Dock Requirements

The placement of docks, hoists, buoys, and rafts in the sovereign water of the State of Iowa is regulated by Iowa Department of Natural Resources. In some cases cities might have additional requirements for the land adjacent to a dock and there are special regulations for dock management areas.

Short summary of new Iowa private dock rules

During 2005 and 2006 the DNR studied docks and hoists on Iowa lakes and adopted new dock rules on February 8, 2007. The new dock rules became effective April 4, 2007. Most lawfully permitted existing docks are grandfathered under the new rules. Existing five-year DNR dock permits will be valid until they expire, but most docks did not have a permit.

Under the new dock rule there will be the following four classes of docks. All docks are required to have a permit.

CLASS I – STANDARD PRIVATE DOCK

Class I docks are private docks that may extend 100 feet from the water’s edge or far enough so that the outer 50 feet of the dock is in 3 feet of water up to a maximum of 300 feet from the water’s edge, with no more than two hoists, and a platform less than 200 square feet serving one residence. Common docks serving two or more waterfront residences may also qualify as a private standard dock, if they meet the criteria above and have no more that three hoists or slips per residence. A Class I dock owner must file an application to obtain a five-year dock permit by July 1, 2008. No fee is required. Class I Dock Information Sheet Permit Application Class I

CLASS II – CITY OR COUNTY AUTHORIZED DOCK

Class II docks are for cities or counties to request a permit for a dock extending from public owned or controlled property. Class II docks must meet similar requirements as the other classes of docks. Private or commercial docks extending from government owned lakeshore should apply for a Class I, III, or IV dock permit. Class II Dock Information Sheet Permit Application Class II

CLASS III – NON STANDARD PRIVATE DOCK

Class III permits are required for private docks that may extend the greater of 100 feet from the water’s edge or far enough so that the outer 80 feet of the dock is in 3 feet of water up to a maximum of 300 feet from the water’s edge, docks that have more than two hoists or a platform not to exceed 240 square feet. A Class III permit is also needed for any raft, mooring buoy or floating platform. These permits cost $125 for a five-year permit.

Class III private dock permits allow a maximum of one hoist or slip for each ten feet of shoreline. There is an annual fee of $50 per hoist or slip for each hoist or slip in excess of four. Class III Dock Information Sheet Permit Application Class III

CLASS IV DOCK – COMMERCIAL DOCK

Class IV permits are for commercial docks, defined as a dock used as part of a business and includes a dock extending from residential property if one or more spaces are rented for a fee, provided the residential property has a variance or special exception use allowing the dock rental. These permits cost $250 for a five-year permit.

Class IV commercial dock permits allow a maximum of one hoist or slip for each ten feet of shoreline. (This hoist density requirement does not apply to marinas.) There is an annual fee of $50 per hoist or slip for each hoist or slip in excess of six, excluding courtesy hoists or slips. Class IV Dock Information Sheet Permit Application Class IV

RULES FOR ALL DOCKS

All docks must have a sign with the owners’ local 911 street address, city, and permit number affixed to the end of the dock, with a minimum of 1” high letters. The name is not required. This information is of great assistance to the Lake Patrol along with fire and rescue services when they are trying to locate an emergency. Suppliers of dock signs include: Amy’s Sign Design 332-7007 in Arnolds Park and Lee Nation Atlas Stamp Signs & Engraving 336-5242 in Spirit Lake.

A five-foot offset between neighboring docks, hoists and slips is required for all docks on each side of the property line. There are exceptions to the offset, dock length, number of hoists and slips, and platform size requirements. Please see the dock rules for details. Exception Application for Class III and IV Docks

Even with a dock permit, the public cannot be prevented from using water areas around the dock and hoists, nor can they be prevented from stepping on or over a dock to walk or wade parallel to the shore. Otherwise, a lawfully permitted dock is the property of the permit holder and is reserved to the legal use of the permit holder.

This short summary does not include all of the provisions of the new DNR Chapter 16 dock rules. The DNR Dock Permit webpage is www.iowadnr.com/law/docks/index.html

Dock Management Areas in Dickinson County include: East Okoboji Beach, Triboji Lakeshore, Triboji Lazy Lagoon, and Pillsbury Point. DMA Dock Assignment and Permit

To obtain a complete copy of the new DNR dock Chapter 16 rules CLICK HERE

Information on DNR requirements for docks, hoists, buoys, mooring buoys, and rafts along with application forms can be obtained from the DNR Fish Hatchery at Spirit Lake, telephone 712/ 336-1840.

Class IV permit and info revised April 30, 2008, Class I application revised April 20, 2008, Class IV text revised May 4, 2007