Lake Hartwell provides a stunning backdrop for boating, fishing, and lakefront living. To ensure safety and protect the environmental integrity of this beautiful reservoir, it’s crucial for dock owners to understand and comply with local regulations.
Custom Dock Systems, a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial floating docks, has installed thousands of aluminum and steel docks across Lake Hartwell and other lakes in Upstate South Carolina and North Georgia. Whether you’re located in the Upstate/Georgia area or beyond, we can design, build, and ship custom docks and aluminum ramp systems anywhere in the United States.
To help you navigate the essential rules and requirements for docks on Lake Hartwell, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide.
Lake Hartwell Dock Permitting and Installation
Before installing or modifying a dock, you must secure a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For a dock to be considered, it must have at least 4 feet of water depth where the walkway and dock connect. During low water periods, you may need to adjust your dock to maintain proper flotation, provided this doesn’t obstruct access to other docks or coves. Once lake levels return to normal, you are responsible for repositioning your dock to its permitted location and removing any temporary anchor pins.
Lake Hartwell Dock Dimensions and Standards
- Maximum Size: A private dock on Lake Hartwell can be up to 1,120 square feet, provided the lot shares a common boundary of at least 75 feet. The dock’s length and width cannot exceed 40 feet. Structures with roofs or upper decks are allowed to have overhangs of up to 24 inches.
- Minimum Size: The smallest permitted dock size is 200 square feet, with no side less than 10 feet.
- Two-Story Docks: Slip docks are limited to two levels, with the second level open and uncovered. Flat docks can only have a single level.
- Enclosures: New enclosed structures are not permitted.
Lake Hartwell Dock and Walkway Guidelines
- Walkway Length: The maximum allowable length for a dock walkway is 60 feet, while the minimum is 16 feet. Walkway widths can range from 3 to 6 feet. If the combined length of the dock and walkway extends beyond one-third of the cove width at normal pool elevation or interferes with navigation, a 60-foot walkway may not be permitted.
- Color Restrictions: Docks and roofs must be dark green, black, dark brown, or dark gray, with exceptions for all aluminum or similar construction docks.
Purchasing and Relocating Docks in Lake Hartwell
If you are buying a used dock, you must provide the permit number from the previous authorization for review. If plans are unavailable, engineer-approved plans must be submitted. Docks relocated to new areas must comply with current size and color regulations.
Maintenance and Permitting Requirements
Approved docks must be installed within 12 months of permit issuance. Notify your area ranger once the installation is complete. PWC lifts attached to docks count toward the dock’s total square footage, but attachments on the landward side or within the slip are excluded. All lifts must be approved.
Ownership and Transfer
Existing permits are not transferable. When property adjacent to Lake Hartwell changes hands, the new owner must obtain a new five-year permit. If a dock has an old permit tag, disregard the expiration date, as permits are tracked electronically. For more information or to apply for a new permit, contact the Hartwell Project Office.
Contact and Assistance
If you have questions about permits or want to apply for one, contact the Hartwell Project Office at 888-893-0678. Prospective buyers should contact the Hartwell Project Office before purchasing property near Lake Hartwell to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Navigating the regulatory requirements for Lake Hartwell’s docks helps maintain the lake’s beauty and ensures a safe environment for all users. Custom Dock Systems is here to assist with design, construction, and compliance to make your lakefront experience enjoyable and hassle-free. For further details or assistance with your dock project, visit our website or contact us directly at 864.225.2393.