Sterling Heights, MI Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Chapter 43 of the Sterling Heights Code of Ordinances, the "Recreational Waters Ordinance" adopted by Ordinance No. 260 in 1987, defines RECREATIONAL WATERS broadly as any waters, waterway, lake, river, tributary, canal, drain, lagoon, retention basin or connecting waters within the boundaries of the city, whether man-made or natural, in section 43-2. Section 43-8 bars anyone from constructing, maintaining or placing a dock, pier or raft on those waters without first securing City of Sterling Heights Building Department approval, granted under regulations the City Manager promulgates.

That reach is wider than it looks: while sections 43-4 and 43-5 carve the Clinton River out of the boating and fishing bans, section 43-8 carries no such exception, so a dock on the Clinton River inside city limits needs the same Building Department sign-off as one on a subdivision retention pond or drain. , and may permit an activity only after finding it will not unreasonably interfere with public enjoyment of the waters, will not detract from public health, welfare, safety or recreation, is not reasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime or disorderly conduct, and will not entail unusual, extraordinary or burdensome expense to the city.

A PERMIT under section 43-2 means written permission from the City Manager or a designated agent. The chapter carries no printed dock permit fee, so applicants work through the Building Department for the current application and fee. Chapter 43 also bans unauthorized swimming, unlicensed or motor-propelled boats, ice fishing outside designated areas, and dumping into the waterway, all enforced against the same recreational-waters definition and City Manager permitting structure.