Building Near a Lake or Wetland in Southeast Michigan
Why Water Changes The Plan
A home near water does not always sit where you first pictured it. We settle that early, so your designer starts from the right spot.
We work alongside your architect or designer. They lead the design. We keep you informed at every step and build it with care.
Lakes And Wetlands
How Far The Home Sits From The Water
The distance differs a great deal from one town to the next, and on some streets a new home lines up with its neighbors so no view is blocked. We work out the line for your lot early, with the town.
Wetlands
A wetland is not always obvious. It can be a low, damp corner of a wooded lot, and towns such as West Bloomfield and Superior Township look after theirs closely. We have your lot checked before the design goes far.
Rivers With Extra Protection
Stretches of the Huron River and some of its creeks carry added protection, as in Scio Township. On a lot beside one, we confirm what applies with the town before design begins.
Land That Can Flood
Some land near water is mapped as likely to flood, and that bears on how high the home sits. Ann Arbor is one town where this comes up. We check your lot against the maps early.
Seawalls, Docks And The Shore
Work at the water’s edge often has its own approval, sometimes from a separate board and sometimes from the state as well. We find out who signs off on your shoreline, lake association included, and handle the applications.
Sewer Or Septic
Without public sewer, a lake lot needs room for a septic system set back from the water, and that room can decide where the home goes. We look at both together, and our guide to wells, septic and sewer goes further.
General information, not legal advice. Each town, county and state office decides what applies to a property.
Questions About Building Near Water
How close to a lake can a new home be?
It differs from lake to lake and town to town. We work out where a home sits on your lot with the town before the design begins.
How do I know whether a lot has a wetland?
You often cannot tell by looking. We have the lot checked by someone qualified and confirm with the town what it covers.
Can I replace an older lake house with a larger one?
That is decided property by property, so the old house is no measure of the new one. We check with the town for your address before you commit to anything.
Should I have a lot checked before I buy it?
Yes. Where a home can sit shapes what the lot is worth to you, so send us the address and we look at it with you first.
Who deals with the town and the state?
We do. We arrange the checks, prepare the applications and answer the questions that come back.
General information, not legal advice.
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