You bought a waterfront property to enjoy the water — not to spend months navigating TVA regulations, chasing contractors, and decoding permit paperwork.
I’m Janson and I help you manage every step. I know how overwhelming it is to stare down a massive list of environmental regulations and contractor options just to build the dock you've always wanted. At Waterfront Permitting Services, we have the local expertise and contractor relationships to ensure your shoreline projects are done legally, safely, and beautifully. From checking your property's zoning before you spend a dollar, to coordinating dock drawings, to working directly with your TVA Project Lead through final approval. I’m here the whole way through.
With over 250 permits filed across Watts Bar, Chickamauga, Norris, Guntersville, and Fort Loudoun lakes, I know the process inside and out — so you don't have to. Take a look at all of the lakes we serve in Tennessee.
Want to Build a Dock? Let's Get Your TVA Permit Handled.
Janson Furrow
Your Shoreline Expert
Real Results on Real Lakes
Here’s what our customers are saying
Here’s exactly how we can get your dock permitted
this is our STREAMLINED TVA 26a application process
FIRST CONTACT: Waterfront Permitting Services has successfully obtained hundreds of 26a TVA Permits across the entire Tennessee River. When you call, we will check TVA zoning and guide you through what may or may not be allowed at the specific property location, so you don’t waste time or money in a project that TVA might not approve. We will also handle dock drawings and go over square footage requirements as it varies from property to property.
TVA 26a Application: If a new TVA 26a permit is required, there are a few things to gather in a preliminary way that can set us up for the most success. We will walk you through the paperwork and even provide dock drawings. Then, we will have you sign the application itself. Now, we’re off to the races! The TVA fee across the Tennessee Valley is $1,000. (the fee increased early January 2025)
Initial Contact Email: TVA will reach out to us via email letting us know they received our packet. They will also establish a “Project Lead” from TVA that we will be working with directly.
Site Visit: The Project Lead assigned to us from TVA will conduct a site visit to the proposed location of the shoreline facilities.
Waiting Game: Depending on what we turned in with the application. The TVA permitting process can take anywhere from 100-150 days. Anything involving boat ramps or dredging can usually add 3-4 additional months. We check in with TVA on progress frequently to ensure efficiency. If your application is incomplete, TVA will send it back to you and the process will not officially start or they will require more information from you to provide within a certain amount of time. (This is where we at Waterfront Permitting Services shine as we ensure the overall timeline having done this hundreds of times).
Approval: Once TVA has concluded their research, an approved TVA 26a approval will be issued and construction can begin. (It is possible to need government approvals depending on the scope of work proposed. We will discuss all of this so you aren’t surprised).
Types of Permits
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Erosion
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Docks
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Ramps
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Irrigation
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Vegetation Plan
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Yes, even replacing an existing structure often requires approval from TVA, USACE, and local agencies. We can assess your site and handle the application.
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Timelines can vary, but we help avoid delays by submitting complete, accurate applications and maintaining communication with reviewing agencies.
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Absolutely. We manage the entire project, drawing up dock plans and filling out permits to ensure a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.
Ready to Build Your Dock?
Let's Talk.
Tell us about your property and we'll check TVA zoning, walk you through what's possible, and handle everything from there.