Army Corps mailed notice on illegal boat docks; Highland Village awaits Corps enforcement

Parks staff updated the board that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent letters to homeowners and homeowners associations regarding illegal boat docks on the lake and set June 1 as a compliance date.

Phil (Parks and Recreation Director) reported that, as of May 13, the Corps had not received widespread negative feedback and said the Corps will handle enforcement and follow‑up. “It’s their lake, and it’s not only here, but it’s all over the lake,” Phil said, explaining that the City holds leases for specific park areas but does not enforce Corps regulations on the lakebed and docks.

Board members asked whether the issue was isolated; staff said illegal docks are found across the lake and that some docks are grandfathered while others were placed without Corps approval. Phil said the Corps had asked for compliance and that the next phases of enforcement will be determined by the Corps; city staff will continue to monitor and provide updates to the board.

Next steps: the board will receive updates as the Corps proceeds; the city clarified that it will not unilaterally enforce Corps dock rules because the Corps has jurisdiction over the lake and associated permitting and lease matters.