DNR to Step Up Efforts Enforcing Dock Rules
DES MOINES – Compliance checks are taking place on public waters throughout the state. Citations for non-compliance with dock rules will be mailed to dock owners beginning this week in Iowa’s Great Lakes region and a similar effort will be taking place soon in Clear Lake as well as the rest of the state.

Once the citations are mailed out, dock owners will still have two weeks to come into compliance before facing any fines, according to DNR Law Enforcement Bureau Chief Lowell Joslin.

“We are much more interested in getting people into compliance than we are writing tickets, and we’re hoping that this is the last push some of the people need to get this done,” said Joslin.

New state dock rules went into affect in April of 2007 and the DNR has done inspections of the existing docks in the Great Lakes and Clear Lake areas this summer. Those two areas have the highest concentrations of private docks in Iowa.

The Great Lakes region has about 4,000 private docks and approximately 1,000 are still out of compliance. Most of the docks still out of compliance either don’t have the necessary permits and/or signage required under the rules.

Each of the dock owners in the Iowa Great Lakes that will be receiving citations have had warnings prior to the citations being issued, said Richard Jordet, a DNR district law enforcement supervisor.

Approximately 130 docks out of 750 are still out of compliance at Clear Lake. DNR staff has been trying to make personal contacts with those dock owners and have issued a few warning memorandums. The DNR will soon be issuing written citations to dock owners out of compliance in the Clear Lake area as well.

“When you look at the numbers, most of the dock owners at the Iowa Great Lakes and at Clear Lake are in compliance with the dock rules. It is a matter of fairness that those currently not in compliance be expected to comply with the new rules as well,” said Joslin.
For more information, contact Lowell Joslin at 515-281-5919.

New Dock Rule
During 2005 and 2006 the DNR studied docks and hoists on Iowa lakes and rivers 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 DNR dock permits will be valid until they expire.
New Dock Rules (*.pdf file)
New Dock Rules (*.doc file)

Rules For All Docks
All docks must have a sign with their local 911 address, city and permit number, with all letters a minimum of 1” high, at the end of the dock. The name is not required.

A five-foot offset between neighboring docks, hoists and slips is required on each side of the property line for all docks. There are exceptions to the offset, dock length, number of hoists and slips, and platform size requirements. Please see the dock rules for details. An Exception Application must be attached to the Class III or Class IV dock permit application.
Exception Application (* .pdf file)
Exception Application (* .doc file)

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.

Under the new dock rule there will be the following four classes of docks.

Class I - Standard Private Dock
Class I docks are standard private docks, other private docks in specified areas and docks permitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Dock owners requesting a swim raft, mooring buoy, or any exception must apply for a Class III permit. Class I docks on a natural lake may extend the greater of 100 feet from the waters 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 waters edge. A dock on an artificial lake or river may extend the lesser of 50 feet from the waters edge or one-fourth of the width of the waterway. They can have no more than two hoists, and a platform of not more 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 than three hoists or slips per shoreline property. A Class I dock owner must file an application to obtain a five-year dock permit by July 1, 2008. No fee is required. By agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the department, a dock permit issued by the Corps of Engineers pursuant to a joint boat dock application review process shall serve in place of a Class I permit issued by the department on all waters under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers.
Class I Dock Information Sheet (* .pdf file)
Class I Dock Information Sheet (* .doc file)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Dock Permit Information
Class I Dock Permit Application Form (* .pdf file)
Class I Dock Permit Application Form (* .doc file)

Class II - City or County Authorized Dock
Class II docks are for city or county authorized docks extending from public owned or controlled property. Class II docks must meet similar requirements as the other classes of docks.
Class II Dock Information Sheet (* .pdf file)
Class II Dock Information Sheet (* .doc file)
Class II Dock Permit Application Form (* .pdf file)
Class II Dock Permit Application Form (* .doc file)

Class III - Non Standard Private Dock
All private docks that are not authorized by Class I or Class II permits shall require a Class III dock permit. All private docks that have more than two hoists or a platform that is larger than 200 square feet but no larger than 240 square fee or any raft, mooring buoy or an exception to the five foot offset from the property lines must have a Class III permit. 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 a fee of $50 per hoist or slip for each hoist or slip in excess of four.
Class III Dock Information Sheet (* .pdf file)
Class III Dock Information Sheet (* .doc file)
Class III Dock Permit Application Form (* .pdf file)
Class III Dock Permit Application Form (* .doc file)

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. 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 restriction does not apply to marinas). There is a 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 (* .pdf file)
Class IV Dock Information Sheet (* .doc file)
Class IV Dock Permit Application Form (* .pdf file)
Class IV Dock Permit Application Form (* .doc file)

Dock Management Areas
A Dock Management Area (DMA) is an area as designated by the department which includes an area adjoining public land from which docks extend.
Dock Management Area Information Sheet (* .pdf file)
Dock Management Area Permit Application Form (* .pdf file)

This short summary does not include all of the provisions of the new DNR dock rules. See Iowa Administrative Rule 571 - Chapter 16 for details.
Iowa Administrative Rule 571 - Chapter 16 (*.pdf file)
Iowa Administrative Rule 571 - Chapter 16 (*.doc file)

Information on DNR requirements for docks, hoists, buoys, mooring buoys, and rafts along with application forms can be obtained online, from the Regional Offices and from any Conservation Officer.

Once you have completed the appropriate application print off a copy and submit it to your local Conservation Officer or Regional Office for processing.