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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 Michael Bono for a Shore Protection Act (SPA) Permit under O.C.G.A. 12-5-230 et. seq. to construct and maintain a retaining wall, install native landscaping, and modify an existing single-family residential structure at #3 8th Place, Tybee Island, Chatham County, Georgia.
The applicant’s parcel is 15,374sq.ft. (0.353 acres), of which approximately 7,202sq.ft. (0.17 acres) is located within the State’s SPA jurisdiction. Existing impacts within SPA jurisdiction associated with the single-family residence include wooden stairs, a wooden deck, a screened and covered porch, and a portion of a the existing 1950’s raised house with a rooftop deck. Total existing impacts within SPA jurisdiction associated with the existing house at this location are approximately 863sq.ft. (0.02 acres).
To minimize the accumulation of wind-blown sand on the property and the existing residential structure, the applicant proposes to construct and maintain a 4ft. x 1ft. x 103ft. (103sq.ft.) vinyl sheet pile bulkhead with a timber cap immediately landward of the landward toe of dune. The existing 8ft. x 8ft. (64sq.ft.) stairs on the seaward side of the residence that are partially covered with sand will be removed. A proposed 4ft. x 4ft. stairway landing will lead to new 4ft. x 13ft. (52sq.ft.) stairs to be directed to the west. The remainder of the SPA jurisdictional area includes vegetated sand dunes (4,679q.ft.) that shall be retained in their naturally vegetated and topographical condition, and approximately 1,660sq.ft. (0.03 acre) of maintained lawn that will be improved by installing native grass and temporary irrigation. Temporary impacts associated with site preparation include the use of heavy equipment, grading, and the removal of trees in SPA jurisdiction. No additional modifications are proposed to the existing single-family residence. A private dune crosswalk is not proposed.
As proposed, total jurisdictional impacts would be approximately 982sq.ft. (14%). Approximately 6,232sq.ft. (86%) of the SPA jurisdictional area will be retained or restored to its natural vegetated and topographic state.
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 February 18, 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.
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