Before you build, please submit an application to the Office of Wesley Seale Dam (WSD) and submit it with a design drawing sealed by a licensed engineer. Please review the Pier and Bulkhead Permit requirements before submitting an application. WSD staff will conduct a site visit to inspect the proposed location to insure that the structure will not interfere with navigation on the lake. Once the application is approved, then you may submit the package to Development Services for a permit.

There are a couple of issues that you need to consider. First and foremost, you must determine who owns the land lakeside of your property below the 94 foot elevation line. While the city owns the water, the City does not own the lake bottom- we have an inundation easement. Normally, the lakeside property owner's do not own the lake bottom. Most of the ranchers and farmers, when they sold the property around the lake, kept title to the property below the 94 foot line, and have the right to use the land when the lake is down. Some ranchers have been known to run livestock on their land during past droughts. Several landowners have complained when residents built docks on their property, and there have been a couple of court cases for trespass. We currently require either proof of ownership of the platted lot and land below the 94 ft level or written permission from the landowner. Some of the landowners have no objection and readily give permission, or have previously provided us with blanket permission. Others have either objected or have sought some monetary consideration.

The second issue is making sure the dock will be located so it does not block access to the lake by others or create an unreasonable hazard to navigation. These are normally docks that  block off coves or long docks that extend way out into the lake. We do not have a rule that limits the size or length of a dock, but we try to limit docks no farther than neighboring docks. The City of Corpus Christi is not responsible or liable for any accidents as a result of piers or other structures. A permit from the City does not release the owner of the structure from liability in the event of an accident.

Development Services is located at 2406 Leopard Street in Corpus Christi. Their website is  www.cctexas.com/development services .

If you have any questions, please contact Susan Satterwhite at Wesley Seale Dam at (361) 826-1267.