Permitting-FAQ-Lake Keowee

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Applications can only be submitted online.  You can click on the following link for Duke Energy Lake Services Dock Permit Application at  Permits for Shoreline Activities - Duke Energy (duke-energy.com)  and click on the link that says Apply Online under Keowee Toxaway.  If you have not already created an account you will need to click on the Sign up Now link at the bottom. Our Staff is very knowledgeable with the permit process. Please contact us if you need assistance. 

 Anytime you are wishing 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. 

 Effective as of July 1, 2022, 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 example: a dock and for shoreline stabilization, you will only have to pay one fee ($350 plus $500) one time. You will avoid paying the Habitat Enhancement Fee twice by applying for both at the same time.  Permit requests that are denied are refunded to the applicant. 

 Certain times of the year the dock permitting process may take longer than others because of demand. Duke Energy has a goal of trying to issue permits in about 20- 30 days of receiving the permit application; however, some circumstances may increase the turnaround time. 

 Permits are valid for one year from the date on the approval letter and the dock must be installed within that time frame. Failure to install will result in the need to reapply for a permit. 

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). 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 walkway you will be allocated through the permitting 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 may be made. 

 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 of 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 

 Decks, gazebos, covered boat slips, and boat shelters must be single story structures. They may be roofed and designed to allow second story use (sundeck); however, the second story must not be roofed creating a two story roofed structure 

 All docks must be at least 10ft from the neighboring projected property line. Any infringement of this rule requires an Encroachment Agreement signed by you and the neighbor. Written release to encroach across a projected property line remains valid for the life of the permit. 

 Lake Services typically inspects lake structures after  expiration of the permit. (Lake permits are valid for one  year.) If there isn’t already a tag on the structure, it will  be tagged during the closeout inspection. If you need your facility inspected sooner, please email LakeServices@duke-energy.com and request an inspection.  

 A boat lift is allowed within a slip of the dock without a permit. Dock owners are also allowed up to two PWC lifts along the side of a dock without a permit. Boatlifts installed on the outside of the dock will require a permit. 

 Yes. If the frame for the dock box changes the original foot print of the dock then it will be counted as square footage and a new permit will be required. 

 Yes, get it in writing, and continuously check for the presence of its coverage in renewal policies! We have seen circumstances where customers were told the dock was included in the policy, but to the surprise of the insurance agent and customer, the dock was excluded in a renewal policy and subsequently was not covered when significant storm damaged occurred. 

 The maximum square footage for a private dock on Lake Keowee is 1000 sq. ft. The square footage is calculated by the dock and walkway size. You may have up to 2 slips . A total of two PWC docks or lifts are allowed in addition to this maximum.