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 |
What you will find on this page:
- What can I do?
- Registering a Boat Dock
- Addressing a Boat Dock
- Boat Dock Site Plan Exemption Resources
- Boat Dock Site Plan Permit Resources
- Contact
What can I do...
- How to Apply
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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.
Apply for Site Plan Exemption or Site Plan Permit
Site Plan Exemptions
- Complete the Site Plan Exemption Application (PDF) and
- Submit through the Land Development Information Services Site Plan Exemption Intake Form
Site Plan Permits
- Complete the Residential New Construction and Addition Permit Application (PDF) and
- Submit through Land Use Review Intake
Apply for a Building Permit
Residential Boat Docks - Requires an approved site plan
- Complete the General Permit Application (PDF) and
- Submit through Building and Trade Contractor Services
Commercial Boat Docks - Requires an approved site plan
- Complete the Commercial Building Application (PDF) and
- Submit through Commercial Plan Review
- Registering a Boat Dock
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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 proper addressing of boat dock structures on Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Walter E. Long (§ 25-2-1180). The registration program's phased implementation launched on July 16, 2018.
How to Register:
Please complete the below steps to submit your application to the City of Austin's Boat Dock Registration Program.
Download
Download and complete the registration form.Attach
Attach photos for proof of proper addressing. The registration form should include recent photos of the boat dock showing the address visible from the center line of the channel. If photos are not included, an inspector will be notified to perform an addressing inspection.Submit
Submit the registration form and photos via:-
Mail
Send USPS Certified Mail/Return Receipt Requested to:
City of Austin
Attn: DSD Environmental Inspections
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767 -
Walk-In
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. -
Online
The registration form may be emailed (with photo attachments) to boatdockinspections@austintexas.gov .
Frequently Asked Questions:
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or download a Fact Sheet for more information on boat dock registration.
Please note that this registration does not supersede any city permitting requirements. -
- Addressing a Boat Dock
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City Ordinance No. 20140626-113 requires proper addressing of boat dock structures on Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Walter E. Long (§ 25-2-1180).
- Boat Dock Site Plan Exemption Resources
- Boat Dock Site Plan Permit Resources
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- Boat Docks Completeness Check (PDF)
- Boat Dock, Bulkhead, and Shoreline Modification Code
- Boat Docks Shoreline Modifications for Single-Family Lots Application (PDF)
- Boat Docks Shoreline Modifications for Single-Family Lots Requirements (PDF)
- City Arborist Review Addendum (PDF)
- Demo Permit (PDF)
- New Construction Application (PDF)
- New Site Plan Submittal
- Contact
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For questions about boat dock & bulkhead environmental regulations, please contact DSDEnvironmentalReview@austintexas.gov.
For complaints and inspections, contact environmental.inspections@austintexas.gov.