GBRA Construction Permit Update for Docks, etc. on Lake Dunlap

As you may recall, GBRA suspended collection of the $600 fee associated with construction permits along the hydrolakes in 2019 following the failure at Lake Dunlap. However, adjacent property owners planning to construct or modify a dock or other waterfront structure on a GBRA-owned hydroelectric lake have still been required to obtain GBRA approval (and other applicable permits, approvals, requirements) before beginning construction.

Effective September 1, 2026, GBRA will reinstate and begin collecting a one-time $600 application and permit fee for construction projects at Lake Dunlap, Lake McQueeney, and Lake Placid. Permit fees will continue to be waived on applications prior to August 31, 2026. Permit application payments must be received at the time of the Permit application and a payment link will be added to the GBRA website with the Permit Application Form next month.

The current form is posted on the GBRA website, along with a link to the Texas Water Safety Act regarding reckless operations, excessive speed, hazardous wake, and restricted areas. A payment link will be added to the webpage in the coming weeks. Additionally, our engineering and communications staff are updating the hydrolakes ‘flood tracking charts’ and those will be posted there as well in the next 4-8 weeks.  See link here:  https://www.gbra.org/operations/hydrolakes/.

Below is additional information regarding when a new permit is required and/or if an additional fee is applied.

·         A permit may not be assigned or sold but it may be transferred to a subsequent property owner. Owner is responsible for notifying GBRA in the event said property is sold and agrees to notify subsequent owners of the property of the obligation to obtain a new permit.

·         A new permit is not required from GBRA for construction of fewer or smaller structures (including boat slips) than originally submitted so long as the entire structure will not extend further from the  shoreline than allowed under the existing permit.

·         A new permit with applicable fees shall be required for any additional structures not included in the original request.

·         Upon completion, submit the application to dockpermits@gbra.org for review of the proposed location for compliance by GBRA with applicable requirements.

·         Property owners are responsible for obtaining all required approvals, permits, utility locates, and paying any applicable fees required by local, state, or federal agencies before construction begins.

·         The existing $600 fee was adopted in 2018.

·         There is not an annual/reoccurring fee.

Contact GBRA with any questions or request for additional information.