Dock Works of Lake Travis will work with the LCRA to Ensure you are Fully Compliant with Regulations, Permits, and Approvals.

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LCRA Tips & Info

The LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) has been serving Texans since 1934 through energy, water stewardship and community service. Building a custom dock or marina will require Dock Works of Lake Travis to work with the LCRA to ensure you are fully compliant with regulations, permits, and approvals.

Requirements

Boat docks must follow all the safety rules and requirements that are set in place for all of the Texas Highland Lakes, of which Lake Travis is one. Whenever there is a modification to a marina or dock, you must have it in writing as well as an inspection by LCRA. By working with Dock Works of Lake Travis we will make sure you are compliant with all necessary paperwork and permits.

However, those who are looking for a dock or marina on Lake Travis may also have to work with the City of Austin, and we can help there too.

Permits

To secure a permit, your dock or marine must meet all standard safety regulations that are put in place by LCRA. You can look in depth at these safety regulations online or contact us.

To apply for a permit, you must follow the rules in the following sections:

Drawings, Plans, and Maps: Your drawings, plans, and maps must be large enough that the information can be read clearly and accurately by an LCRA employee and certified by an engineer.

Location and Configuration: Ensure that your application includes the location and configuration of the shoreline, contour elevation, boat slip configuration, and more.

Electrical: When setting up the electrical, you’ll need to note where every electric wiring, lights, and safety equipment is. There are different sections of wires you’ll need to note.

Structural: You need to note the depth of the trusses, all details for the structure, the side-profile, roof, anchor system components, and more.

Marine Service Station: You need to have a marine service station to provide natural protection against weather and natural winds, flooding, and more. You’ll need to note the equipment, piping, fuel dispensers, fire extinguishers, signs, and other items.

Insurance: You must be insured when you submit the plan, and you can list the LCRA as an additional insurer.

Fire Extinguisher: All fire extinguishers must have a minimum rating of 20 B:C and be located along the main areas of the marina and dock.

Water Quality Analysis: You must have your Best Practices Management as well as a Water Quality Analysis statement submitted with the application.

Property Control: Proof of ownership must be provided with the application to show who the owner of the land is and whether you have the correct permissions to work on that land.

Public Notice Information: You need a tax appraisal, official maps, computer generated report, district maps, public notice, and more.

In each section, there are rules and regulations that must be strictly followed. Should you fail to follow these rules, your permit application will be denied, and the process is not easy to go through again. Check out the rules in depth here for the LCRA.

Safety

Whether you have a floating dock, a fixed dock, or recessed dock, you need to take adequate safety measures. The LCRA has a rigorous process to be approved, which is why the easiest way to get approved is to partner with Dock Works of Lake Travis because we are a fully licensed and insured dock and marina manufacturer. Some of the safety rules you must follow include:

Secure your floating dock

• Position the anchors
• Stay within a short distance from shore
• Ensure you have proper lighting
• Practice routine maintenance through a licensed company
• Check your cables are in good condition
• Limit the number of lose items you have
• Your dock’s flotation must been cased

Maintain your fixed and recessed dock

• Flooding or drought can increase the pressure on a dock
• Debris can also interfere with the dock

You must register your dock in case it goes loose.

Flood and Drought Preparation

Floods and droughts can cause severe issues with a floating, recessed, or fixed dock. With marinas, the same thing occurs. You must be sure that your dock and marina is prepared for flood and drought.

The LCRA recommends going with a registered and certified dock maintenance company, like Dock Works, to keep your dock and marina prepared. The LCRA has 7 tips to follow:

• Keep your docks close to the shore
• Double-up cables without anchors upstream
• Have solar-powered or battery-operated safety lighting
• Check your dock for cracks or other vulnerable areas routinely
• The dock flotation foam must be encased
• Do not keep unsecured items on your dock

Tips

The LCRA is there to create safe docks and marinas. When wanting a custom dock or marina, be sure to follow their regulations carefully. We recommend following these tips when working with the LCRA:

• Call and ask questions. It’s much easier to know requirements in advance than having to fix things later.
• Go with a reputable company that is certified. Our company has certified engineers in Texas as well, making the whole process easier.
• Don’t rush. Creating a dock or marina can be time consuming. Rushing through the process can be overwhelming and lead to costly mistakes.
• Don’t do it yourself. There are too many parts and pieces involved in the process and design aspect. You’ll need certified engineers, and a high-quality dock or marina doesn’t come from DIY.