Build a repeatable photo record around rain, changing lake levels and the condition of the wall, then agree on professional checks for your property.
Take comparison photos from the same safe positions. Record the date, recent rain and lake conditions. When the water is lower, photograph newly visible joints, the base and the transitions to riprap without walking onto unstable ground.
Alabama Power identifies drawdown as an opportunity for shoreline access. Water levels can still change, so arrange a visit against current conditions instead of assuming a fixed dry-work window.
Lakeshore use permit request and FAQ · Lake Martin reservoir facts and operations
A record of loose stone or a blocked outlet is a reason to investigate. It is not permission to excavate or alter the wall. Ask Alabama Power which approval the proposed repair needs; within StillWaters, also confirm the association’s repair category.
Keep the permit drawing, inspection findings and completed-work photos together. The next assessor should be able to identify what changed and what was left in place.
Use a maintenance record to distinguish a new change from an old condition. Photograph consistent wall segments, keep reports by date and note any recurring runoff or ground settlement.
Observe from stable ground. Leave drilling, excavation and structural work to the appropriately qualified professional after the repair scope and approvals are established. A routine visit should not expand into unapproved construction.
Answer from what you already know. Stay on safe ground; do not go near the edge or into the water to check. You can choose “Not sure” for any question.
Skip this and go to the request form
An inspection can help answer the questions you were unsure about.
An on-site inspection is needed to assess the wall’s condition. These answers help you explain what you have noticed.
Prepare for a professional assessment · Discuss the next step
Tell us about the concern and we’ll help you work out the next step.
Continue to the request form. You can choose whether to include this check with your request.
The questions cover signs shown in the City of Holmes Beach seawall manual (pages 5–13): soil loss, wall movement, open joints and damaged concrete. These are general condition examples, not Lake Martin permitting or design standards.
Use these discussion options to define a visit, a record format and the trigger for additional investigation. Availability, scope and price must be agreed with the provider.
Request plan details
Ask what is included, what it costs and when it can be arranged.
New wall movement or an opening in the retained ground calls for prompt attention. Restrict use of the affected edge and contact an appropriate professional; do not wait for a calendar reminder.
The Alabama Power shoreline guidance explains shoreline management and the permission process. Keep the property’s approved drawing with the maintenance record.
Begin with the property, last known assessment and changes since that visit. Ask the provider to propose a defined scope and price for your situation.
Have the assessor recommend an interval and event-based triggers. Rain damage, new movement or exposed defects during drawdown may justify an earlier visit.
A visit or written condition record does not automatically include repairs. Require the agreement to list included tasks and how additional work is authorized.
Confirm whether a post-storm visit is included and what it delivers. The inspection agreement does not establish insurance coverage or pay for construction unless it expressly says so.
Specify the report before booking: dated images, location of observations, inspected limits and recommended follow-up. Keep it with earlier findings for comparison.
Use a separate wall record and authorization for each owner. A common visit schedule still needs property-specific scope and access arrangements.
Tell us about your wall and how to reach you. Use this guide to plan the care it needs.
Tell us where your property is and what needs attention.
Clear guidance for your shoreline project.