Updated 11/26/2024

Before you can begin construction of your new lake house, you must apply for a building permit. The requirements for the building permit include submitting a site plan and having a land use permit. Both of which require complying with local zoning ordinances.

It is important to understand that zoning ordinances vary by each township, and their interpretation can be difficult. This is why it is essential to thoroughly research the ordinances and anticipate how they may apply to your situation. Also, note that zoning may apply differently to existing structures versus new construction.

Building a waterfront or lakeshore home means paying particular attention to specific zoning rules governing bodies of water, streams, and wetlands. This is important to understand before applying for site plan and building permits. Lakeshore Custom Homes has years of experience and we can guide you through this process and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Why Zoning?

Zoning ordinances are intended to regulate land use for the greater good of the community.

Local zoning ordinances define what use is allowable. Zoning laws also help assure that homes will be built in compliance with the Michigan State Construction Code and the Department of Public Health.

Zoning defines what uses are approved and describes non-buildable areas and non-conforming uses.

Understanding the zoning for a parcel of land is essential, especially before purchasing the land, so your intended use doesn’t conflict with the ordinance. Of course, you can petition for a variance, but that can be challenging.

Examples of zoning that affects building a Lakehouse

• Setbacks are common requirements for all new home construction, but bodies of water create special rules that must be factored into your site design.
• Townships, such as Frankfort, Empire, Leland, or Suttons Bay for example, with Lake Michigan frontage will also define the Waterfront Setback Datum.
• Zoning ordinances usually regulate boat houses. For example, Glen Arbor township restricts the number of stories and height of boathouses but makes no setback restrictions regarding shorelines.
• Docks, shoreline retaining walls, and dredging also fall under zoning ordinances.
• Lake Access easement is another consideration when planning to build a lakefront home. Most townships outline flood insurance requirements.
• Lot coverage, or the amount of area that your home will occupy, is another definition that you need to be mindful of when planning your new home and any other structures. Sometimes lots, especially smaller ones, may not accommodate the floorplan that you have in mind.
• Of special note to building in Northern Michigan are the Michigan Wetlands Protection Act, the Shorelands Protection and Management Act, and the Michigan Sand Dunes Protection and Management Act. We are well versed in complying with each of these and can advise you if your property is affected by these laws.

Lakeshore Custom Homes pays attention to all the details that make for an extraordinary home. Our attention to these details helps make your home-building experience less stressful and more enjoyable.

Be sure to read our article, Things to Consider Before Building A Lake House, for more waterfront home construction tips and ideas.

Please view our portfolio to see examples of some of the finest homes in Northern Michigan.

Are you ready to make your dream home a reality?
Contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your home building plans. We’ll be with you every step of the way to guide you to the perfect home.

(Updated 2/16/2023)

A home on the lake is a dream for many. You envision the perfect spot, lake or stream, summer days filled with rest, relaxation, beautiful sunrises, or sunsets—a place to retreat from the stresses of daily life. However, the last thing you want is a poorly chosen or planned home site.

Lakeshore Custom Homes specializes in waterfront custom homes. We have plenty of experience to help you build the perfect waterfront home that you’ll enjoy for years to come. So let our expertise guide you to the ideal new home in Northern Michigan.

When looking for the perfect waterfront property, consider the following significant factors:

View
A big part of owning a waterfront home is the satisfaction of a fantastic water view! But does the property have a good view of the water?

Sun
Where will the sun rise and set?  Consider how the sun will fall throughout the day. This can help you determine the orientation of your home. You will want to consider how this will affect the ideal location of decks, awnings, the size and placement of windows, landscaping, etc.

Water
How will you access your lake or other body of water? How accessible is it? Will you need stairs? Is your lake an “All Access” lake, or are motorboats prohibited? Will you need retention walls or other erosion control? What is the historical high-water mark, and how might that affect things in the future? How do the seasons affect the water levels? Are there any dams that control the water level? (Lake Leelanau and Lower Herring lake are both managed by dams.)

How deep is the water table? Will you need a sump pump or special septic system? Is a public sewer service available?

Is your beach area swimmable? Is the bottom sandy or rocky?

Wind
From which direction does the prevailing wind come? How will breezes affect your enjoyment of your property? Will you need a windbreak or landscaping to manage it?

Trees and Landscaping
Do any trees affect the view of the lake? Will this change over time? Will tree roots threaten septic systems or the house foundation in the future? What landscaping might you wish to add? Do you want additional privacy, wind protection, and possibly adding trees or shrubs to manage snow drifts in the winter?

Lake or Homeowner Associations
Associations may add additional restrictions beyond local zoning ordinances. Will association rules conflict with your personal enjoyment of the water and your home? Associations, while sometimes restrictive, are often helpful in maintaining lakes and implementing improvements by allowing members to combine resources.

Privacy and Noise
A busy lake with a lot of boat traffic may not offer the privacy you desire. Noise may be a problem as well. Lake Michigan’s beaches are public property (up to the high-water mark), and you’ll likely have people strolling the beaches. Private lakes offer more control over the beaches, but you still may have boaters.

Please view our portfolio to see examples of some of the finest homes in Northern Michigan.

Are you ready to make your dream home a reality?
Contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your home-building plans. We’ll be with you every step of the way to guide you to the perfect home.