Bois d'Arc Lake Dock and Shoreline Rules FAQ (NTMWD Shoreline Management Plan)
Cypress Point Lake, Shoreline and Dock FAQ
Straight answers about owning land on Bois d’Arc Lake: where your property ends, what you can do on the shoreline, and what a private dock can look like. The lake and the land below the 541-foot line belong to North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), so NTMWD’s rules decide. Answers cite the plan section and page.
“SMP” = NTMWD Bois d’Arc Lake Shoreline Management Plan (SMP), December 2023. “App.” = SMP appendix. Page numbers are the printed page labels. Elevations are feet above mean sea level (MSL). The plan can change, so always confirm with NTMWD before you design or buy.
Register interest Call 214-714-5638
Land, Water Levels and What You Own
Do I own the shoreline?
You own your lot, not the lake bed or the strip of land at the water. NTMWD owns the lake and all land below the 541-foot contour in fee. Lakefront lots are platted to the 541-foot contour (see the plat), so your private land starts there and runs up the hill. The shoreline strip between 534 ft (normal lake level) and 541 ft belongs to NTMWD.
Owners of lots next to that strip can apply to NTMWD for a Shoreline Lease and Use Agreement. It allows things like a dock, a walking path and limited clearing on NTMWD land, but it is a permit, not ownership, and it gives no exclusive rights beyond what the agreement says.
Cite: SMP §2.5–2.6, pp. 2-2 to 2-3 (elevations); §4.2.10, pp. 4-5 to 4-6 (no exclusive rights); §4.3.1.1, p. 4-8; Cypress Point Declaration §2.1.5.
What do the elevation numbers (516, 525, 534, 541, 545) mean?
Elevation (MSL)
What it is
Who owns / what applies
545 ft
About the 500-year flood level (0.2% yearly chance). Highest planning limit for the lake.
Top of the flowage and flood easement area (“typically” 541–545). Private land.
541 ft
The 100-year flood level (1% yearly chance).
NTMWD ownership line. Your platted lot begins here. Flowage and flood easement begins here.
534 ft
Normal operating (“full”) pool. This is “the shoreline” for planning. All dock measurements start here.
NTMWD-owned land and water. Docks, spacing and distances are measured from the 534 contour.
525 ft
Public boat ramps generally close at or below about this level.
Access limit, set by NTMWD.
516 ft
Projected lowest lake level.
Most of the time the lake is projected between 520 and 534 ft.
Source: SMP §2.6, pp. 2-2 to 2-3, and Figure 2-1; §2.5, p. 2-2; §5.2.4, p. 5-5.
What is the flowage easement, and what can I do on that land?
NTMWD bought a Permanent Flowage and Flood Easement over private land that can flood in big storms. The SMP says these easements are “typically” between the 541-foot and 545-foot contours (about the 500-year flood level). The land is still yours and you keep the right to use it, but you cannot build permanent structures there (buildings, ditches, roads, wells, utility lines), cannot excavate or fill, and cannot put in a septic system. NTMWD can flood it when the lake rises and is not responsible for damage or clean-up.
On the 541–545 easement strip (your land)
Rule
Permanent structures, buildings, roads, wells, utility lines
Not allowed by the easement.
Septic systems and drain fields
Not allowed.
Excavation or filling
Not allowed.
Lawn, landscaping, walking, yard use
You keep the right to use the land. NTMWD is not responsible for damage from flooding or for silt and debris.
Other improvements
Check the easement deed for the exact rights kept. NTMWD may allow some improvements here instead of on its shoreline land, using the same application process (SMP Section 6).
Source: SMP §2.5, p. 2-2 (“Property owners are advised to check flowage easement deeds”).
Plan on building your home above the easement. That means above about 545 ft, but the exact easement line is in the recorded deeds and on the plat, so your builder and surveyor should confirm it lot by lot. Fannin County floodplain rules apply separately (see the County question below).
Cite: SMP §2.5, p. 2-2.
What can I do on the NTMWD shoreline strip (534 to 541 ft) in front of my lot?
Only what an NTMWD Shoreline Lease and Use Agreement allows, and only where the shoreline is classified Dock Capable (or Limited Development for some items). Without an agreement you may not clear, cut, build, plant, store things, park or dock there.
Activity on NTMWD land
What the SMP says
SMP cite
Boat dock
Possible in Dock Capable zones with an agreement. Individual docks: 1–2 slips.
§4.3.1.1, p. 4-8
Walking path to the water
Can be authorized. Maximum 5 ft wide, must meander with the land, shortest meandering route, no timbers, no digging or fill, no bridges. Trees may be limbed up to 5 ft wide and 7 ft tall.
§4.3.1.3, pp. 4-11 to 4-12
Cutting or thinning trees and brush
Needs prior written NTMWD approval in the agreement. Trees and shrubs up to 2 inches in diameter (measured at ground level) may be removed. Flowering natives (dogwood, redbud, serviceberry) cannot be removed at any size. No topping. Under-brushing limited to 100 ft from a facility. No tractors or herbicides.
§4.3.1.2, pp. 4-10 to 4-11
Clearing standing timber below 534
Only with a dock application, an NTMWD timber plan, and a USACE review. Maximum 0.5 acre and a 50-ft-wide boat lane per dock.
§4.3.1.1, pp. 4-9 to 4-10
Deck, patio, pergola, gazebo
Possible with an agreement. At least 50 ft back from the 534 line, open on all sides, anchored, flood-tolerant. Max 15 ft tall, and no more than 1,000 sq ft total footprint for all land-based facilities combined. No storage, no habitation, no pressure-treated wood.
§4.3.1.4, pp. 4-12 to 4-13
Turf grass, non-native plants, fertilizer, pesticide, fuel storage
Not allowed on NTMWD land.
§4.3.1.2, p. 4-11; §4.3.1.4, p. 4-12
Breakwaters, mooring buoys, dredging by an individual
Not allowed without prior approval (buoys are not allowed anywhere on the lake; individuals may not dredge).
§4.3.1.1, pp. 4-8 and 4-10; §5.2.8, p. 5-11
Parking or vehicles
Not allowed on NTMWD land.
§4.3.1.1, p. 4-8
Source: SMP Sections 4.3.1.1–4.3.1.4.
Owned acres vs. usable acres: how big is my lot really?
Lot sizes at Cypress Point are the platted, owned acres, and every lot is 1+ acre owned. On lakefront lots, the platted area ends at the 541-foot contour. The shoreline strip below it (541 down to 534 ft) is NTMWD land and is not part of your acreage, and the 541–545 easement strip is part of your acreage but cannot hold structures.
Where an NTMWD agreement allows it, you may be able to use the shoreline strip for a dock and path, so lakefront lots can feel larger. That use is a permit, can be limited or denied, is non-exclusive, and is not counted in the acreage we quote. We do not state a number for the extra usable shoreline on any lot, because it varies with the lake level and depends on NTMWD approval.
Cite: SMP §2.5–2.6, pp. 2-2 to 2-3; §4.2.10, pp. 4-5 to 4-6; Cypress Point plat and Declaration §2.1.5.
What is the terrain like? Is it wooded?
Cypress Point is a wooded site with changing elevations. The plat and Dock Exhibit show the land with 2-foot contours, so every lot has its own grade and your builder will want a topographic survey early. Cypress Point also protects mature trees: clear-cutting is prohibited and hardwoods 6 inches or more in diameter need ACC approval (Design Guidelines).
Cite: Dock Exhibit (EX-01/EX-02) legend “Existing 2-foot contours”; Design Guidelines tree preservation section.
Boat Docks: Size, Spacing and Rules (East of the FM 897 Bridge)
Which dock rules apply at Cypress Point?
Cypress Point is on the east side of the FM/SH 897 bridge. The SMP uses the bridge to split dock spacing rules: 100 feet between docks east of the bridge, 200 feet west of it. On the SMP water-surface map (Figure 3-2) the east side is mostly Open Recreation water and the west side is mostly Fish & Wildlife Habitat. Lakefront shoreline must also be classified Dock Capable on NTMWD’s shoreline map, and NTMWD decides lot by lot.
Rule
East of FM 897 bridge (Cypress Point)
West of FM 897 bridge
Minimum space between docks (closest point to closest point, at 534)
100 ft
200 ft
Docks facing each other across a cove
100 ft end to end
100 ft end to end
Max distance out from the 534 contour (gangway + dock + walkway)
120 ft
120 ft
Max reach into a cove
1/3 of the cove width
1/3 of the cove width
Minimum water depth where gangway meets dock, at 534
3 ft
3 ft
Source: SMP §5.2.2, p. 5-3 (Figures 5-1 and 5-2, p. 5-4); §5.2.3, pp. 5-4 to 5-5; §5.2.4, p. 5-5; App. F §2.2, pp. F-7 to F-8. Water-surface classes: SMP §3.3, pp. 3-5 to 3-6 and Figure 3-2, p. 3-6.
The Cypress Point Dock Exhibit repeats the east-of-bridge 100-foot rule (SMP §5.2.2) and the 1/3-cove rule (§5.2.3).
How big a boat dock can I build? How wide? How long?
Private docks are sized by the SMP. The numbers below are the standard limits for an individual dock. NTMWD can approve less in a specific spot (for example if depth, a cove, or spacing limits the site).
Component
Minimum
Maximum
Notes
Dock (platform) total area
200 sq ft
1,000 sq ft
Gangway area is not counted. Roof overhang up to 24 in. is not counted.
Dock width
10 ft
60 ft
No side under 10 ft.
Dock length
10 ft
60 ft
Gangway (unsupported ramp) length
20 ft
60 ft
60 ft only if the 120-ft, 1/3-cove, 100-ft spacing and navigation tests are met.
Gangway width
3 ft
6 ft
Main walkway and walkway fingers
3 ft
6 ft
Fingers are the walkways between slips.
Slip (boat berth) width
n/a
12 ft
Slip length
n/a
30 ft
Slip sizes cap the boat that fits. Impact design assumes vessels under 60 ft.
Total reach from the 534 contour (gangway + dock + supported walkway)
n/a
120 ft
Also limited to 1/3 of the cove width.
Levels
1
1 (single level)
No second story or upper deck.
Roof overhang (optional roof)
0 in.
24 in.
Source: SMP Table 5-1, p. 5-7; §5.2.8 (“Dock Size” p. 5-8; “Standards for Gangways” p. 5-8); App. F §2.3, pp. F-8 to F-9.
Quick answers: up to 1,000 sq ft; no more than 60 ft wide and 60 ft long; a gangway up to 60 ft and 6 ft wide; the entire structure within 120 ft of the 534 line.
Can a dock have a second story or an upper deck?
No. Docks are limited to one level. Rooftop decks of any kind are prohibited, elevated platforms are prohibited, and enclosed docks are not allowed (all sides must stay open).
Cite: SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-8 (“Docks are limited to one level”), p. 5-10 (“elevated platforms are prohibited”); App. F §2.3(2)(h), p. F-9 (“one level only”); §2.6(2)(f), p. F-10 (“Rooftop decks of any kind are prohibited”); §2.6(12)(a), p. F-12 (all sides open).
Can I put a roof or cover on my dock? How much covered area?
A roof is optional. If you build one it must be gabled with a single pitch (no flat roofs), pitched at least 3:12, made of metal (minimum 28-gauge steel or 0.032-inch aluminum, no asphalt shingles), in brown, green, gray or earth tones, and overhang no more than 24 inches. Solar panels may be attached to the roof. Swim decks must stay uncovered.
The SMP does not set a separate maximum roof or covered area. The practical limit is the dock’s 1,000 sq ft maximum (overhang beyond 24 in. counts toward it) and the 60-ft width and length caps. Large boating accessories may be stored in the attic space under the roof if the roof pitch and load limits are not exceeded.
Cite: SMP §5.2.8, pp. 5-8 and 5-9 (Roofs); App. F §2.6(2), p. F-10; §2.6(12)(g), p. F-12.
How many boat slips and boat lifts can I have?
Item
Limit
Cite
Slips on an individual dock
1 or 2
SMP §4.3.1.1, p. 4-8
Slip size
Up to 12 ft wide x 30 ft long
SMP Table 5-1, p. 5-7
Boat lifts
One lift per slip, inside the slip
SMP §5.2.5, p. 5-6; App. F §2.6(7), p. F-11
Personal watercraft (jet ski) lifts
Up to two, inside a slip or on the shore side of the dock
SMP §5.2.5, p. 5-6; §5.2.8, p. 5-10; App. F §2.6(7), p. F-11
Used lifts from other lakes
Not allowed
SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-10; App. F p. F-11
Storage chest
One per slip, max 8 x 3 x 2.5 ft, no fuel or chemicals; 3 ft of open walkway must remain
SMP §5.2.8, pp. 5-9 to 5-10; App. F §2.6(12), p. F-12
Swim deck
Max 200 sq ft, uncovered, not on the shore side, counts toward total dock area; no diving boards, slides or elevated platforms
SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-10; App. F §2.6(8), p. F-11
Mooring buoys
Not allowed anywhere on the lake
SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-11
Source: SMP Section 5 and App. F as cited. Every lift must appear on the engineer-stamped plans.
Do docks have to be solar powered? Are generators allowed?
Solar: yes, required. All electricity on the dock must come from on-site solar, including lighting and lift motors. Wiring must meet the National Electrical Code and be certified by a licensed Texas electrician. No power line from the shore is allowed.
Generators: the plan does not mention them. The word “generator” does not appear in the SMP. But the plan says all electrical needs must come from on-site solar, and it bans storing fuel or hazardous materials on docks. Those two rules together mean a fuel-powered generator on the dock should not be expected to be approved. Ask NTMWD before planning one.
Cite: SMP §5.2.7, p. 5-7 (“All electrical needs must be supplied by on-site solar”); §5.2.8 “Electric Service,” p. 5-10; §5.2.9 item 4, p. 5-12 (no fuel or hazardous materials on docks); App. F §2.6(9), p. F-11 (“On-site solar only”); §2.6(12)(f), p. F-12.
What about dock lighting, materials and other equipment rules?
Topic
Rule
Cite
Lighting
A dusk-to-dawn light is required at the end of the dock. Fixed, not flashing. Yellow, amber or white (LED under 3,000 K). No red or green. Aimed down and shielded. No decorative, string, party or underwater lights.
SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-10; App. F §2.6(10), p. F-11
Reflectors
Required on the water-side end and along both sides every 10 ft. White, blue or red, at least 3 in.
App. F §2.6(11), p. F-11
Materials
Deck, substructure and superstructure: recycled plastic, galvanized metal or aluminum. No pressure or chemically treated wood. All new materials.
SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-9; App. F §2.7, p. F-12
Dock type
Fixed or floating-pole docks only. Floating docks are not allowed.
SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-7; App. F §2.1, p. F-7
Handrails
About 42 in. high with a guardrail about 20 in. below, on at least one side of the gangway and around the dock perimeter.
SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-9
Prohibited amenities
Grills, hot tubs, showers, fire pits, ceiling fans, TVs, permanent stereos, satellite dishes, indoor furniture, sinks, cabinets, appliances, plants, birdhouses, diving boards, slides and anything that looks like human habitation.
SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-11
Fish-cleaning pump
One recirculating pump up to 5 gal/min, all on the dock; no pipes from the lake to shore; no irrigation pumps.
SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-10; App. F §2.6(13), p. F-12
Plans and builders
Engineer-stamped plans (Texas PE) and an NTMWD-registered contractor. Alterations need approval.
SMP §5.2.6–5.2.7, pp. 5-6 to 5-7
Source: SMP Section 5.2.8 and App. F Section 2.
Will my dock always be usable? What about low water and drought?
No dock is guaranteed to be usable at all lake levels. The lake is a water-supply reservoir, not a constant-level lake, and NTMWD will not manage lake levels just to keep boats afloat. Docks may be unusable in floods or in drought lasting months or years, and owners accept all the risk. NTMWD checks depth against the normal 534-ft level only: you need at least 3 ft of water where the gangway meets the dock at 534.
Item
Detail
Cite
Projected low level
About 516 ft; most of the time between 520 and 534 ft
SMP §2.6, p. 2-2
Public ramps
Generally close when the lake falls below about 525 ft
SMP §2.6, p. 2-2; §5.2.4, p. 5-5
Dock inspections
Usually done when the lake is between 526 and 534 ft
SMP §5.2.4, p. 5-5
Gangway slope
Designed for a maximum 4:1 slope at the lowest level the dock supports (not lower than 524 ft)
App. F §2.6(4), p. F-10
Floating-pole docks
Typically about 10 ft of vertical travel (more with engineering)
SMP §5.2.8, p. 5-8
Source: SMP Sections 2.6 and 5.2.4.
Can the water near the dock be dredged deeper?
Dredging around the community dock and boardwalk is planned, subject to approvals. We have not seen a document showing any dredging approval for Cypress Point yet.
Here is what the plan says: private individuals cannot dredge, and dredging is not allowed for individual docks. Dredging may be allowed for community docks or commercial uses such as marinas, but only if (1) NTMWD gives prior written approval, (2) the applicant then obtains state or federal permits, including a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit, (3) the signed Corps permit is given to NTMWD to finish the agreement, and (4) NTMWD is told the start and end dates and the methods. NTMWD’s standard lease does not authorize dredging unless a written special condition does, and the process “may be a lengthy process.” NTMWD’s own FAQ says dredging is not permissible by private individuals.
Cite: SMP §4.3.1.1 “Dredging,” p. 4-10; §4.3.1.1, p. 4-8 (individual docks); App. C General Condition 28, p. C-19; App. F, p. F-34 (“Dredging for individual docks is not allowed”); App. K FAQ, p. K-10.
How does the community dock work? Can I buy a slip if my lot is not dockable?
Cypress Point plans one community dock with 20 slips (plus one fishing dock), subject to NTMWD approval. The SMP allows a private community dock of up to 20 slips. The agreement is held by the homeowners association, and the dock is for members only. The SMP says community docks may give lake access to members who do not otherwise have shoreline access or whose shoreline is unsuitable for a dock. Under the Cypress Point Declaration, slips are licenses (not deeds) and are meant for owners who do not have a private dock.
Item
Detail
Cite
Max slips
20
SMP §4.3.1.1, p. 4-8
Who holds the agreement
The HOA (a legal entity with adjacent-owner members)
SMP §4.3.1.1, p. 4-8
Who may use it
Members only, not the public
SMP §4.3.1.1, p. 4-8
Parking or vehicles on NTMWD land
Prohibited
SMP §4.3.1.1, p. 4-8
Walkway or boardwalk on NTMWD land
The SMP standard for a walkway to the water is a footpath up to 5 ft wide that follows the land, with no digging, fill or bridges, so any boardwalk design on NTMWD land is subject to NTMWD approval
SMP §4.3.1.3, pp. 4-11 to 4-12
Cypress Point community dock
Planned: 20 slips, plus a fishing dock; subject to NTMWD approval of the final design
Cypress Point Dock Exhibit
Source: SMP §4.3.1.1; Cypress Point Dock Exhibit; Declaration §3.14.
Permits, Fees and Timing
How do I get a dock approved? What is the process?
Step
What happens
Cite
1
Own the lot next to NTMWD land; confirm the shoreline is Dock Capable on the NTMWD map.
SMP §5.2.1, p. 5-3; App. F §2.2, p. F-7
2
Site visit with NTMWD staff before you apply (done when the lake is about 526–534 ft).
SMP §5.2.1, p. 5-3; §5.2.4, p. 5-5
3
Apply online through NTMWD’s MGO Connect portal with engineer-stamped plans, a registered contractor and the electrical certification. Apply within 30 days of buying the lot if transferring an existing agreement.
SMP Section 6, pp. 6-1 to 6-5; §4.3.1.1, p. 4-8; §5.2.6–5.2.7
4
NTMWD reviews and approves or denies at its discretion. First-come, first-served if two docks would conflict.
SMP §5.2.1, p. 5-3; §5.2.4, p. 5-6
5
Sign the Shoreline Lease and Use Agreement before any work starts. Fees are listed in App. D.
SMP Section 6; §4.3.1.1, p. 4-9; App. D
6
Build with a registered contractor; erosion control goes in with the dock (at least 50 ft of shoreline protection on each side, or to the side-yard line).
SMP §4.3.1.1, pp. 4-7 to 4-8; §4.6
7
Display the NTMWD tags; renew every 5 years; agreement does not transfer with the lot.
SMP §4.2.8, p. 4-5; §5.2.8, p. 5-10; §6.10, p. 6-5
Source: SMP Sections 4, 5, 6.
The Cypress Point ACC also reviews private docks as part of the home and lot plans (see the Building FAQ).
What does an NTMWD dock agreement cost?
Fee
Amount
Cite
Application and first year (individual dock)
$750
SMP App. D, p. D-3
Years 2 to 5 (annual)
$325 per year
SMP App. D, p. D-3
Vegetation modification
$500
SMP App. D, p. D-3
Standing-timber request
$250
SMP App. D, p. D-3
Other items (access paths, land-based facilities, etc.)
$500
SMP App. D, p. D-3
Renewal
50% of the original fee; the $325 annual fee continues in each later 5-year term
SMP App. D, p. D-3
Appeals
$250 (revocation) / $100 (denial of conditions)
SMP App. D, p. D-3
Source: SMP App. D (Fee Schedule), p. D-3. When several shoreline activities are on one agreement, only the higher fee is assessed. Fees are from the December 2023 plan; confirm current amounts with NTMWD.
NTMWD can change its fees, and has discussed adjusting the Bois d’Arc Lake first-year fee, so confirm the current amount with NTMWD before you budget. Fees are separate from the cost of the dock itself.
Cite: Agreements run for a 5-year term (SMP §4.2.8, p. 4-5).
Who do I call at NTMWD?
NTMWD’s Bois d’Arc Lake Operations Center is at 4989 FM 897, Dodd City, TX 75438. The plan lists the Lake Operations Center at 469-626-4760 and the Lake Permitting Department at 469-626-4765. You can also email BoisdArcLake@NTMWD.com or visit boisdarclake.org.
Cite: SMP App. J (Points of Contact), p. J-3; NTMWD Bois d’Arc Lake Shoreline Management brochure.
Fannin County, Floodplain and Building
What does Fannin County require near the lake?
Fannin County has Lake Zoning Regulations that apply within 5,000 feet of the 534-ft shoreline. New structures over 1,000 sq ft need a Lake Area Development (Building) Permit from the Commissioners Court (exemptions include agricultural buildings and accessory buildings on lots of 2 acres or more); the County reviews applications within 30 business days. The County’s use table lists boat docks as a permitted use, with a definition noting that NTMWD approval is required because NTMWD owns the lake land. The County also has a floodplain ordinance: a Floodplain Development Permit (application via MyPermitNow.org, a $30 non-refundable fee, a Base Flood Elevation certificate and topographic information) is required for development in the mapped floodplain.
Cite: Fannin County Bois d’Arc Lake Zoning Regulations (rev. Aug 2023): §1.04 (Areas Subject to Lake Zoning Regulations), §8.04 (Lake Area Development Permit, p. 70), Definitions (“Boat Dock”); Fannin County Floodplain Permit Instructions.
Public Access and Shoreline Use
Can the public use the shoreline in front of my lot?
The public has the right to use the waters of the lake, and adjacent landowners may not interfere with that. The SMP also says it is not NTMWD’s intent to allow general public access to the lands and shorelines adjacent to private property, and owners of authorized facilities may take reasonable steps to protect their property from theft, vandalism or trespass. A dock agreement gives you no exclusive use rights and no real estate rights, you may not interfere with NTMWD staff who monitor and enforce the agreement, and parking and vehicles are not allowed on NTMWD land.
Cite: SMP §4.2.10, pp. 4-5 to 4-6; §4.3.1.1, p. 4-8.
This FAQ summarizes public NTMWD and Fannin County documents and is not legal advice. NTMWD may change the plan, fees and classifications at any time. Dock approval is never guaranteed. Always confirm with NTMWD and read the Cypress Point plat, Declaration and Design Guidelines before you buy.
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