Lake Keowee SC Dock Building Permits – Guidelines Application – Rules. If you’re looking to purchase a new lot and build a new house on Lake Keowee then you likely want to know what the guidelines are for having a dock. Let’s face it what’s the point of living or owning a house in such a beautiful place if you don’t. So let’s get started. Most homes for sale on Lake Keowee as well as land lots for sale on Lake Keowee already have existing docks built on them so you may be able to avoid this process.
PERMITTING:
Where can I apply for a permit?
You will have to contact Duke Energy Lake Services if you want to ask more questions, but here is the application for a new dock on Lake
Keowee. There is a list of things on the permit that you must have to send in with the permit. The user’s agreement should be attached to the permit application. You can also call Duke Energy Lake Services office at 1-704-382-8086 or 1-800-443-5193 and ask them to mail you a permit package.
When do I need to apply for a new permit?
Whenever you want to build a new dock, reconfigure, relocate, modify, expand or maintain an existing dock, you will need to apply for a permit. Failure to get a new permit may result in unwanted delays, suspension or cancellation of approved applications, increase in fees,
modification or removal of the non-complying structure, and/or withdrawal of permission to have a dock on the particular lot.
How much does a permit cost?
As of January 1, 2016, any new applications submitted to Duke Energy for private docks or shoreline stabilization within the project boundaries will need to include a fee of $500 payable to KT Habitat Enhancement Program in addition to the current $350 fee payable to Duke Energy Lake Services. If you are submitting an application for more than one activity, for instance – a dock and for shoreline stabilization, you will only have to pay each fee ($350 plus $500) one time.. Permit requests that are denied are refunded to the applicant.
Once a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval order or letter (if applicable) is received, Duke Energy Lake Services provides the applicant with a minimum of two copies of the users’ agreement, lease, or easement and most recent document Shoreline Management Plan, Appendix C Keowee-Toxaway Project (FERC No. 2503) executed, notarized (if applicable), and returned to Duke Energy Lake Services along with any required additional fee(s), including Habitat Enhancement Program payments.
How long does it take to get my permit back once I submit all my information?
Depending on the time of the year the dock permitting process may take longer than others because of demand. It goes without saying the warmer Spring & Summer months usually are the busiest. Duke Energy does their best to issue permits in about 20- 30 days.
I just got my new permit. How long do I have to put my dock in place?
Permits are valid for one year from the date on the approval letter & the dock must be installed within that time frame. Failure to install will result in the need to reapply for a permit.
What things should I consider for my dock?
Water depth and minimum boat lift operation depths are two main factors to consider when requesting a walkway length. Docks/piers may not extend more than one-third the distance to the opposite shoreline (1/3 of the cove). Lake Keowee SC Dock Building Permits Guidelines Rules Docks with any portion of the structure on the cove side wider than 6ft will be required to be shortened an additional 10ft (1/3 of the cove – 10ft) to allow for mooring a watercraft. Duke Energy will provide the maximum length of the walkway you will be permitted for through the application process, but it is a good idea to have the water depth measured 30ft, 40ft, and 60ft from the shoreline so that an accurate request can be made.
I have less than 100ft of shoreline. What is the maximum size dock I can have installed?
If the lot was subdivided and recorded prior to September 1, 2006, new permit applicants may be allowed to construct up to 10 square ft of pier/dock for every linear foot of developable shoreline so long as the lot has at least 75 linear feet of shoreline. Lots subdivided and recorded before June 1, 1996, that have less than 75 ft of shoreline are also eligible for 10 square ft dock for every linear foot of developable shoreline. There is a maximum limit of 1000 square foot that applies to all docks no matter what the linear shoreline.
Can I make my dock longer if I have one on the property already?
Eligible property owners on Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee have until Dec. 31, 2020, to apply for dock modifications to reach deeper water. The program allows dock owners to proactively make permanent modifications to ensure a dock’s usability when lake levels may be lower, such as during an extended drought.
There are no fees to apply during a one-year special period between Jan. 1, 2017, and Dec. 31, 2017. Applications submitted before Jan. 1, 2017, or after Dec. 31, 2017, will require the permitting fee and Habitat Enhancement Program payment at that time.
Eligibility is based on requirements outlined in Duke Energy’s 2014 Keowee-Toxaway Shoreline Management Plan (SMP). Property owners may qualify for the dock modifications program if they had an existing Duke Energy-approved boat dock by Dec. 1, 2013, or they received a Duke Energy-approved permit between Dec. 1, 2012, and Dec. 1, 2013, and installed the dock prior to the permit expiring. In addition, an eligible dock must meet all other requirements of the SMP.
SHORE MANAGEMENT PLAN DOCUMENTSThe program allows qualifying dock owners to add up to 200 square feet to the current maximum size limit for boat docks and reconfigure their dock.
