Lake Management

Greenwood County Lake Management Department
528 Monument Street
Greenwood, SC 29646

Telephone: 864-942-8560

Between 1935 and 1940, Lake Greenwood was created with the construction of Buzzard’s Roost Dam. Lake Management was initially undertaken by the Greenwood County Electric Power Commission, and eventually by the Engineering Department. However, due to increased Federal License requirements, within the last couple of years, there was a need to create a Lake Management Department. The Lake Management Department, created in 2006, is responsible for issuing permits for encroachments on Lake Greenwood, registration of encroachments, camping reservations on Goat Island, lake upkeep, larvicide applications and herbicide applications, Greenwood County public lake access areas, assisting in complying with the FERC license, administering shoreline management, and inspection of lake encroachments.

Personnel

Lake Director
Julie Davis , (864) 943-2648

Permits / Registrations
Tammy Gravley , (864) 942-8560

Inspections
Patrick Prince, (864) 942-8560

Lake Spraying / Boat Shed
Tommy Gunter, (864) 229-4780; Stephen Creswell, (864) 229-4780

Frequently asked Questions...

• I have heard that the lake is going to be drained. Is that true?
  
  Answer: No, there are no plans at all to drain the lake. There are also no plans to lower the lake levels below the usual levels.
  
  
• What is an encroachment?
  
  Answer: An encroachment is anything which extends from lake front property into the lake bed. Examples are piers, docks, boat ramps, retaining walls and similar items.
  
  
• What types of activities within the lake need a permit from Greenwood County Lake Management Department?
  
  Answer: Lakefront poperty owners must obtain a permit from Greenwood County to construct, repair, and/or maintain an encroachment within Lake Greenwood. Permits are now issued by the Lake Management Department.
  
  
• How does Greenwood County have the right to require permits and registrations for Laurens and Newberry County lake property?
  
  Answer: Greenwood County owns the lake and regulates encroachments around the entire lake. Greenwood County’s lake regulations do not affect how you use your property. However, when you enter the lake bed, you are no longer on your property. Greenwood County is no different than any other property owner. We have the right to regulate what happens on our property.
  
  
• Why might a lakefront property owner be denied a permit for an encroachment?
  
  Answer: The main reasons for permit denial might be due to property line issues or protected habitat areas. However, other circumstances might cause a delay in permits.
  
  
• Is there any type of fee for a permit?
  
  Answer: Simple, non-commercial, residential encroachment permits do not require a fee, at this time.
  
  
• Can anyone work on encroachments within the Lake?
  
  Answer: Registered lakefront property owners who have a current permit and work placard for a specific activity can perform the work as set forth by their permit. Third parties, such as commercial contractors, must have a separate authorization to work within Lake Greenwood. This authorization is obtained by registering and entering into an agreement with the Greenwood County Lake Management.