The Tyler City Council approved changes to the city code on Wednesday, updating rules for Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East. The goal is to improve public safety, protect the environment and help keep the lakes healthy for the future, according to a city press release.

The changes include the following updates:

• Boating and Watercraft Rules: New definitions and rules to help make boating safer and easier to understand on both lakes.

• Construction and Leasing: Clearer rules for building and leasing lake lots. This includes new requirements for building boathouses, piers and other structures on leased land.

• Environmental and Sanitation Standards: Stronger rules to protect the lakes as sources of drinking water. Plumbing is no longer allowed in boathouses, and no sanitary facilities are allowed within 100 feet of the 378-foot mean sea level mark. These rules now match state guidelines.

• City Authority: The changes confirm the City of Tyler’s control over the lakes and nearby city-owned land to help manage safety and protect the environment.

• Fee Schedule: The updated fee schedule now matches the actual cost of managing the lake rules and services.

The new rules take effect right away, and the city will follow updated procedures to enforce them.