BY AMAYA THOMPSON
January 15, 2020
For residents looking to build a dock on the lake, there are a few guidelines to heed before doing so.
- As required by Dominion Energy, all docks must be in compliance with SMP. To ensure proper installation, a member of the Lake Management personnel will come in for inspection, the builder will then be issued a dock permit number. This number will be placed onto the dock to signify it is official.
- If you are looking to repair an already existing dock, you are required to put in an application BEFORE any construction is started. A dock cannot conflict with activities, the look of the lake or navigation, hence the need for approval. Even after approval, the permittance of a dock can be denied should it begin to interfere with the environment.
- When it comes to the dimensions of a dock, it must have a minimum width of 100 ft. Those who can’t meet that requirement can request a lot width less than 100 feet, only by application. It is important to note that an individual should consult with their neighbor when building a dock. Common docks often are in the space of two property owners. To conserve space, docks must be single story structures.
To view a full length of dock specifications, view the Lake Murray Permitting Handbook. https://www.sceg.com/about-us/lakes-and-recreation