Indianapolis, IN Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Indianapolis does not regulate boat docks countywide; the dock-permit rule lives in Article II of Chapter 631, Parks and Recreation, and applies specifically to Eagle Creek Reservoir. Sec. 631-222(a) states: 'Any person who constructs a new dock or improvement, modifies a dock or improvement, or owns an existing dock or improvement any part of which is or will be located below the eight hundred fifteen (815) feet mean sea level (M.S.L.) contour line on Eagle Creek Reservoir must secure the following: (1) Permission to encroach issued by the board of public works pursuant to its interest as the holder of a flowage easement on the reservoir if any part of the dock or improvement is or will be located between the seven hundred ninety-five (795) feet M.S.L. and eight hundred fifteen (815) feet M.S.L. contour lines; (2) Permission to encroach issued by the board of public works pursuant to its interest as property owner of the reservoir if any part of the dock or improvement is or will be located below the seven hundred ninety-five (795) feet M.S.L. contour line; (3) A drainage permit issued by the department of public works pursuant to Chapter 561 of this Code; and (4) If the structure is a dock, a permit from the department of parks and recreation.'

To apply, Sec. 631-223 requires filing with the Department of Public Works and describing the proposed dock, and the applicant must also submit an indemnification and hold-harmless agreement (Sec. 631-224) and proof of insurance (Sec. 631-225). Once the Department of Public Works signs off on the encroachment and drainage pieces, the Department of Parks and Recreation issues the dock permit itself under Sec. 631-226(b). A denial can be appealed to the Board of Parks and Recreation within 10 business days for a de novo hearing under Sec. 631-226(c). Owners have an ongoing duty to maintain their docks in compliance under Sec. 631-227, and an existing, out-of-compliance dock gets 60 days to come into line once the city issues written notice under Sec. 631-228.