Selling on Lake Wylie? Gather These Dock Documents First

Selling a Lake Wylie property in Gaston County? Your dock is a big part of the value, and the paperwork behind it can make or break your closing. Buyers and lenders will want proof that your dock is permitted, safe, and transferable. This guide shows you exactly which documents to gather now so you can avoid delays later. Let’s dive in.

Why dock documents matter

Lake Wylie’s shoreline is managed by several authorities, which means accurate records are essential. Duke Energy oversees lake-use permits and inspections for docks on Duke-managed reservoirs, so buyers often ask for the permit number and tag to confirm compliance. County building officials handle shore-side permits and inspections that affect safety, utilities, and approvals. Local lake rules published by the Lake Wylie Marine Commission also shape how a dock can be used and what buyers should expect.

• Learn what Duke requires for shoreline activities and permits: Duke Energy Lake Services
• Review local boating and safety rules: Lake Wylie Marine Commission laws and regulations
• Find county permits and inspection records: Gaston County Building & Development Services

What to gather for your dock

Ownership and title records

• Recorded deed and recent chain of title excerpts to confirm ownership and any restrictions.
• Recorded easements or licenses that affect shoreline access or shared facilities.
• Where to find them: Gaston County Register of Deeds.

Survey and site plans

• A recent sealed survey showing property lines, the waterline at the time of survey, and the full pond contour used for permitting.
• The Lake Wylie full pond elevation is 569.4 feet above mean sea level, which helps tie surveys to the lake’s project contour. See current lake facts: Lake Wylie lake conditions.
• Any “as-built” or site plan for the dock that shows dimensions and placement.

Duke Energy permit and tag

• A copy of the Duke Energy lake-use permit for the dock and the permit number.
• A photo of the Duke-issued metal tag on the dock, if present, and the tag number noted.
• Any correspondence with Duke about inspections, compliance, or permit transfer steps. Start here: Duke Energy Lake Services.

County permits and inspections

• Building permits and final inspection approvals for dock structures, boathouses, or covered slips.
• Electrical permits and inspection records for dock wiring and GFCI protection.
• Floodplain permits or elevation certificates if applicable. Request records from Gaston County Building & Development Services.

HOA and shared-use records

• HOA covenants, architectural approvals, shared dock or ramp agreements, and any recorded maintenance agreements.

Environmental permits

• State approvals for shoreline stabilization or dredging when required.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers paperwork if dredging or fill work in waters of the U.S. applied. Learn when federal and state permits can apply: EPA archive on dredge/fill.

Technical and maintenance files

• Plan and profile drawings used for permitting and any engineering documents.
• A recent dock inspection report with photos, plus invoices and warranty info for lifts, floats, or hardware. Industry pros recommend a pre-sale inspection: Dock inspection overview.

Electrical and utilities

• Electrical permits, inspection reports, and contractor details for dock wiring and shore power.
• Unpermitted electrical can hold up approvals. See why licensed work matters: Electrical contractor overview.

Leases and third-party agreements

• Any lease or license for lakebed use or community access that affects fees or transfer.

Insurance and claims

• Dock-related insurance policies and any claims history for storm or damage events.

Simple order of operations

1. Pull your deed and recent chain of title from the Gaston County Register of Deeds.
2. Locate your Duke Energy permit and dock tag number, then confirm permit status and transfer steps with Duke Energy Lake Services.
3. Request county building and electrical permit files from Gaston County Building & Development Services.
4. Order a sealed survey that shows the waterline and full pond contour for Lake Wylie.
5. Schedule a current dock inspection and gather maintenance and warranty records. A quick overview of what inspectors look for: Dock inspection overview.
6. Collect HOA approvals and any shared-facility agreements.
7. If your shoreline was stabilized or dredged, gather any state or federal permits.
8. Photograph the dock, tag, and shore connection for easy reference.

Timeline and what to expect

Duke Energy typically reviews documentation and may inspect a dock before approving a permit transfer. County permit files and inspection records can take time to retrieve. Industry sources note that permit reviews or transfers can take a few weeks to a month or more depending on season and completeness, and state or federal permits add more time. See an example of typical contractor timelines here: Industry timeline overview.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Missing or untransferred Duke permit that leads to required repairs or re-application.
• Unpermitted shore-side electrical or structural work that slows lender and insurer approvals.
• Recorded easements or HOA rules that limit dock size or replacement plans.
• Shoreline work like dredging done without required state or federal permits.

Who to contact

• Duke Energy Lake Services for lake-use permits and dock questions: Duke Energy Lake Services
• Lake rules and safety expectations near docks: Lake Wylie Marine Commission
• Permits, inspections, and floodplain questions: Gaston County Building & Development Services
• Deeds, easements, and recorded instruments: Gaston County Register of Deeds

Make your sale smoother on Lake Wylie

A clean dock file gives buyers confidence and keeps your closing on track. If you start early and organize these documents, you reduce risk, protect your price, and move faster to the finish line. If you want a second set of eyes on your list, reach out to Jeremy Ordan for a calm, step-by-step plan tailored to your Lake Wylie sale.

FAQs

Does a Lake Wylie dock permit transfer at closing?

• Not automatically in every case; many Duke lake-use permits require a transfer application and often an inspection, so contact Duke early and share the permit details with your buyer.

What if my dock has no permit on file?

• Disclose that status, then ask Duke and the county about options, which may include retroactive permitting, modification, or removal depending on what is allowed.

Do I need a new survey for my waterfront sale?

• If you do not have a recent sealed survey that shows the dock location and the full pond contour, order one since it is commonly required for permitting and helps buyers verify boundaries.

Will dock electrical affect my closing?

• Yes, unpermitted or uninspected electrical work can delay approvals; gather electrical permits and inspections to show the work was done by licensed professionals.

Who sets no-wake and safety rules near my dock?

• The Lake Wylie Marine Commission publishes local boating and safety rules and law enforcement agencies enforce them, so share those expectations with buyers early.