What you need to know before you put your pier or dock in the water

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Water enforces pier regulations on Indiana lakes. Pier rules and regulations are contained in the Public Freshwater Lake Rules (312 IAC 11) which authorizes the placement of certain temporary piers under a general license. 
 

Use the checklist below to see if your pier qualifies for a general license:

• Easily removable
• Not mounted in or comprised of concrete or cement.
• Supported by auger poles or other poles that rest on the lakebed and that do not exceed 3.5 “in diameter.
• Installed by a riparian owner or with the permission of a riparian owner.
• No longer than 150’ lakeward of the shoreline
• Installed so that it does not infringe on the access of an adjacent landowner or restrict navigation.

If you can check off all the items on the checklist you qualify for a general license, you do not need any more coordination with the DNR Division of Water. Remember your pier is called a “Temporary Pier.”
 

If your pier does not qualify for the general license, then written approval from the DNR Division of Water is required for your pier. Also, group piers and marinas require formal review and approval.

If you need an application go to www.in.gov/dnr/water2455.htm. Use the “Permit Application for Construction.”  Check the box beside the words “Lake Preservation Act.”  Follow the instructions. Additional information can be found here: Lake Preservation Act.

 

Your Pier and Your Neighbors: Riparian Rights

As an owner of a home or an access to Simonton Lake, you have “riparian” rights or the right to access the water at the shoreline that meets your property. According to the Natural Resources Commission, parent organization of the Indiana DNR, your pier should meet the following criteria:

• Have some clearance between your pier and your lot lines. If your pier is on your lot line, a boat docked on the lot line side will be in your neighbor’s riparian water.
• The length of the pier should not interfere with the riparian rights of your neighbors. In the DNR general pier regulations a length of 150’ is the maximum allowed. But that 150-foot pier cannot interfere with the riparian rights of your neighbors.

If you have a straight shoreline your riparian rights can be determined by extending your lot lines into the water. If you live on a cove, point or any other irregular shoreline check the diagrams in the  NRC Information Bulletin #56

If you have a question about your pier or the pier of one of your neighbors, we advise you to try to work out the issues with your neighbor and to call the Indiana Division of Water at 317-232-4160 or email them at _inquiry@dnr.IN.gov