LAKE & DOCK
One of the unique features of The Cliffs at Keowee Falls South is the lake. A pristine waterway with lake access and dramatic views makes the Falls community a unique location for lake living. A big part of living on the lake is the dock and water access. The Cliffs at Keowee Falls South ARB provides guidance and review for new construction and updates to existing structures around the lake within Falls South community.
DOCK & SHORELINE – 50′ BUFFER – 25′ BUFFER
There are three governing bodies that regulate work that is done on and around Lake Keowee: Duke Lake Management; Oconee County; and The Cliffs at Keowee Falls South ARB.
Duke Lake Management is the permitting authority for the lake and areas around the lake up to the 804′ or 810′ elevation which ever is the lower property line for each lakefront lot. For work done in these areas, the owner is first to gain approval by Duke Lake Management and then the ARB will review the plans and provide the final review and approval based on the community lake guidelines.
There is an Oconee County 25′ Vegetative Buffer that extends from the “Full Pond Level (800′ Elevation)” upward from the lake a distance of 25′. Approval is required from Oconee County Zoning Commission for any work done in this area. This approval is separate from any approval given by Duke Lake Management or The Cliffs at Keowee Falls South ARB. The Cliffs at Keowee Falls South ARB will provide review and approval based on the guidelines set for lakefront homes in the CCR’s and the Design guidelines.
There is a Crescent Buffer that extends from the “Full Pond Level (800′ Elevation)” upward from the lake a distance of 50′. Approval is required from The Cliffs at Keowee Falls South ARB for any work done in this area which also overlays the 25′ Oconee County vegetative buffer. This 50′ buffer was intended to preserve the lake setting which we have all come to love and enjoy.
Any work done in these areas is scrutinized heavily and requires careful planning and could require multiple approvals before any work is to commence. We can help walk you through these processes and approvals so don’t hesitate to reach out.
DOCK REVIEW
The lake and dock review documentation can be found here.
Duke Lake Management
Duke Lake Management owns and manages Lake Keowee and the property surrounding the lake up to either the 804′ elevation or the 810′ elevation. Even though lake access is given by permit, lake-front property owners at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls South do not own all the way to the waters edge. This is important when looking to maintain or improve lake views and landscaping in and around the dock and waterfront area. Duke Lake Management provides review and approval for any work done on/under the water and the land up to the property line at the 804′ or the 810′ elevation on Lake Keowee. The ARB will review and provide any approval for a proposed plan in this area once Duke Lake Management has already reviewed and approved.
Duke Lake Management information and applications can be found at their website under the row Keowee-Toxaway.
Oconee County 25′ Vegetative Buffer
Oconee County has a zoning overlay area that starts at the lake “Full Pond Level” and extends upward into the lot for a distance of 25′. This area is regulated also by the Crescent 50′ Buffer and the Duke Lake Management’s dock and shoreline stabilization permitting. Oconee County Zoning approval is required for any planned work in this 25′ buffer area. If work is planned below the property line the owner should first seek Duke Lake Management approval before requesting approval from Oconee County. Request for approval, of any lakeside project, from Oconee County can happen at the same time or in conjunction with the review that is required by The Cliffs at Keowee Falls South ARB.
