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Boat Docks and Austin Boat Dock Permits

 

Construction on, under, or next to the water in Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, or Lake Walter E. Long may require specific reviews and permits (§25-2-1171). Examples of typical construction projects include:

  • boat docks
  • boat slips
  • boat lifts
  • docks
  • floating docks
  • islands
  • bulkheads
  • wharfs
  • piers
  • stationary platforms
  • shoreline access
  • other similar structures


Visit Article 13 – Docks, Bulkheads, and Shoreline Access in the City of Austin Land Development Code to learn more.

What you will find on this page:

What is a boat dock?

A boat dock is a wharf, pier, floating dock, island, boat dock, boat slip, boat lift, stationary platform, or other similar structure.

 What can I do...

Without a Permit

  • Paint
  • Stain
  • Limited Landscaping
  • Place Furniture
  • Limited Lighting
 

With an Approved Site Plan Exemption

  • Simple dock re-decking
  • Repair of the existing structure with a building permit
  • Maintenance of existing structure with a building permit
  • Work that does not require a variance or approval from a city board or commission.
  • Repair an existing legally constructed bulkhead if the repair does not exceed 25% of the bulkhead or portion of a bulkhead, and if no repair to the bulkhead was done without a site plan in the previous three (3) years.

Exemption Resources
 

With an Approved Site Plan Permit

  • Any changes to a structure
  • Any new construction
  • Replacing parts of a structure, including load-bearing beams, walls, piers, or pilings
  • Adding new walls
  • Any demolition of the existing structure
  • Adding or expanding the existing footprint of the dock or shoreline access
  • Place anything underwater elevation

Site Plan Permit Resources

 

How to Apply

step 1  Determine what you need

Review the "What can I do" chart to determine if you need a permit, site plan exemption, or a site plan permit.

 

step 2  Apply for Site Plan Exemption or Site Plan Permit

Site Plan Exemptions
  1. Complete the Site Plan Exemption Application (PDF) and
  2. Submit through the Site Plan webpage
Site Plan Permits
  1. Complete the Boat Docks Shoreline Modifications for Single-Family Lots Application (PDF) and
  2. Submit through the Site Plan webpage

 

step 3  Apply for a Building Permit

Residential Boat Docks - Requires an approved site plan
  1. Complete the General Permit Application (PDF) and
  2. Submit through Building and Trade Contractor Services
Commercial Boat Docks - Requires an approved site plan
  1. Complete the Commercial Building Application (PDF) and
  2. Submit through Commercial Plan Review
Boat Dock Registration and Renewal

The City of Austin's Boat Dock Registration Program aims to improve boat dock visibility for public safety personnel on the lake when responding to emergency calls for service. This program was established in response to Austin City Council Resolution No. 20130829-078, adopted on August 29, 2013. 

City Ordinance No. 20140626-113 requires properly addressing boat dock structures on Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Walter E. Long (§ 25-2-1180). This is a mandatory measure put forth by the City of Austin. Please note that this registration does not supersede any city permitting requirements.

  Video: Boat Dock Safety & Registration

How to Register or Renew

Follow these steps to submit your application to the City of Austin's Boat Dock Registration Program.

step 1   Take Photos

Take photos of the boat dock showing the address visible from the center line of the channel. Visit the "Addressing a Boat Dock" section to learn how to properly address the boat dock. If photos are not included, an inspector will perform an onsite addressing inspection. The photos can be submitted in step #2.

If you have more than one boat dock structure located at the same address, you will need to address only one of the structures. At your discretion, address your most prominent boat dock. Visit the "What is a Boat Dock?” section for a definition.
 

step 2   Submit the Register a Boat Dock Web Form

Use the Register a Boat Dock web form to submit the required information and upload your photos. There are no fees to register your boat dock.

Register a Boat Dock Web Form 

After staff has received your registration form with current photos or performed an onsite addressing inspection, they will process your application. A staff member will contact you if any additional information is needed. 

  • If you do not receive anything from the Development Services Department regarding your boat dock registration after one week, please reach out through email at boatdockinspections@austintexas.gov. 
  • If your submitted registration form is incomplete or invalid, DSD Environmental Inspections will contact you. 

If you cannot submit your application through the Register a Boat Dock web form, download and complete the Boat Dock Registration form (PDF). Submit the registration form and photos via:

Email

The registration form may be emailed along with photo attachments to boatdockinspections@austintexas.gov.

Mail

Send USPS Certified Mail/Return Receipt Requested to:

City of Austin
Attn: DSD Environmental Inspections
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767

In Person

The registration form may be submitted in person at:
City of Austin Permitting and Development Center
6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. 
Austin, TX 78752

* This is not a mailing address. Registrations mailed to this address will be returned. 

step 3   Onsite Lake Inspection

Once staff has received all required information, a lake inspection of the boat dock will be performed. 
 
If the inspection fails, the inspector will contact the applicant and provide further guidance on how to obtain compliance. 
 

step 4  Boat Dock Registration Issued

After passing the lake inspection, the boat dock registration is issued via email to the applicant. 

Registration Renewal

Registration renewal is required:

  • Residential properties - every 5 years
  • Commercial properties - every 2 years

Follow the registration steps listed in the section above to renew.

Addressing a Boat Dock

City Ordinance No. 20140626-113 requires properly addressing boat dock structures on Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Walter E. Long (§ 25-2-1180). This is a mandatory measure put forth by the City of Austin.

How to address a boat dock

graphic showing where to put boat dock address

To properly address your boat dock, your address should be located on the front of your boat dock and displayed above normal pool elevation. The signage must include the street address of the primary property associated with the dock on the lakeward side of the dock facing centerline of the lake or slough on which it is located. The letters and numbers must be at a minimum of two inches in height and must contrast with the background they are placed on (the preferred lettering is reflective, but this is left at the owner’s discretion). The signage must be constructed with materials that resist water damage and deterioration by ultraviolet light.

What if I have more than one boat dock at my address?

For those who may have more than one boat dock structure located at the same address, you will only need to address one of the structures. At your discretion, address your most prominent boat dock. Visit the "What is a Boat Dock?” section for a definition.

Boat Dock Site Plan Exemption Resources
Boat Dock Site Plan Permit Resources
Contact

For questions about boat dock & bulkhead environmental regulations, please contact DSDEnvironmentalReview@austintexas.gov. 

For inspection-related questions, email boatdockinspections@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-2278.

For complaints, call Austin 3-1-1.