The protection of the shoreline against erosion by installing the installation of a wall for retaining requires careful preparation that starts prior to the arrival of construction equipment on your property. The effectiveness of your project to control erosion depends on the extent to which you prepare the area and coordinate the logistics with the bulkhead contractor you choose. Properly prepared construction streamlines the process, reduces the need for costly delays, helps protect existing landscaping features you wish to protect, and ensures that workers have access to the areas they need quickly and safely. Knowing what property owners must complete prior to installation ensures the best conditions for a successful construction process while minimizing interruption to your everyday routine and your surrounding.
Securing Necessary Permits and Approvals
The process of permitting waterfront structures that rely on retaining walls is a complex process that involves multiple government agencies. It generally takes some time to complete. Starting this process earlier can prevent delays in construction and makes sure that the project meets the applicable regulations for the quality of water as well as navigation and habitats for aquatic life. The majority of jurisdictions prohibit construction without proper permits. violation of the law could lead to the issuance of stop-work orders, significant penalties, or even the requirement to take away work that has been completed.
Contact the relevant agencies, including those of the Army Corps of Engineers, department of state environmental, as well as local Zoning or planning offices to find out the specific permits required for your project. Each agency has different requirements for applications, such as the documentation required and review timeframes which must be followed. Your contractor must assist in the process, or at a minimum offer technical support for applications, but the property owner ultimately have the responsibility of getting approvals.
Make detailed plans of the site that show the current conditions, locations for construction, the dimensions of materials, as well as environmental elements. Many government agencies require professional surveys to establish the boundaries of property and identifying protected habitats, wetlands or other sensitive areas. Send complete applications with all the required documents to avoid delays due to incomplete applications that need revision or submission.
Notify owners of adjacent properties in accordance with local ordinances. Certain jurisdictions require written notice of neighbors, or notice times that allow the community to participate. Be aware of any issues raised during these processes in a timely manner to avoid concerns that might delay approvals or demand design changes.
Coordinating Utility Locations and Protections
Underground utilities and overhead ones that cross your property need to be identified and protection prior to when heavy equipment is able to begin working. Damage to water lines gas pipes, electrical cables or communication lines can lead to unsafe situations, service interruptions and costly repairs in the event of an emergency. The majority of regions have utility location services that indicate underground infrastructure, at no cost for property owners.
Contact utilities' services for location at least a couple of days prior to when construction is scheduled to begin. Marking crews need enough time to be able to respond and locate all utilities that are within the area of work. Certain utilities such as private irrigation systems, water lines or low-voltage lighting for landscapes might not be listed in the public databases and may require distinct identification by homeowners or other specialized service for locating.
Overhead power lines in construction zones can cause electrocution when equipment that is taller operates near. Check for lines that cross or near work zones, and discuss clearance issues with your utility company and contractor. In some situations, you may need temporarily relocating lines or de-energizing in order to ensure the safety of workers.
Take photographs of utility locations prior to construction beginning. This will provide you with reference information should you have questions about the infrastructure positions in relation to the new construction. Note important items such as wells, septic systems, or irrigation control systems that may not be apparent to construction crews who aren't acquainted with your property.
Clearing Vegetation and Obstacles
Construction equipment requires space to move and stage materials without causing damage to the landscape features that you wish to keep. Eliminating debris, vegetation, and obstructions from the work area prior to the arrival of contractors speeds up construction and avoids accidental harm to structures, plants or other sites features while equipment is in operations.
Determine which trees, shrubs and trees are required to be removed in order to facilitate construction, and which ones you would like to be protected. Label preservation objects clearly with high-gloss flags or temporary fencing which is identifiable for equipment operators. Take down or transplant plants impacted by construction prior to the start of work to allow time for a an efficient relocation in the right plant growth seasons.
Clear branches, fallen brush storage materials, fallen branches, and other obstructions from places where equipment is operating or where materials are to be stacked. Construction crews are able to perform this task, however property owners prefer doing the task themselves, so they can control how things are eliminated or moved. Eliminating obstacles prior to the work can reduce the time required for mobilization of contractors and expenses.
Remove branches with overhangs that may hinder the operation of equipment or the delivery of material. Large machinery, such as pile drivers, cranes or trucks for delivery of materials require significant clearance above the ground. Contractors must identify their particular clearance requirements prior to construction visits to the site, allowing to complete the necessary tree work.
Establishing Access Routes and Staging Areas
Construction equipment that is heavy and deliveries of materials require sturdy routes for access from roads to working locations. Assessing your property's accessibility capabilities and making any necessary improvements helps prevent equipment from becoming obstructed and can cause damage to lawns or driveways and assures an efficient handling of materials throughout the duration of the project.
Take a walk along the entire route that construction equipment will be following, identifying weak areas such as narrow passageways overhead obstructions, other obstacles. Discuss accessibility concerns with contractors in the planning stage so that they can determine proper equipment dimensions and define any specific access requirements needed. Certain waterfront properties require access to barges to equipment and supplies when roads are not adequate.
Stabilize areas of soft soil on access routes with geotextile fabric and crushed stones creating temporary roads that can support large loads without creating ruts. This can protect permanent landscaping and driveways from damage and improves the efficiency of construction. Most contractors will include access preparation in their plans, but homeowners may prefer to handle the task on their own.
Set up staging areas for material close to work areas with enough space to store pilings caps, panels backfill, equipment, and other materials. Staging areas must have firm and level surfaces that are accessible to delivery trucks, without needing numerous handling of materials. Find staging areas that are able to minimize the impact on lawns and landscapes that require maintenance following the completion of construction.
Choose the Right Dock Type for Future Integration
The owners of property often intend to construct docks and other structures that provide access to the water after they have completed shoreline protection. Discussion of future additions at the time of bulkhead planning will ensure that the designs are compatible with coordinated elevations and adequate spacing that can accommodate future construction without having to alter the work that has been completed. Bulkheads constructed without considering adjacent structures could not have the proper connections or block the optimal dock location.
Different dock configurations like floating, fixed or combination systems need specific connections to bulkhead walls. Fixed docks require secured attachment points with elevations which are compatible with anticipated levels of water. Floating systems require a sufficient separation to allow vertical movement across the tidal ranges with no interference. Making these connections in advance can prevent conflicts, which require expensive retrofitting.
Design bulkhead caps in conjunction along with dock attachment plans. Certain homeowners prefer caps that are continuous that provide a continuous walkway between docks and bulkheads. Some prefer separate structures with distinct transitions. Making these choices prior to design will ensure that the bulkhead is able to incorporate the required provisions without changes later that could compromise wall integrity.
Protecting Adjacent Properties and Features
Responsible site preparation involves steps to protect adjacent properties, structures, as well as natural landscapes from the effects of construction. The prompt communication with neighbors regarding the planned activities, anticipated timeframes, and possible temporary disruptions helps maintain positive relations and avoids conflict during construction.
Implement erosion-control measures, such as the use of silt fences or sediment barriers that prevent soil from dripping into waterways in the course of construction. These safeguards meet the environmental permit requirements and demonstrate environmental responsible stewardship. The controls are placed between the disturbed area and the water prior to the beginning of soil disturbance to ensure that the construction is effective.
Note the conditions that are present on your property and the surrounding areas with detailed photos. This will provide evidence of the status of your property prior to construction if there are questions concerning damage that may be caused by construction work. Include close-ups of structures, landscaping, as well as any damage that has already occurred to adjacent properties.
Set up clear communication with contractors about boundaries for property, off-limits areas and other features that need protection. Written agreements that outline these obligations ensure that there are no miscommunications and also provide recourse if contractors do not respect the agreed-upon security measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long in advance should I begin my preparations?
The permit application process should begin at least three to six months ahead of scheduled construction dates, since approval procedures often require lengthy times. Begin preparation for site tasks such as the removal of vegetation and improvements to access up to four weeks prior the scheduled construction date, giving enough time to avoid exposing constructed areas to the elements.
Do I have to leave my house during the bulkhead installation?
The majority of property owners carry on their regular activities throughout construction, but the noise, presence of equipment, and the restriction of access to the water create problems. Discuss the specific impacts with contractors, including normal working hours, the loudest activities and access restrictions. Certain property owners plan prolonged absences during noisy times.
What kind of restoration work can I be expecting following construction?
Construction usually disturbs areas outside the bulkhead's location, which includes accessibility routes, staging zones as well as zones that are affected by the operation of equipment. Contractors with a responsibility to restore the area to pre-construction condition or better, through grading topsoil replacement and seeding. In contracts, clarify restoration expectations and ensure agreement on final conditions of the site.
Do I need to demolish existing docks prior to installing a bulkhead?
Existing structures on the waterfront might require removal for a short period in the event that they hinder access to construction equipment or the operation of equipment. Talk about this in the planning phase since some circumstances permit working with existing structures, and others require removal. If removal is required be included in the contract that specify who will perform the work and if the structures are to be rebuilt following the removal.