Permit applications are reviewed for completeness and evaluated to ensure they meet shoreline management guidelines. For boat docks, the location of the proposed dock and property boundaries in relation to existing docks and impact on navigation will be considered. Multiple factors are considered for other authorized facilities, which include but are not limited to: amount of shoreline erosion, elevation, impact on project resources, location of project boundary, etc. Marking of the project boundary is recommended prior to planning lakefront projects and is required prior to applying for bank stabilization.
Review of the permit application may require approval or comments from federal, state or local agencies. Applicants must comply with the requirements of all other applicable regulations, restrictions, covenants, and ordinances based on project location. Every possible situation cannot be anticipated. Ameren Missouri reserves the absolute right and discretion to make appropriate exceptions or modifications to Ameren Missouri’s requirements, and/or make special rulings and impose additional requirements, including the requirement that the applicant provide a survey to verify the facility was installed at the correct elevation and location.
Once the review process is complete, the permit application will be approved, approved with conditions or denied. If the application is denied and resubmitted at a later date, a new processing fee is required.
- Failure to provide any of the required information will result in denial of the application or delay the processing of the application.
- Construction may not proceed until a permit has been issued. Ameren Missouri has the right to direct the removal of docks or other structures and evoke enforcement fees if construction begins without a permit.
- Permits will not be issued for houses or other habitable structures.
When the ownership of the property changes, Ameren Missouri must be notified by the new owner transferring the existing permits into their name. An application, processing fee, deed showing ownership and approved electrical inspection (where applicable) are required to be submitted.
When a property located within the area of the Lake Ozark Fire Protection District, Mid County Fire District, Osage Beach Fire Protection District, Rocky Mount Fire Protection District, Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District, or Northwest Fire Protection District transfers ownership, an inspection of the electrical system on the dock must be made by the Fire District in advance of transferring the dock permit to the new owners. This inspection must have been completed and approved within the previous 12 months. If a dock is sold and moved to a different property, a new permit is required prior to the dock being installed. The existing permit number stays with the property. It does NOT move with the dock.
Expiration
New construction of docks and breakwaters or approved modifications to existing docks and breakwaters must be completed within one year from the date the permit is issued. If the work is not complete within the permit term, the permittee may apply for one six-month extension to complete the work. The extension will be granted provided there are no changes in the information that was submitted with the original application and the dock complies with current guidelines. All other activities (bank stabilization, piers, excavation, etc.) must be completed within two years from the date the permit is issued. Extensions are not available.
If a permit expires, the permit is null and void. After the permit has expired, a new application and fees must be submitted and a new permit issued.
A permit application must be submitted to Ameren Missouri prior to the installation or construction of any activity affecting project lands. Approval from the Corps of Engineers is required for any activity (except boat docks) located lakeward of elevation 658.5 feet or in a wetland.
A complete Permit Application packet must contain the following information:
- Copy of fire district permit or electrical approval (for docks and pumps) - Find participating Fire Districts (PDF).
- Drawings to scale on 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
All Activities
- Location of the activity within the applicant’s property lines extended lakeward.
Dock
(Drawing 1:1)
- Drawing showing the location of the dock in relation to docks on either side, and across the cove or channel from the applicant’s dock.
- Distance from the dock to the applicant’s property lines extended lakeward.
- Distance from the end of the dock to the center of the channel or cove, and the distance across the channel or cove.
- Distance to the nearest dock on each side of applicant’s dock.
- Dimensions of the proposed dock.
- The dock location drawing must be drawn to scale.
Bank Stabilization
(Drawing 1:2)
- Lowest elevation of the proposed activity. For a concrete seawall, this would generally be the elevation at the base of the wall.
- Distance from the toe of the bank to the seawall.
- Height of the proposed seawall.
- Account creation: Create your permit account following these steps (PDF).
- Authorize users: Homeowners can authorize Certified Dock Builders and Realtors to apply for your permits. To allow access, follow these steps (PDF).
- Apply for permits: Once your account is created, apply for lake permits (PDF).
- Please note: You may apply for multiple permits on one application.
- Transfer permits: Once you have created your permit account or logged into your existing account, follow these instructions (PDF).
- Pay Invoice: Pay all invoices including annual use fees via the online portal following these steps (PDF).
- Permit copies: Download a copy of your permit by following these instructions (PDF).
- Paid receipts: Download a copy of your paid receipt by following these instructions (PDF).
Realtors and Certified Dock Builders who are Ameren customers but do not have an Ameren.com account or are non-Ameren customers, must first set up an account at Ameren.flairdocs.com/prod before helping clients.
- Once your account is created, you may create your clients' account by following these instructions for Realtors (PDF) and Certified Dock Builders (PDF).
- Take care when applying for permits. If you apply for your client's permits from within your Realtor or Certified Dock Builder account, you will be the permit holder. If this occurs, you will need to apply for a permit transfer, causing an unnecessary delay and expense.
Dock Permits
New dock or modification: $550
Certified dock builder application: $300
Certified dock builder annual: $100
Certified dock builder reinstatement: $300
Bank Stabilization Permits
Seawall, riprap, stacked stone or vegetation: $300 for first 100' plus $1/foot over 100'
Other Permits and Fees
Dredging-excavation: $500
Boat Ramp: $300
Permit extension: $50
Permit transfers*: $100
Utilities - Pump 2 HP or less: $75
Utilities - Pump greater than 2 HP: $100
Geo-thermal coil: $100
Breakwater: $1,000
FERC Submittal: $2,000
Accessory Structure - Pier: $100
Accessory Structure - Steps: $50
* All permitted facilities on a property may be transferred with one application and fee. Facilities not transferred within 2 years will be charged an additional $100.
Enforcement Fees
Any dock or property owner who fails to obtain a permit, fails to comply with the terms of a permit issued, or fails to comply with Ameren Missouri's policies or guidelines at Lake of the Ozarks shall be liable for all costs - including attorney’s fees and interest - incurred in the enforcement of Ameren Missouri’s permit provision.
Failure to obtain a permit: $2,000
Failure to comply with permit conditions: $2,000