Great Lakes shorelines are always changing. Erosion is an expected and natural process along the Great Lakes. Water levels, wave action, the local geology, and plants impact how shorelines erode. People love living on the shoreline yet sometimes their homes are too close to the edge of a bluff. When shoreline conditions change the bluff those homes may be in danger of falling into the lake.
The High-Risk Erosion Area Program identifies those shorelines receding at an average annual rate of one foot per year or greater over a minimum period of 15 years. Along these shorelines, new structures are required to meet a setback distance from the erosion hazard line. Setbacks are determined for the projected recession distance of the shoreline 30 years and 60 years into the future. The 30-year setback is for structures built to be readily moveable. Readily moveable structures meet specific construction criteria and have access that is sufficiently wide and with appropriate grades to accommodate relocation. The 60-year setback is for non-readily moveable structures.
When structures are not in danger the shoreline does not need to be altered to protect the structure. The shoreline and people can adapt to the changeable conditions of the Great Lakes.
HREAs are regulated by the Administrative Rules of Part 323, Shorelands Protection and Management, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended.
Information on specific sites:
District Permit Staff
A permit is required for construction of a structure on any portion of a designated High-Risk Erosion Area parcel regardless of how far the project is from the lakeshore. Common activities requiring a permit include construction of a house, garage, or addition, substantial reconstruction of an existing home, the installation of a septic system, covered porches, or a commercial building. View the list of common activities needing a permit. The application for a permit requires a fee of between $50 and $500.
Local units of government may choose to administer the high-risk erosion area program through their local zoning ordinance. Currently EGLE administers Part 323 in all HREAs except for those in Pere Marquette Township in Mason County. Contact the local zoning administrator for permit information.
Applications for individual permits are submitted through MiEnviro Portal. Additional information about the application process is available at EGLE/USACE Joint Permit Application. Once a permit application is received, EGLE staff review the application and visit the project site to assess the proposed location of the structure(s) from the shoreline. The status of all permit applications may be tracked at MiEnviro Portal. A valid permit may be transferred to a new property owner with the written permission of the current permittee. A request to transfer a permit is submitted in MiEnviro Portal.
Every application must include a completed online form, property owner authorization, property location, and a permit from the local health department if proposing a new or replacement septic system. Also, the proposed and existing structures must be identified on the site plan and cross-section. Read the Frequently Asked Questions about Great Lakes Shoreline Erosion to determine which setback you need to meet and where on the shoreline to measure setbacks from.
If you are applying for a permit, you must submit a site plan, and cross-section showing the type of foundation, with your application. Look at the following examples to ensure all the necessary information is included on your plans before submitting them with your application.
