Lake Access Regulations
AKA: Keyhole development, Anti-funneling, riparian lot use regulations
One way local governments can address lake access and overcrowding conflicts is through limiting keyhole developments. Keyhole development, also called funnel development, occurs when a lakefront lot is used to provide lake access to a larger development (like condominiums, campgrounds, or planned unit developments) located away from the lake. This development of a large parcel that has a relatively small, narrow frontage on a body of water can mean heavier use of the lake than is typical from a single family lot. Conflicts that can arise from these developments include increased boating traffic, increased shoreline erosion from boat wakes, water quality impacts, noise, and navigation issues.
Keyhole development regulations can be added to an existing zoning ordinance or adopted as a separate police power ordinance. Local governments should be careful not to prohibit keyhole developments entirely and to use proper justification when developing standards. Establishing lot width requirements for access per dwelling unit and limiting the number of watercraft per dock are two options for local governments.
Additional Reference Material
Municipality | County | Resource Description | Resource Link |
---|---|---|---|
Four Townships Water Resources Council | Barry and Kalamazoo County | Recreational Carrying Capacity Study | Click here |
Little Long Lake | Barry and Kalamazoo County | Recreational and Environmental Carrying Capacity Study | Click here |
Additional Ordinance Examples
Municipality | County | Resource Description | Resource Link |
---|---|---|---|
Wayland Township | Allegan County | Section 3.47: Lake Access Regulations | Click here |
Yankee Springs Township | Barry County | Article XVIII: Riparian Lot Use Regulations | Click here |
Eveline Township | Charlevoix County | Section 4.18: Access to Water Frontage | Click here |
Hayes Township | Charlevoix County | Section 3.14: Waterfront Regulations | Click here |
Lincoln Township | Clare County | Ordinance 38: Lake, Dock and Boating Regulations | Click here |
Genoa Township | Livingstone County | Article 13. Section 13.03: Riparian Lot Common Use (Keyhole) | Click here |