Sheriff urges Lake Norman residents to add waterfront address signs

LAKE NORMAN, N.C. — People with property on Lake Norman are being asked to add waterfront address signs to their docks and piers, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said.

The address markers -- similar to what you see in front of homes -- are designed to help first responders and people on the lake during times of emergency.

The signs became a requirement in 2020 when the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners added the amendment to the county’s addressing and road naming ordinance. It requires address signs on both the waterfront and street side of Lake Norman properties.

According to the sheriff’s office, only 55-60% of property owners have added the signs.

“What homes look like from the street side is different than what they look like from the water,” said Lincoln County Sheriff Bill Beam. “Because of dead end streets, you have a dock on one street but the next dock over will be on another street. It makes a big difference.

“The fire departments, North Carolina Wildlife, and Emergency Services are on board with this because they are on the water as well. Getting an ambulance to respond quickly to the proper location is important. It could save your life,” Beam said.

The signs are 12 inches by 18 inches and blue in color with reflective lettering. They need to be placed at the end of a pier or dock to be easily visible, the sheriff’s office said.

Signs can be purchased from the county for $25 and include hardware for mounting.

The sheriff’s office said anyone with questions or looking to purchase the sign can contact contact David Workman at 704-736-8729 or visit the Addressing section of the Lincoln County website.

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