Detroit sits along the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair, and development near these shorelines is subject to Michigan's Great Lakes Submerged Lands Act and local environmental review. The city coordinates with state agencies on projects within the coastal zone.
Michigan's Great Lakes Submerged Lands Act (Part 325 of NREPA) requires permits for construction, dredging, or filling on bottomlands of the Great Lakes and connecting waterways including the Detroit River. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) administers coastal permits. Detroit's zoning ordinance includes waterfront overlay districts that impose additional setbacks and design standards for development near the riverfront. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy works with the city on public access and environmental stewardship along the riverwalk. Projects must also comply with the federal Coastal Zone Management Act through Michigan's approved coastal management program.
Unpermitted construction on Great Lakes bottomlands can result in restoration orders and fines under state law. EGLE may require removal of unauthorized structures. Local zoning violations in waterfront overlay districts are enforced by Detroit BSEED with fines and stop-work orders.
Detroit, MI
Detroit's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict the number, size, or style of residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Re...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no specific ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays (giant snowmen, pumpkins, Santas). Restrictions, if any, come from priva...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no citywide ordinance restricting the time of year, brightness, or duration of residential holiday lights. Restrictions arise mainly from Local H...
Detroit, MI
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Detroit requires separate trade permits from BSEED for any gas line, electrical, or plumbing work, plus a building permit if it...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no ordinance specifically regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills. The City's nuisance and air-quality provisions (Detroit Code Ch...
Detroit, MI
Detroit follows the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by Michigan. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame and charcoal cooking on combustible balcon...
See how Detroit's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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