. ft. (49.4 %). Approximately 2,022 sq. ft. (33.42%) of the State’s jurisdictional area would 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 “Marsh & Shore Permits”.  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 04, 2020 to Amy Flowers, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.

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