Lovin’ The Lake Life
520+ miles of shoreline … over 32,000 acres … 34 miles long … welcome to Lake Norman.
Lake Norman offers an all sports lake with many water activities, great fishing, waterfront restaurants/bars, drive-up gas dock stations, marinas around the lake, wonderful fireworks, and more. We can assist you in finding Lake Norman homes for sale.
Looking to Buy a Home or Lot on Lake Norman?
There is a lot of information you should know before purchasing a home on Lake Norman. Formed by Duke Energy in 1963, Duke regulates the lake’s shoreline.
Docks & Piers - What You Should Know:
Rule: not more 120’ out or 1/3 total width of lake. No enclosed gazebos. Must have 4’, 6’ storage locker for any boat moored under gazebo. 2 slips (and 2 PWC) max. Max 1K SQ surface area over the water.. Pilings and hoists alongside structures do not count towards requirements. Must have 100’ property shoreline.
Boardwalks: Boardwalks – Boardwalks in the backs of coves are not allowed within the full pond contour. Boardwalks within the Project Boundaries that extend into any regulated buffer area (e.g., Catawba River Basin Permanent Riparian Buffer Protection Rules [15A NCAC 2B.0243]) may only be authorized if the facility is for a single private project-front lot and so long as there is no violation of any applicable buffer regulations. That portion of the facility that extends into the Project Boundaries will be included in the maximum square footage calculation and is limited to a maximum width along the Project Boundaries of 25 ft.
Buffer: 50’ buffer from shoreline at full pond is required.
Penalties: Remove/fix at cost, $1K fine and loss of water rights for up to 5 years.
Click below for the Duke page to submit a permit for shoreline activities.
Property Taxes Around the Lake
Due to the lake’s large size, it covers four different counties and ten towns around the lake. It’s important for you to know that the taxes can be very different between each one. And, properties are assessed every 8 years here, so the next reassessment will be 2027.
For more information, feel free to check out the individual tax sites/rates for the counties around the lake:
There’s an App for That
If you are looking for some great apps for your smartphone about the lake. From lake depths, to public launches and facilities around the lake to even getting a membership at BoatUS for towing in case of an emergency (and it’s great for discounts around the lake too!) Here are a few MUST haves:
Lake View App
Boating App
Wake App
Boat US
I’m sure more are to come!
Just Visiting?
Check out the Lake Norman Visitor’s Guide online! All about things to do, events happening, the several cities around the lake and more. Click the button below to be transferred to their site.
Or Maybe VRBO?
There are many Vacation Rentals around Lake Norman. Come and stay and see for yourself how wonderful lake living is here. Click below for VRBO’s site link.
LKN Fun Facts
Courtesy of Lee Sullivan and Lake Norman Publications
Q: The Lake is named in honor of Norman Cocke. Who was he?
A: Norman Atwater Cocke was President of Duke Power Co from 1953-1959.
Q: How high is the highest point of Cowans Ford Dam?
A: At its highest point, Cowans Ford Dam is 150 feet high.
Q: How deep is the water (within 20 feet or so) at Lake Norman’s deepest point?
A: The lake’s average depth is 33 feet, but the assortment of calculations of its deepest point hover in the 110-120 feet range.
Q: The shoreline of Lake Norman is defined as the “760 line,” referencing feet about sea level. That makes the lake’s edge higher than the highest elevation in three US states. What are they?
A: US states with highest points lower than 760 feet are Florida (345 feet), Delaware (447 feet), and Louisiana (535 feet).
Q: Duke Energy hydroelectric operations are housed in the core of Cowans Ford Dam, but the dam that regulates the flow of the 32,500 acre lake is much more than it seems from a drive-by glance. Which of these best describes the true length of the dam? 1) Two-tenths of a mile 2.) Three miles 3.) Three-quarters of a mile 4.) A mile and a half.
A: Number 4. The dam is 7,906 feet long, just shy of a mile and a half.