(Arnolds Park)– Some lakes area businesses are sounding off about new dock rules being proposed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. They say they’re unfair…and plan to show up enmasse at a hearing the DNR will be holding on the proposed new rules Monday in Spirit Lake.
The group feels there’s no need to overhaul existing rules, saying a new requirement for all docks to have 911 addresses posted on them could have been added to existing rules.
They also feel the new fees are unequitable, saying commercial property shouldn’t have to shoulder the cost of administering the rules.
Other concerns expressed by the group: the rules challenge new commercial properties; there are too many limits on private dock owners; condominiums aren’t addressed; they say public safety should be a factor in determining if a dock should be permitted; and that the new proposed rules offer no local officer discretion.
Monday’s hearing on the proposed rule changes will be a come-and-go type of format…from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Dickinson County Community Building. The group is asking people with similar concerns to show up specifically at 6:30 p.m.
