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Local Watercraft Controls Requests

Local Watercraft Controls Requests

On Thursday, April 2, 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Public Acts 70, 71 and 72 into law. These three laws allow local units of government to request additional marine regulations on waters within their jurisdiction.

  • Each local unit of government is responsible for reviewing the processes and determining which local watercraft regulation is appropriate for waters within their jurisdiction.
  • Each process has a separate and unique procedure that must be followed to ensure there are no delays in the request. 

Submitting a resolution does not guarantee the approval of any local watercraft regulation. 

View existing local watercraft controls by county.

Temporary Local Watercraft Control

Local units of government who feel they need to temporarily regulate the use of vessels on waters within their jurisdiction must email their resolution and application to the DNR LED Recreational Safety, Education & Enforcement Section.

  • Temporary local watercraft controls are valid for six months.
  • This process may take up to 45 days if approved.
  • This application cannot be used for the emergency or permanent local watercraft control requests (refer to each document for the specific procedures).

Temporary Watercraft Control Procedure

Temporary Watercraft Control Application

Emergency (14 day) Vessel Speed Limit Reduction

Local units of government who feel they have an emergency need to temporarily reduce the maximum speed in which vessels can travel on portions of waters within their jurisdiction may submit their resolution to the county sheriff, county emergency management coordinator or to the DNR LED Recreational Safety, Education & Enforcement Section.  To expedite the process, local units of government are encouraged to work with a county authority.

Emergency (14 day) Vessel Speed Limit Reduction Procedures

Permanent Local Watercraft Control

Local units of government who feel they require a permanent local watercraft control on waters within their jurisdiction shall follow the procedures established in MCL 324.80110 through 324.80112. The local unit of government must email their resolution to the DNR LED Recreational Safety, Education & Enforcement Section. This process may take a minimum 120 days if approved.

Permanent Local Watercraft Control Procedures