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Building a Lakefront Home on Michigan's Cherished Shorelines

The Dream — And the Reality

There's nothing quite like waking up to a Michigan sunrise over the water. The light on the lake, the sound of waves, the sense of space — it's why lakefront lots across West Michigan are among the most sought-after parcels in the Midwest.

But building on the Lake Michigan shoreline, or any of our other treasured shorelines, is not the same as building in a subdivision. The land, the regulations, and the construction process all carry complexities that can surprise first-time lakefront builders. Having built custom homes along our cherished shorelines for decades, here's what we want every prospective owner to know.

Zoning and Setback Requirements

Lakefront properties are governed by layers of regulation that don't apply to inland lots:

  • Critical dune regulations: Michigan's Critical Dune Areas are protected under Part 353 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. If your lot is within a designated critical dune, you'll need a permit from the state — and the restrictions on grading, vegetation removal, and building footprint are significant.
  • High-risk erosion areas (HREAs): The state maintains maps of zones expected to erode over the next 30–60 years. Building within an HREA requires setbacks measured from the projected erosion line, not the current bluff edge.
  • EGLE (Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy): Michigan's EGLE department can significantly complicate lakefront projects. They have the authority to claim jurisdiction over portions of your land, impose additional setbacks, and effectively veto your plans as a landowner. Their involvement adds time, cost, and uncertainty — and it's critical to understand their role before committing to a parcel.
  • Local zoning overlays: Township or city ordinances often add building height limits, lot coverage maximums, and additional setback requirements beyond the state baseline.

Before you commit to a lot, have your builder and a qualified surveyor evaluate the regulatory landscape. A beautiful parcel can become unbuildable — or severely constrained — if the setbacks consume most of the usable footprint.

Site Preparation Is a Project in Itself

Lakefront lots rarely arrive ready for construction. Common site challenges include:

  • Access: Narrow private roads, steep grades, and limited staging areas can complicate deliveries and equipment placement. Some lots require temporary access roads just to get materials in.
  • Soils and water: Sandy soils near the lakeshore drain well, but erosion control becomes a battle. High water tables may prevent the goals of the project entirely, limiting foundation options and restricting what can be built.
  • Utilities: Lakefront parcels often lack municipal sewer, requiring engineered systems — which are becoming ever more complex. With increased setback requirements in northern Michigan counties, and soon to be southern Michigan counties, the size of the parcel can become a real challenge on smaller lots. Well placement and power line routing also need early planning.

Design Considerations Unique to the Lakeshore

The best lakefront homes don't just sit on the water — they respond to it. Design decisions that matter most:

Orientation and Window Placement

West-facing lakefront lots get stunning sunsets but also intense afternoon heat gain. High-performance glass with low solar heat gain coefficients, deep overhangs, and operable shading systems can preserve the view while keeping the home comfortable without enormous cooling costs.

Outdoor Living

Covered porches, screened rooms, and sheltered terraces extend usable living space through Michigan's short but glorious summers. Plan for prevailing winds — lakefront breezes are wonderful in July and punishing in November. Electric heaters and retractable screen systems can dramatically extend the usable season of your outdoor spaces. Windscreens, strategic landscaping, and covered transition zones make outdoor areas comfortable across more of the year.

Material Durability

The exterior material industry is always changing, and new products are always coming and going. With the vast amount of available materials, knowing what works best on lakefront properties is paramount — a remodel on year four would be tragic. Wind-driven sand, moisture, and temperature swings take a toll on exterior surfaces. Budget for lakefront-grade exteriors from the start — retrofitting is always more expensive.

Timeline Expectations

Lakefront builds typically take longer than comparable inland projects. Permitting alone can add around 2 months. Seasonal restrictions on site work near the water (association by-laws, harsher winters, class B roads) can constrain the construction window. A realistic timeline from design start to move-in is 12–18 months depending on complexity and permitting.

Start With the Right Team

The most important decision in a lakefront build isn't the floor plan or the finishes — it's the team. You need a builder with specific lakeshore experience: someone who knows the regulatory environment, has relationships with local officials, understands the soil and water conditions, and can anticipate problems before they become expensive surprises.

If you're considering a lakefront project along any of Michigan's beautiful shorelines, we'd welcome the chance to walk the site with you and talk through what's possible. Get in touch to start the conversation.