Docks & Piers
Placement, length, mooring, and navigating EGLE/local rules — without infringing neighbors’ rights.
MichiganRiparian.com
Created by Outside Legal Counsel PLC and authored by Michigan property rights attorney Philip L. Ellison, this site is built for Michigan riparians and property owners who seek answers about docks & piers, road ends, underwater boundaries, permits, assessments, and HOAs.
→ Learn your rights and next steps before disputes escalate.
→ Discover the agencies & entities who can affect your rights.
→ Connect with legal counsel whose work has changed the law.
Learn More
All topicsUnderwater Boundaries
Where do property lines extend beneath the water? Wedge, perpendicular, and proportionate‑line approaches.
Road Ends & Shared Access
What can happen at public road ends and platted accesses after PA 56 of 2012 — and what can’t.
Permits & EGLE
When Part 301 permits apply, what to expect, and how to avoid enforcement headaches.
Local Ordinances & HOAs
How municipalities, lake boards, and associations affect waterfront uses — and where they can’t overreach.
Public Trust Doctrine
Where private riparian rights meet public rights such as navigation and shoreline walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I automatically have the right to place a dock?
Riparians generally have the right to wharf out to navigable depth subject to reasonableness, EGLE permitting (Part 301) in certain circumstances, and neighbor/public trust limits. [More]
What about road ends and platted access points?
Public road ends and shared accesses are tightly controlled. PA 56 of 2012 restricts certain activities; local facts and plat language matter greatly. [More]
How do underwater boundaries work?
Courts use methods such as wedge, perpendicular, and proportionate lines to apportion bottomlands. Shoreline shape and history drive the method. [More]
Does an artificial body of water have riparian or littoral rights?
Currently no. But the law might be changing. [More]
Is this legal advice?
No. This site provides general information. For advice on your specific situation, contact Outside Legal Counsel PLC.
General information only; not legal advice. Facts, local ordinances, and permits may change outcomes.