Water Department

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Boat Permits for Sympson Lake

Boating and fishing are permitted on Sympson Lake with a valid permit. Boating Permits can be obtained from City Hall during regular business hours. Please note that motorized boats, as well as kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized boats DO require a permit. 

Cost of Permit

  • Nelson Co. residents | $50 per year

  • Nelson Co. residents over the age of 65 | FREE (limit one permit per person)

  • Nonresidents | $100 per year

Permits include fishing privileges for all occupants. A valid State Fishing License is also required.  All permits expire on December 31 of each year and are non-transferable. Licenses are issued in duplicate, and must be affixed to the outside of the bow area of the boat on both sides in plain view.

RULES AND REGULATIONS
The city assumes no responsibility whatsoever for loss, injury, or destruction to persons or property, whatever the cause, for anyone using the lake, and reserves the right to deny use of the lake anytime without notice or return of any fee.

  • Boats must be launched or operated in accordance with state laws and regulations.

  • No boat shall be permitted upon the lake without a permit issued.

  • No boat shall be greater in length than 20 feet.

  • No boat shall be permitted to remain in the water unattended overnight.

  • No person under the age of 16 years shall operate a boat on the lake unless accompanied by a person 16 years or older.

  • No boat shall exceed thirty-five (35) miles per hour, boats must observe no-wake and idle speed in areas identified by buoys, specifically near the boat dock at Ben Irvin Road, and in Rodgers Run Branch or in other areas so marked.

  • No jet skis, hydroplanes or racing boats shall be allowed on the lake at anytime.

  • Boating and public access to the lake and designated city property around the lake shall be daily, only from one hour  after sunset

  • Water Skiing is permitted provided certain regulations are met (See Ordinance)

  • Swimming in the lake, except that which is directly connected with the act of waterskiing, is prohibited.

  • The use and possession of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances (drugs) in or upon the lake or municipally owned property is prohibited

  • Any person or persons found guilty of littering upon the lake, lake property, or roads leading thereto shall be subject to a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $300.

For a full list of conditions please see City Ordinance Chapter 91: Sympson Lake.

Any person violating any provision of the Sympson Lake Ordinance (chapter 91) for which no other penalty is provided shall be deemed to have committed a violation and shall be subject to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 for each offense. Any person convicted of such violation shall not be permitted on the lake or the city property surrounding the lake for a period of 30 days following such conviction.