Do property lines extend into the water in Michigan?

Do property lines extend into the water in Michigan?

Riparian owners on inland lakes own the bottomlands of the body of water, but the property lines do not extend straight into the lake as one might think. Instead, Michigan law handles this issue in two different ways, depending on the shape of the lake.

Who owns the land under Lake Michigan?

“The Great Lakes bottomlands are owned by the state of Michigan. Now, when you go up to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the (state) deeded the bottomlands on the Sleeping Bear Dunes’ 35 miles of shoreline to the federal government … they own a quarter mile off of the edge of the water basically.”

Who owns the water on inland lakes in Michigan?

The water within natural inland lakes is held in the public trust. However, property owners here have an ownership stake in the land under the water and can build docks or other structures anchored to the bottom of these lakes. This concept is known as Riparian Rights, and these rights extend to the center of the lake.

What does deeded lake access mean in Michigan?

An easement provides access to the lake by way of a road, walk-way, or across a riparian owner’s property. Property advertised with “deeded access” usually means there is an easement right accompanying the property ownership providing access to the water. The easement language might define the scope of the use.

Can you own a lake in Michigan?

Michigan riparian property owners who own land on navigable inland lakes or streams own the respective bottom lands covered by water, however, they do not own the water or the fish that swim within those waters.

Can you dam a river on your property in Michigan?

In general, a dam that is designed to be 6 feet in height and impound 5 surface acres or more at design flood elevation will require a permit under Part 315. Note that it must meet both the height and the surface area criteria to be regulated by Part 315. Obviously, not all dams require a permit under Part 315.

Is there a such thing as a private lake in Michigan?

This myth is probably grounded in the lack of a universal definition of a “private lake.” Although certain Michigan statutes and court cases have defined what constitutes a private lake for a very limited purpose in a particular context, there is no overarching definition.

What is the law on land ownership in relation to bodies of water?

If the property you own or want to buy is located downstream, you are, by law, “obliged to receive the waters which naturally and without the intervention of man flow from the higher estate, as well as the stone or earth which they carry with them.” This means you cannot build anything on your property that would …

Can you own a piece of ocean?

When my wife and I were on our honeymoon in St. Lucia, I was surprised to learn that the country prohibited the privatization of beaches. Caribbean resort hotels were of course free to control the all of the property leading up to the beach.

What are riparian rights in Michigan?

The State of Michigan defines riparian rights as “those rights which are associated with the ownership of the bank or shore of an inland lake or stream.” This resource was created to provide riparian property owners and members of the general public an outline of essential information pertaining to those riparian legal …

Can you put a dock on Lake Michigan?

Under the Michigan common law, riparian property owners generally have the right to install a dock, as well as a boat hoist and swimming raft, on their bottomlands.

What are the water rights in Michigan?

Michigan landowners have a legal right to use the surface waters immediately adjacent to their property. Land is riparian when it includes or is bounded by a natural watercourse. Littoral land includes or abuts a lake.

Can you own beach in Michigan?

A private property owner may own the land down to the water’s edge, but they must accommodate public trust rights below the OHWM. And the public’s right to walk is not absolute. The exercise of public trust rights is subject to criminal and civil regulation by the Legislature.

Can you build a dock on Lake Michigan?

Individual Permits Any mechanized activities or construction of structures on the Great Lakes shoreline (dredging, filling, building a dock, disking, plowing, mowing, etc.)