Northwest Michigan Permitting

Does Your Project
Need a Permit? Projects near Michigan's shorelines require state, county, and township permits. We handle the entire process — so you don't have to think twice.

Why It Matters

Protecting Michigan's Shoreline Every permitting requirement in Michigan exists to protect our freshwater resources. Properties near Lake Michigan, wetlands, or critical dunes are subject to extra scrutiny — and for good reason. Unpermitted work near water accelerates erosion and damages ecosystems. We make sure your project protects the landscape it's built in.

Order of Operations

Permits Work Top Down State approval must come before county, county before township. Skip the order and your project stalls.

Step 1 — State & Federal EGLE & Army Corps Permit Required for critical dunes, Lake Michigan shores, and wetland-adjacent properties. One joint application covers both agencies. Must be approved before anything else.

Step 2 — County Soil & Erosion Permit Required in both Grand Traverse and Leelanau County for medium to large-scale work. In hand before township will act.

Step 3 — Township Local Permits Each township has its own setbacks, surface reviews, and planting rules. Often the most variable and time-consuming layer.

We manage all three layers — from EGLE to your township's final sign-off — before work begins.

County Requirements

Grand Traverse & Leelanau

Grand Traverse County Soil & Erosion Permit

Standard Triggers

Within 500 ft of any lake or stream
Disturbing more than 1 acre

Also Requires a Permit

Within 500 ft of regulated wetlands or a County Drain
Slopes of 20% or greater
Heavy clay / hydrologic group D soils

Leelanau County Soil & Erosion Permit

Standard Triggers

Within 500 ft of any lake or stream
Disturbing more than 1 acre

Also Requires a Permit

All commercial projects
Within 100 ft of a regulated wetland
Driveway slope of 10% or greater
Any work in Leland or Solon townships

Shoreline hardscape with native plantings

Local Rules

Township Permits Are the Trickiest Every township writes its own rules. What's allowed in one may be restricted in another.

Long Lake Township Specific setback requirements from the lakeshore for patios and structures.

Peninsula Township Impervious surface review near water plus native planting requirements along the shoreline.

Note Township permits are always separate from — and in addition to — county permits.

Skip Permits and…

The Risks Aren't Worth It

Hefty fines from state and county agencies
Forced removal of all unpermitted work
Required environmental restoration at your cost
Future permits denied on your property
Complications when selling your home

We Handle Every Permit For You Sign with us and the permitting process is entirely off your plate — from EGLE to your township's final approval.

EGLE & Army Corps coordination
Grand Traverse & Leelanau County filings
Township-level reviews and approvals
Full compliance documentation

Start Your Project

SHOWCASE

Our Projects

Limestone Outcroppings and NY Bluestone Steps Fix a Failing Beach Transition

Paver Patio and Walkway Built for Comfort Keepers Traverse City

Paver Driveway Extension That Actually Solves a Problem