HB31 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Harry Shiver

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Waterfront property, piers, permit required from State Lands Division of Conservation and Natural Resources Department, waterfront boundary determination by extension of lot lines, restrictions, State Lands Division to propose rules to administer act, civil penalties, certain piers and structures permitted by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Summary

HB31 would require waterfront property owners to obtain a state permit for piers, define waterfront boundaries by extending lot lines into the water, and impose rules and penalties to prevent unsafe or unfair construction.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the State Lands Division would create a permitting process and guidelines for piers and similar structures. It would define property boundaries in the water by extending the land boundary into the water where it meets the shoreline and set rules to keep structures from encroaching on neighbors or creating hazards. Violators could face a civil penalty of $100 per day, and certain existing piers may be repaired or replaced only under this act, with some exemptions for federally regulated projects.

Who It Affects

• Waterfront property owners would need permits before building or rebuilding piers and would be subject to boundary rules and setback requirements.
• The State Lands Division and related state agencies would administer the permit process, develop guidelines, and enforce penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Requires a permit from the State Lands Division before constructing or rebuilding a pier or similar structure; the Division must develop a permitting process and guidelines.
• Defines waterfront boundaries by extending the property line into the water to the point where it intersects the waterfront, per Division guidelines.
• Prohibits extending a structure in front of a neighboring structure and building within 10 feet of a neighboring property line; prohibits structures that create hazards to navigation, game, or fish.
• Imposes a civil penalty of $100 per day for constructing a pier or similar structure without a permit; provides exemptions for certain federally governed projects and allows repairs/replacements for existing structures under the act; existing piers not meeting the act may be repaired or replaced only under this act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Water and Waterways