Definitions

Words and terms related to TVA’s construction permit application process and the Section 26a guidelines.

500-year floodplain. An area inundated by the 0.2 percent annual chance (or 500-year) flood; any land susceptible to inundation during the 500-year or greater flood.
100-year floodplain. The area inundated by the 1 percent annual chance (or 100-year) flood.
Applicant. The person, corporation, state, municipality, political subdivision, or other entity making application to TVA for a construction permit.
Application. A written request for the approval of construction plans related to Section 26a of the TVA Act.
Board. The Board of Directors of TVA.
Backlot. A residential lot not located adjacent to the shoreline but in a subdivision associated with the shoreline.
Community outlot. A subdivision lot located adjacent to the shoreline and designated by deed or subdivision covenant as available for use by all property owners within the subdivision.
Dredging. The removal of material from a submerged location, primarily for deepening harbors and waterways.
Enclosed structure. A structure enclosed overhead and on all sides so as to keep out the weather.
Flood-control storage. The volume within an elevation range on a TVA reservoir that is reserved for the storage of floodwater.
Flood-control storage zone. The area within an elevation range on a TVA reservoir that is reserved for the storage of floodwater. Upon request TVA will identify the contour marking the upper limit of the flood control storage zone at a particular reservoir location.
Flood-risk profile elevation. The elevation of the 500-year flood that has been adjusted for surcharge at the dam. Surcharge is the ability to raise the water level behind the dam above the top-of-gates elevation.
Flowage easement shoreland. Privately owned property where TVA has the right to flood the land.
Footprint. The total water surface area of either a square or rectangular shape occupied by a property owner’s dock, pier, boathouse, or boat wells.
Maximum shoreline contour. An elevation typically five feet above the top of the gates of a TVA dam. It is sometimes the boundary between TVA property and adjoining private property.
Normal summer pool. The normal upper level to which a reservoir may be filled. Where storage space is available above this level, additional filling may be made as needed for flood control.
Nonnavigable houseboat. Any houseboat not in compliance with one or more of the criteria defining a navigable houseboat.

Owners or landowners. All of the owners of a parcel of land. In cases where TVA approval is required to engage in an activity and the applicant’s eligibility to seek approval depends on their status as an owner of real property, the owners of only a fractional interest or interests totaling less than one are not eligible to seek approval to conduct the activity without the consent of the other co-owners.
Shoreland. Same as shoreline area.
Shoreline. The line where the water of a TVA reservoir meets the shore when the water level is at the normal summer pool elevation.
Shoreline area. The surface of land lying between the minimum winter pool elevation of a TVA reservoir and the maximum shoreline contour.
Shoreline structure. Any land-based structure constructed above the full summer pool elevation of a TVA reservoir but below the maximum shoreline contours of the reservoir.
Shoreline Management Zone (SMZ). An area of TVA-owned land beginning at the normal summer pool elevation and extending 50 feet inland from the river.
TVA Act. The Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933. Section 26a of the Act as amended requires TVA approval for any construction, operation, or maintenance of a structure that affects navigation, flood control, or public lands along the shoreline of the Tennessee River or its tributaries.
TVA property. Real property owned by the United States and under the custody and control of TVA.
Vice President. The Vice President of Resource Stewardship at TVA, or a functionally equivalent position.
Water-based structure. Any structure, fixed or floating, constructed on or in navigable waters of the United States.
Winter drawdown elevation. The elevation to which a reservoir water level is lowered during fall to provide storage capacity for winter and spring floodwaters.
Winter pool. The lowest level expected for the reservoir during the flood season.

Note: All applications are subject to site specific guidelines. Applying does not guarantee approval. Contact your local watershed team for further information and clarification.