#07–229 August 20, 2007

Permit deadline set Aug. 22 for floating water structures

Owners of floating water structures, commonly referred to as "river shacks," on the state’s waters must apply for a permit by Wednesday, Aug. 22 from the S.C. Department of Natural Resource to keep those structures.

Any application post-marked after Aug. 22 will not be accepted. Any structure that is not permitted will be deemed a public nuisance and will be subject to removal by the state. A permit may not be renewed, extended or transferred.

"Structure" is defined in part as structure located on any public waters capable of being used as a place of temporary or permanent habitation. The definition of a "structure" does not include registered or documented watercraft that is capable of navigation and are legally anchored or legally moored to a dock or marina.

Legislation that was passed this year allows the owners of water structures to keep them on the water for up to five years with a permit from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The permit costs $50, and owners have until Wednesday, Aug. 22 to make application for one. A water structure will be considered a public nuisance after that date and will be subject to removal. A permit will allow the owner to maintain the structure for five years, after which the owner will be responsible for the cost of removing the structure.

Get a permit application by calling the DNR boating office in Columbia at (803) 734-3857 or in Charleston at (843) 953-9301 or by going to the DNR website.

The following information will be required as part of the permit application:

DNR is responsible for removal of water structures. The managers of the major lakes, either power companies or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are responsible for removal of water structures on lakes.
A permit means the owner will be responsible for the cost of removing the water structure in five years time.

DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.