Docks, boathouses and lifts on Lake Martin
Building on a new lake lot, replacing a dock that's seen too many summers, or adding a lift for a heavier boat? One call connects you with a builder who works on Lake Martin.
What does your waterfront need?
- New boat docksFixed and floating docks laid out to Alabama Power's size, length and setback limits.
- Boathouses and covered docksCovered slips, two-level boathouses and shoreline-side storage built to the open-structure rules.
- Boat lifts and PWC liftsBoat lifts, PWC lifts and floating ports, sized for your boat and winter depth.
- Dock repair and flotationNew flotation, decking, framing, gangway and roof repairs for older docks.
- Seawalls and riprapRiprap, seawall repair and new walls for banks worn by waves and wakes.
How it works
Call or send a request
Tell us your area or slough and what's going on with your dock.
We connect you
Your call goes to an independent dock builder who works on Lake Martin.
They call you back
The builder visits, explains the Alabama Power permit and timing, and quotes the job directly.
Who is this site for?
Anyone who owns waterfront on Lake Martin: families with a full-time home near Alexander City or Dadeville, weekend owners on the Elmore County side around Eclectic, and new owners on lots up the Kowaliga arm. If you need a dock built or fixed, a boathouse, a lift, new flotation or a seawall, we pass your request to an independent builder who already works within Alabama Power's shoreline guidelines.
Who approves docks on Lake Martin?
Alabama Power. Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River was finished in 1926, and Alabama Power runs it under federal license (FERC Project No. 349). Any building, repair or change in the lakebed, the company's flood easement or its control strip needs Alabama Power's approval first. Painting and pressure washing are the exceptions. Lake Martin's full pool is 491 feet above mean sea level, and where it applies, Alabama Power also holds a 30-foot horizontal control strip measured from that line. Our Lake Martin dock permit guide lays out the steps.
How big can a Lake Martin dock be?
Alabama Power's current residential guidelines for Martin, Thurlow and Yates lakes set an ordinary maximum of 1,510 square feet for all structures on a lot and a total length of 62 feet. For a floating dock, that 62 feet includes the pier or gangway. Walkways 6 feet wide or less don't count toward the square footage. Structures should sit at least 15 feet from your property line extended into the lake, though Alabama Power can set a different distance. In a narrow slough, nothing, including a moored boat, can reach more than one-third of the way across at full pool. These are maximums, not guarantees, and lots with less than 100 feet of shoreline may be restricted.
Why does the winter drawdown matter so much?
Because Lake Martin drops several feet every fall. Under its license, Alabama Power lowers the lake toward 484 feet each fall, finishing by about the third week of November, then lets it rise back toward summer pool in spring. In some years the license allows a fall extension that holds the lake higher into October, depending on rainfall, lake levels, river flows and operations. Every six years, the license also calls for a deeper drawdown, about 3 feet lower than usual; the last one, in 2021 and 2022, took the lake to near 481 feet. Alabama Power recommends doing permitted work during a drawdown, when more of the lakebed is exposed, so builders' calendars fill up in fall and winter.
What kinds of work do lake owners call about?
- New docks, fixed or floating, sized to the guidelines and your slough
- Boathouses and covered slips, including two-level designs
- Boat lifts and PWC lifts for new and existing slips
- Dock repair and flotation for docks that sag, list or shed foam
- Seawalls and riprap for banks and walls worn by waves and wakes
What are the rules for covered docks?
Roofed structures have to stay open. One exterior side can be walled for an approved storage area on the shoreline end, but the rest can't be enclosed. A structure can have no more than two levels of accessible flooring, has to use non-reflective materials, and can't have toilets, sinks, showers or bathtubs. Pavilions and gazebos can be screened but not otherwise enclosed.
When should I start planning?
Well before the drawdown you want to build in. The permit request goes in through Alabama Power's online form, with a signed copy of the guidelines, your recorded deed, a drawing showing dimensions and location, and any HOA or architectural committee approval. Submitting the form doesn't issue the permit, so leave room for review. Alabama Power has urged owners to contact the shoreline office early ahead of a drawdown year.
What does a new dock cost?
It depends on the dock's size, fixed versus floating construction, a roof or second level, lifts, decking, flotation, power, water depth at winter pool and how easily materials can reach your lot. The builder looks at the site and gives you a written quote. We don't set or quote prices.
What should I expect from a good dock builder?
- A current Alabama license that you can look up, plus insurance
- A drawing with dimensions and location that matches the permit request
- Encased or closed-cell extruded marine flotation, and removal of any old beaded foam
- A plan that works at both summer pool and winter drawdown
- A written contract covering design, schedule, permit responsibility and warranty
Is this a dock company?
No. Lake Martin Dock Builders is a referral service. We pass your call or request to an independent dock builder who serves your part of the lake, and that company quotes, builds and warranties the work. Read our tips for hiring a dock builder before you sign anything.
Areas we cover
Planning ahead? Read our Lake Martin dock permit guide.
Common questions
Who will actually build my dock?
An independent dock builder that works on Lake Martin. We connect you with them; we don't build docks ourselves.
Is it free to call?
Yes. Calling or sending a request is free. The builder quotes and bills the work directly.
Which parts of the lake do you cover?
Alexander City, Dadeville, Eclectic, the Kowaliga area and other shoreline communities in Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties.
Do I need a permit to repair my dock?
Usually. Alabama Power requires approval to repair, build or modify anything in the lakebed, flood easement or control strip. Painting and pressure washing are excluded.
Want the dock done before summer pool comes back?
Call now and a dock builder who works on Lake Martin will call you back to talk through your lot, the drawdown and the Alabama Power permit.