Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-16.4

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 20, April 3, 2024

Rule 571-16.4 - Class I permits for standard private docks

This rule establishes criteria and procedures for Class I permits for private docks qualifying as standard docks under criteria in this rule and for certain other docks in areas listed in this rule.

(1)Criteria for standard docks. A Class I permit for a standard dock may authorize a total of one dock and up to two hoists serving one residence. It may authorize a common dock serving two or more residences located on adjoining shoreline properties. A common dock may include up to three hoists per shoreline property and be eligible for a Class I dock permit. The dock must extend from shoreline property on which one or more of the residences are located and must meet all of the following criteria:

a. Dock length limits. A dock on a natural lake may extend the greater of 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. These lengths shall be measured from the water's edge when the dock is installed. A dock on an artificial lake or river may extend the lesser of 50 feet from the water's edge or one-fourth of the width of the waterway measured from the water's edge when the dock is installed. However, the department may give notice to a property owner that a shorter dock length is necessary to avoid interference with navigation or an adjoining property owner's access. The width of an "L" or "T" segment at the outer end of a dock shall be included in measuring the length of the dock.

b. Width and configuration of docks on natural lakes. A dock on a natural lake shall have no more than one "L" or "T" segment. The total length of the "L" or "T" segment facing opposite from shore shall not be greater than 20 feet including the width of the dock. The total area of the "L" or "T" segment shall not exceed 200 square feet. That part of the main dock forming the center of a "T" segment or an extension of an "L" segment shall be included in measuring the area of the "T" or "L" segment. No other part of the dock may be more than 6 feet wide. Catwalks shall be at least 2 feet wide and considered as part of the dock. Catwalks shall be limited in length as in an "L" or "T" segment of the dock construction and shall not extend beyond the width of the hoist, except that a catwalk may be extended around the hoist for access to the hoist.

c. Compliance with standard requirements. The dock and associated hoists must comply with the standard requirements in 571-16.3 (461A,462A) for all docks.

d. Other structures not authorized. A Class I permit does not authorize placement of any other anchored or floating structure, such as a swim raft.

(2)Class I permits for private docks in other specified areas. This subrule authorizes issuance of Class I permits for private docks in certain areas where circumstances, including narrowness of the water areas specified below, require different dock and hoist configurations. In the following areas, docks that fail to comply with the offset or 10-foot gap requirement in 16.3(3) but that meet other standard dock requirements in 571-16.3(461A,462A) are eligible for a Class I permit, unless they obstruct navigation or an adjoining property owner's access: canals off West Okoboji Lake; Okoboji Harbor; inside harbor of Harbourage at Clear Lake; Venetian Village Canal at Clear Lake; Cottage Reserve on Lake Macbride; Lake Panorama; canals at Lake Manawa; and Lake Delhi.

(3)Procedures for issuance of Class I dock permits. The owner of a standard dock eligible for a Class I permit under the criteria in 16.4(1) or a dock in an area specified in 16.4(2) shall apply for a Class I dock permit on an application form supplied by the department. The applicant shall certify that the dock meets the criteria for a Class I permit. The department shall approve the application based on the applicant's certification and shall assign a permit number, which may be a series of numbers or letters or a combination of numbers and letters. The applicant shall be responsible for obtaining stickers with the permit numbers and letters, for attaching them to the end of the dock facing opposite from the shoreline, and for displaying the 911 address as provided in 16.3(5). Class I dock permits authorized by this rule shall be issued without administrative fee and remain valid until the property is sold or transferred. In the event the property is sold or transferred, the new owner may request to transfer the Class I dock permit as provided in 16.17(1). A Class I dock permit shall be valid only while dock and hoists comply with the criteria for a Class I permit.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-16.4

Amended by IAB May 9, 2018/Volume XL, Number 23, effective 6/13/2018

Amended by IAB February 9, 2022/Volume XLIV, Number 16, effective 3/16/2022