AGFC-Owned Lake Land Use Policy
The AGFC Pier and Boathouse Application has moved to our licensing system! Click here to browse specialty permits.
AGFC-Owned Lake Land Use Policy
The AGFC owns many lakes throughout the state to provide fishing for Arkansans. A boundary of ownership exists around each Commission-owned lake. These boundaries are needed to allow fluctuating water levels, protect the public’s investment and ensure public use and access to the shoreline of our lakes. Landowners who live next to AGFC lakes must adhere to special regulations and permitting procedures concerning structures placed on AGFC property. Although homes may be built on the shore of some AGFC lakes, public access and safety must be maintained at all times.
It is the responsibility of the landowner to familiarize themselves with the full AGFC Land Use Policy before conducting any activities on, or that may affect, the commission-owned buffer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Lake Management Buffer is the strip of state-owned land adjacent to AGFC lakes that the commission deems necessary to provide for public access, flood control and lake management. The width of the lake management buffer varies from lake to lake (Section 9 of the LUP specifies these boundaries).
FAQ: Why do AGFC owned lakes have a management buffer?
The state boundary of ownership surrounding AGFC lakes is necessary to provide for fluctuating water levels, to control and protect the public investments and to ensure public use and access to the shoreline of these lakes.
FAQ: How do I determine the AGFC property boundary?
The Commission attempts to maintain boundary markings, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the landowner to consult with a licensed surveyor to determine the extent of ownership and precise boundary locations.
Lakefront property owners may obtain permits to build one pier and either one boathouse or boat slide on the buffer adjacent to their property; structures may not be connected. Structures may only be built using plans available in the AGFC LUP and with approved materials.
FAQ: How do I apply for or renew a permit?
Landowners must go online to the AGFC Licensing website. For applications for boathouses, boatslides, and piers, the following documents must be uploaded:
- A plat map of the landowner’s lakefront property.
- Construction plans for the structure including materials, dimensions, and location.
- Proof of ownership.
All permits must be renewed on the AGFC’s three-year cycle as follows: by Dec. 31, 2024, and by Dec. 31 every third year thereafter (2027, 2030, etc.). Permits issued on or after Nov. 15 of a renewal year will be valid until Dec. 31 of the following renewal year.
FAQ: How do I display my permit?
After payment, AGFC will mail a placard and registration sticker to be displayed with permit numbers purchased by the landowner. On the placard, permit numbers should be placed on the left, and the registration sticker should be on the right. The placard should be placed on the side of the structure facing the lake.
FAQ: Do I need a permit to make repairs to an existing structure?
Permits are not required for making repairs to existing, permitted structures. Permitted structures must be maintained to be safe and in good repair at all times. Repairs do not include the rebuilding of, or addition to existing structures. Retaining walls may not be replaced.
Permits are not transferable upon resale or transfer of ownership of the property. New lakefront owners purchasing properties with an existing pier, boathouse, boat slide or irrigation system must apply for a new permit. New property owners are responsible for permitting or removing the structure within 90 days of taking possession.
FAQ: Can I put up fencing?
Landowners may fence their property, but may not extend onto the buffer; fencing is not allowed on Commission property.
FAQ: Can I store personal property on the buffer?
Landowners may not store personal belongings on commission property and no permanent structures of any kind are allowed, including gardens.
FAQ: There is a dead tree on the AGFC buffer, can I have it removed?
If a tree on AGFC property is deemed to be threatening a house or structure on private property, AGFC will have the tree removed. Contact your local District Fisheries team as soon as possible. The LUP includes instructions for what to do if a fallen tree originating on AGFC property damages private property. AGFC will not pay for damages caused to piers, boathouses, or boat slides. To remove a dead tree on the buffer that is not threatening private property, contact your District Fisheries team for permission to remove at your expense. If found to be in noncompliance with AGFC LUP, landowners may be subject to fines from $100 to $1,000 and the loss of permit privileges.