Sec. 4. (a) Subject to subsection (b), a riparian owner of land in Indiana bordering upon a navigable stream may do the following without obtaining a permit from the department:
(1) Build and maintain:
(A) within the premises bordering on the stream; and
(B) upon the submerged land beneath the water;
a pier, wharf, dock, or harbor in aid of navigation and commerce.
(2) Use, occupy, and enjoy the constructed item as appurtenant to the owner's land.
(b) A pier, dock, or wharf may not do any of the following:
(1) Extend into the stream further than is necessary to accommodate shipping and navigation.
(2) Obstruct shipping and navigation.