Michigan Riparian Rights & Lakefront Property Law

Michigan has a lot of water--a whopping estimated 6 quadrillion gallons of fresh water. Michigan has four of the five Great Lakes which constitutes 90% of the United States' fresh surface water, and about 20% of the world's fresh surface water. It also as approximately 3,288 miles of Great Lakes coastline, more than 10,000 inland lakes and ponds and is interwoven by a 35,000-mile web of freshwater rivers, streams, and wetlands.

Owning waterfront property in Michigan comes with unique legal rights and responsibilities. These rights, known as riparian rights, are central to everything from dock placement and boating access to disputes with neighbors and local governments. If you live on — or are considering purchasing — lakefront or riverfront property in Michigan, understanding riparian law is essential.

At Outside Legal Counsel PLC, we represent property owners across Michigan in disputes and litigation involving riparian rights. This page is designed to give you a comprehensive overview of Michigan riparian law and explain how we can protect your interests.

What Are Riparian Rights?

Riparian rights are the special property rights that belong to landowners whose property touches a natural body of water, such as a lake, river, or stream. In Michigan, these rights are tied to ownership of waterfront land and include:

  • The right to install and maintain a dock or pier
  • The right to anchor or moor boats
  • The right to reasonable access to the water for swimming, fishing, or recreation
  • The right to exclusive use of the bottomlands adjacent to your property
  • The right to prevent unlawful interference from neighbors, associations, or government agencies

Why Riparian Rights Matter in Michigan

With so much shoreline, disputes are common. Questions often arise over:

  • Where one property owner’s rights end and another’s begin
  • Whether backlot or subdivision owners can use lakefront property
  • How far docks and boat hoists can extend into the water
  • Whether township ordinances or lake associations can override riparian rights

Because riparian law is based on court rulings as well as state statutes, the rules can be complex. Having an attorney who focuses on riparian rights is critical when conflicts arise.

Rifle Lake, Lupton, Michigan

Common Riparian Disputes We Handle

At Outside Legal Counsel PLC, we regularly handle riparian law disputes throughout Michigan. Common cases include:

    1. Dock and Pier Disputes

    Who can build a dock? How long can it be? Can a neighbor demand its removal? Michigan courts have repeatedly held that riparian owners have exclusive rights to construct and maintain a dock, subject to “reasonableness.”

    2. Backlot and Association Access

    Many inland lakes have subdivisions with “backlot” parcels. These owners sometimes claim rights to use lakefront property or install shared docks. We help riparian owners defend against unauthorized use and clarify legal access rights.

    3. Government Regulation and Overreach

    Townships and counties often attempt to regulate lake use through ordinances. While some regulation is valid, local governments cannot eliminate or unduly restrict riparian rights. We frequently challenge unlawful ordinances in court.

    4. Boundary and Apportionment Issues

    Where does your shoreline end? How do riparian boundaries extend into the water? Michigan courts use several legal tests to determine riparian boundary lines — a frequent source of litigation.

Michigan Courts on Riparian Rights

Michigan courts have consistently upheld riparian rights as a form of property right protected by the Michigan Constitution. Key principles include:

  • Exclusive Use: Only riparian owners have the right to place docks and moor boats.
  • Reasonable Use Standard: Use must be reasonable relative to the size of the property and the rights of neighbors.
  • Protection Against Takings: Government actions that strip riparian rights may amount to unconstitutional takings.

A few of our water rights appellate victories

  • CHiLLL v Roscommon County BOC - Michigan Court of Appeals [Link]
  • Maniaci v Diroff - Michigan Supreme Court [Link]
  • Morse v Colitti - Michigan Court of Appeals [Link]
  • LaFave v Ionia County Rd Comm'n - Michigan Supreme Court [Link]
  • Wenners v Chisolm - Michigan Supreme Court [Link] [Link]
  • Studley v Twp of Hill - Michigan Court of Appeals [Link]

Protect Your Rights

If you are having issues with neighbors, community members, or the public with your public or private lake access or lake front property, contact a riparian rights attorney by contacting the office today.