Iowa Code § 462A.32: Rules for buoys.

1. No private buoy shall be maintained in the waters of this state under the jurisdiction of the commission except as specified by the rules of the commission.

2. No other obstruction of any kind shall be maintained in the waters of this state under the jurisdiction of the commission without first receiving permission from the commission to maintain such obstruction.

3. It is unlawful to tamper with, move or attempt to move or, except in an emergency, moor a vessel to any waterway marker or state-approved buoy or sign.

4. No boat shall be anchored away from the shore and left unguarded unless it is attached to a legal buoy.