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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 Ryan Schiff and Kirsten H. Schiff for a Shore Protection Act (SPA) Permit under O.C.G.A. 12-5-230 et seq. for construction and maintenance of an outdoor spa, hardscape improvements, and landscaping at an existing single-family residence, 1925 Chatham Avenue, Tybee Island, Chatham County, Georgia. The proposed modification is considered a minor activity under O.C.G.A. 12-5-230 et seq.
On September 4, 2004, the SPC issued SPA Permit #343, which authorized construction of a building footprint for a residential structure, driveway, and landscaping on Lot 2. Construction of a single-family residence was completed in 2008.
The applicant’s property is approximately 12,540sq.ft. (0.29 acre), of which 9,843sq.ft. (0.23 acre) is located within the state’s SPA jurisdiction. The area within SPA jurisdiction consists of an existing putting green, landscaping, hardscape, an at grade timber walkway, and sand dunes.
The applicants are proposing to improve the existing, maintained 79ft. X 39ft. (3,081sq.ft.) outdoor living space immediately seaward of the residence. The project includes replacement of an existing artificial turf putting green on a base of granite fines (2-inches) and sand (400sq.ft.), a rain garden (49sq.ft.), and a fireplace with surrounding hardscape patio and walkways (660sq.ft.). The project also includes installation of approximately 71 linear feet of fence and a 2ft. x 3ft. portion of an outdoor spa (12sq.ft.). Impacts to SPA jurisdiction for the proposed hardscape components of the project total approximately 1,186sq.ft. (0.03 acre). Existing landscape beds consist of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), other nonnative-ornamental grasses, and small shrubs. Where appropriate, existing vegetation will be removed from the landscape beds, soil will be amended, and the vegetation will be selectively replaced using native vegetation. Proposed impacts within SPA jurisdiction total approximately 2,301sq.ft. (0.056acre).
Site preparation will include removal of existing landscape and hardscape in SPA jurisdiction. Clearing, grading, filling, will commence prior to construction. An existing, at-grade, beach access foot path associated with the property will remain. A private dune crosswalk is not proposed. The Chatham Avenue public access dune crosswalk is located adjacent to the property driveway.
As proposed, jurisdictional impacts would be approximately 2,301sq.ft. (23.4%) of the area within SPA jurisdiction. Approximately 7,542sq.ft. (76.6%) of the State’s jurisdictional area will be retained or improved to a more 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 January 4, 2023 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.
