Pickens County proposes an overlay on Lake Keowee. What does that mean for property owners?
PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. —
A proposed ordinance would regulate Lake Keowee and its surrounding properties from future development.
Pickens County leaders argue an overlay would preserve the body of water as a leisurely space and an asset for clean, pure drinking water.
Chairman Alex Saitta said the character of the lake could be in jeopardy without standards in place.
“There is no land use regulations on the lakes right now. An investor, if you can get the logistics right, he could build a manufacturing plant, an amusement park or a high-rise apartment complex right on the lake, and most don’t want that right on the lake,” Saitta said. “Overlays have more flexibility.”
The county has existing setbacks that bar construction and disturbing plant life or natural barriers along the lakefront. We are told these development standards were established in the early 2000s, and since then, the area has remained largely undisturbed by aggressive development.
Saitta describes an overlay as a less aggressive version of zoning. Instead of splitting areas into residential, commercial or industrial, he said the lake boundary and the properties lining it would be under the overarching umbrella as residential only.
The county said it intends to preserve the natural resource.
“95 people I pitched my plan to, no new commercial, no new industrial, residential only. Four people had reservations,” Saitta said. “They want to protect the view sheds. They want to protect the natural beauty. They want the water which we drink.”
Some neighbors argue it would dim property values and limit how they can use their private land. John Boes said the lack of rules surrounding land use was a reason he chose to make landfall along the lake shore.
“My house wouldn’t exist if that was the case. If I owned a piece of property that I bought under the current rules, and suddenly this rule comes into effect, that property is not worth anywhere near what it was. That’s concerning,” Boes said.
Boes and his neighbors said they wanted to see written language of the proposal, which passed through a first reading, and were denied access.
“I do respect the need to make certain this continues to be a great lake. It is a great lake. But what problem are we trying to solve? That has not yet, at least from my perspective, been clearly communicated,” Boes said.
We asked if we could receive a copy or find one in the upcoming agenda and were told it would not be available. On the website, it said, “no draft language is available.”
Three public input meetings were held earlier in 2026, according to the county website. There, you can also find slides explaining the overlay and how it applies to Lake Keowee.
Property owners said they are planning to turn out for a scheduled county council meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. Although the meeting is not explicitly focused on the overlay item, people are invited to speak through public comment.
Saitta said the final reading of the ordinance would not be expected until closer to the fall.
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