Lakefront Dock and Shoreline Permits on Old Hickory Lake

For a dock, shoreline stabilization project or related work on Old Hickory Lake, start with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s Old Hickory Lake Resource Management Office. A Shoreline Use Permit is required before work on Corps property, and the current federal regional permit covers certain minor docks, dredging and shoreline-stabilization activities. Tennessee may also require an Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit, while Gallatin land-disturbance or building approvals may apply to associated work on property within the city.

If you own waterfront property on Old Hickory Lake, do not begin dock construction, shoreline stabilization, dredging or other work at the water’s edge until you identify the responsible agencies and receive the approvals that apply to your project.

For most lakefront projects, the best first contact is the Old Hickory Lake Resource Management Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District. The office manages shoreline activities on Corps property and issues Shoreline Use Permits. The current federal regional permit also covers certain minor private-dock, dredging and shoreline-stabilization activities when the work meets its conditions. Tennessee water-quality permits and local Gallatin approvals may also be required..

Last verified for this draft: August 15, 2026. The authorities checked were the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and City of Gallatin.

Which agency handles Old Hickory Lake dock permits?

There is not one universal “Old Hickory Lake dock permit.” Requirements depend on the work, the exact shoreline location and the jurisdiction involved.

Proposed work — Primary review to investigate — Other approvals that may apply

New or replacement private floating dock — USACE Old Hickory Lake Shoreline Use Permit and federal authorization pathway — TDEC ARAP or Section 401 requirements; local approvals if associated upland work is regulated

Modification or maintenance of an existing dock — USACE Resource Management Office — TDEC, local or other approvals depending on the scope

Erosion-control or shoreline stabilization — USACE shoreline review and federal authorization pathway — TDEC ARAP; local land-disturbance or floodplain approvals where applicable

Dredging for access to a permitted dock — USACE review; the regional permit has limits for minor dredging — TDEC and local approvals may apply

Stairs, ramps or other water access — USACE review — TDEC, floodplain, building or land-disturbance approvals may apply

Clearing, grading or construction on the upland lot — Local jurisdiction and possibly TDEC construction-stormwater review — USACE or TDEC approvals if the work affects the shoreline or waters

The table is a screening tool, not a project approval. The agencies make the final determination for a specific property and design.

Step 1: Define the proposed project

Before contacting an agency, write down exactly what you want to do. “Build a dock” is not detailed enough for a permit discussion.

Identify:

• Whether the dock is new, being replaced, modified or repaired.
• Whether it will be floating, fixed, pile-supported or another design.
• The proposed length, width, number of slips and connection to shore.
• Whether the work includes dredging, excavation, fill, riprap, vegetation removal, grading, stairs, a ramp or a seawall.
• Whether the work is on private upland property, Corps property or both.
• The property address, parcel information and a simple location map.
• Any existing dock permit, shoreline-use authorization, easement or previous approval.

This information matters because the federal regional permit distinguishes between eligible fixed-floating docks and ineligible fixed piers, fixed walkways and fixed docks. It also says proposed modifications must meet the applicable permit and shoreline-management conditions.

New, replacement or modified dock

For Old Hickory Lake, the federal Regional General Permit 25-RGP-01 lists new private docks, maintenance or modification of existing private docks and minor dredging among activities that may be covered when the project complies with the permit and the reservoir’s Shoreline Management Plan. The permit specifically describes a “fixed floating” dock as a structure that can rise and fall along pilings, spud poles or similar supports. Fixed piers, fixed walkways and fixed docks are not eligible under that regional permit.

That does not mean every floating dock is automatically approved. The project must still meet the applicable shoreline-management rules, and the Natural Resource Manager must review the proposal. The permit states that a Shoreline Use Permit must be obtained before work on Corps property.

Shoreline erosion control or vegetation work

Shoreline work can trigger both federal and Tennessee review. Under the regional federal permit, qualifying shoreline stabilization may include riprap and certain vegetation-based techniques. The permit limits riprap stabilization to 500 linear feet, requires the work to remain above winter-pool elevation and limits the amount of discharged material. It also lists vegetation techniques such as live plantings, live stakes, branch packing, vegetated soil lifts, brush mattresses, tree revetments and coir rolls. Seawalls, bulkheads, retaining walls and several other hard structures are not authorized under that regional permit.

The Old Hickory Lake shoreline-management plan is especially important. The Corps announced in January 2026 that it was updating the 2020 plan and proposed, among other changes, removing natural-rock placement as an approved shoreline-erosion-control method. Because that update may have changed after the public-comment period, confirm the currently effective plan before relying on any specific shoreline method.

Do not assume that planting or clearing vegetation is treated the same as placing rock, grading a bank or excavating the lake bottom. Describe the work precisely when asking for agency guidance.

Step 2: Contact the Old Hickory Lake Resource Management Office

Start with the office that manages Old Hickory Lake shoreline-use matters:

Old Hickory Lake Natural Resource Manager

5 Power Plant Road

Hendersonville, TN 37075

Phone: 615-822-4846

Email: [email protected]

The office should confirm whether your property is eligible for the proposed use, whether a Shoreline Use Permit is required, which application materials are current and whether the project can be reviewed under the regional permit or needs a different federal authorization. The Corps identifies the Shoreline Use Permit application as the notification mechanism for activities covered by Regional General Permit 25-RGP-01.

Ask the office these questions:

1. Is the proposed dock or shoreline area within an approved shoreline allocation or other eligible area?
2. Does the project need a new Shoreline Use Permit, a modification or a replacement authorization?
3. Is the proposed structure eligible under Regional General Permit 25-RGP-01?
4. Does the project exceed any dock, dredging, shoreline-stabilization or fill limitation?
5. What drawings, photographs, site plans and ownership documents must accompany the application?
6. Does the project require separate review by USACE Regulatory Division?
7. Which version of the Old Hickory Lake Shoreline Management Plan controls the application?

A Shoreline Use Permit is not the same as ownership of the lakebed or a guarantee that a structure can remain indefinitely. Regional General Permit 25-RGP-01 states that it does not grant property rights or exclusive privileges and does not replace other required federal, state or local approvals.

Step 3: Check federal permit eligibility and project limits

Regional General Permit 25-RGP-01 became effective November 5, 2025, and covers certain minor work at Old Hickory Lake. The permit says work must comply with its conditions and the applicable Shoreline Management Plan. Projects outside the permit’s scope or over its limits may require individual review or another federal authorization.

Important limits and conditions include:

• Minor dredging for access to a permitted private dock is limited to 25 cubic yards under the listed conditions.
• Dredging work must be conducted in the dry during the winter drawdown, with disposal at an approved upland contained-disposal site.
• Shoreline stabilization work must meet the stated riprap, fill, excavation and vegetation conditions.
• Fixed piers, fixed walkways and fixed docks are ineligible for authorization under this regional permit.
• The permittee remains responsible for obtaining all other required approvals.

Do not design a project around these limits without having the Resource Management Office review the site and plans. The permit itself allows the Corps to require individual review when a project falls outside the authorization or when environmental concerns warrant additional scrutiny.

Step 4: Check Tennessee ARAP and Section 401 requirements

Tennessee’s Department of Environment and Conservation says a person who physically alters a stream, river, lake or wetland may need an Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit, commonly called an ARAP. Examples include bank stabilization, dredging, excavation, structural fill and work affecting wetlands.

A federal permit may also be required when a project discharges dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. TDEC explains that a Section 401 water-quality certification is part of the process when a federal Section 404 permit is required.

TDEC’s ARAP information identifies form CN-1091 and says the application may require information about the applicant, project location, activity schedule, project description, maps and detailed plans. General and individual permit requirements, fees and processing times vary by the project and permit category.

Before submitting a state application, ask TDEC or the appropriate environmental field office whether your project qualifies for a general permit, requires an individual ARAP or needs Section 401 coordination with the Corps. Do not treat a Corps Shoreline Use Permit as a substitute for Tennessee authorization.

Step 5: Check City of Gallatin requirements

If the property and associated construction are inside Gallatin city limits, contact the city before grading, building an access structure or starting other upland work.

Gallatin says a Land Disturbance Permit is generally required for sites disturbing one acre or more, or for smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale reaching one acre or more. The city also says all land disturbers must comply with City Code regardless of the size of the disturbance. Required submittals can include site-development plans, drainage calculations, a stormwater pollution-prevention plan, erosion-prevention and sediment-control plans, a TDEC Notice of Intent when applicable and approvals from other local, state and federal agencies.

Gallatin’s Engineering Department lists land-disturbance permitting contacts at 615-451-5961 and provides online engineering and stormwater submittals through the city’s customer self-service portal.

Separate local building, zoning, floodplain or inspection requirements may apply to structures connected to the home or lot. The city’s Building Codes Department advises property owners to contact the department when a project is not clearly covered by its permit examples. Do not assume that a dock permit resolves permits for decks, stairs, retaining structures, electrical work, grading or other improvements on the upland property.

Properties outside Gallatin city limits may be subject to different local rules. Confirm the governing jurisdiction before using City of Gallatin forms or fee information.

What to prepare before applying

A contractor or lakefront owner can reduce delays by preparing a project packet that includes:

• Property address and parcel or tax-map information.
• A location map and photographs of the shoreline.
• A drawing showing property lines, the shoreline, existing structures and the proposed work.
• Dock dimensions, materials, anchoring method and number of slips.
• The proposed amount and location of dredging, fill, riprap or other material.
• A description of vegetation removal, planting or erosion-control work.
• Construction timing and any proposed winter-drawdown work.
• Copies of existing permits or shoreline authorizations.
• Contractor and owner contact information.
• Any local site plans, drainage calculations or stormwater documents requested by Gallatin or another jurisdiction.

Do not order materials or schedule construction based solely on a contractor’s assumption that a project is “standard.” The responsible agencies may require a different design, additional plans or a separate permit.

Common mistakes to avoid

Starting work before written authorization

A conversation, email inquiry or preliminary opinion is not the same as an issued permit or authorization. Wait for the responsible agency’s written direction and comply with all conditions.

Treating the dock and shoreline as one approval

A dock, bank stabilization, dredging, vegetation clearing and upland grading may involve different rules. List each component separately when requesting review.

Using an old plan or application

Old Hickory Lake’s shoreline-management plan was being updated in 2026. Use the current plan and application materials supplied by the Resource Management Office rather than relying on a prior owner’s paperwork or a contractor’s older template.

Assuming federal approval covers local work

The federal regional permit expressly says other state, federal and local authorizations may still be required. A federal shoreline approval does not automatically resolve Gallatin land-disturbance, building, zoning or floodplain requirements.

Official next steps

For a proposed Old Hickory Lake dock or shoreline project, use this order:

1. Prepare a short written description, photos and a sketch of the project.
2. Contact the Old Hickory Lake Resource Management Office at 615-822-4846 or [email protected].
3. Ask whether a Shoreline Use Permit is required and whether the project fits Regional General Permit 25-RGP-01.
4. Contact TDEC about ARAP or Section 401 requirements if the work alters the lake, bank, wetland or places fill.
5. If the property is in Gallatin, contact Engineering and Building Codes about land-disturbance and local construction approvals.
6. Do not begin work until the required written authorizations are issued and any permit conditions are understood.

For ongoing local coverage, browse My Gallatin’s Old Hickory Lake skills and safety resources and related permitting information before hiring a contractor or finalizing a waterfront improvement plan.