Those considering any work along the shoreline of Lake Martin should start the permit process now, as Alabama Power Company has announced its first permit fee increase since 2005 will become effective on Jan. 1, 2020.

Permits are required for any residential shoreline work or construction along the shoreline of Lake Martin, including seawalls, repairs, docks, boat houses and home building, as well as commercial work that applies to new marinas, pumps and projects. Non-compliance fees also will be increased.