Frequently Asked Questions
I just moved onto the lake. What do I need to know?
Michigan Boater Law Guide - The Handbook of MI Boating Laws and Responsibilities contains everything you need to know to captain a boat legally in Michigan. Everyone who drives your boat should read this before you let them take it out on the water.
Boater Safety Course and License - If you've never owned a boat or PWC, start by taking the Michigan Boating Safety Course online. By law, operators under 25 years old must have a license to operate a boat or PWC.
Watercraft Registration - All watercraft with motors or over 16' long need to be registered Renewing your hull ID online is easy.
Tax Records online - Look up the online details of your lakefront property Fenton Township. City of Fenton.
Zoning Ordinances online: Fenton Township. City of Fenton.
Map of Lake Fenton - Looking for a house on the lake from your boat? Google maps is your friend.
MI Lakes and Streams Association - A great website to learn how to protect our lake. Consider becoming a member.
MI Lake and Stream Webinar Series - Pre-recorded free webinars show how to protect the lake. Constantly updated.
Lake Fenton Sailing Club - If you want to learn how to sail this club is the best on the lake.
Skipper Buds' Marina - The only gas station on the lake. Here's when they are open.
History of Lake Fenton - Old article from the Flint Journal. Here's another article. It's fun to know the stories like the "Indian War."
Boater Safety Course and License - If you've never owned a boat or PWC, start by taking the Michigan Boating Safety Course online. By law, operators under 25 years old must have a license to operate a boat or PWC.
Watercraft Registration - All watercraft with motors or over 16' long need to be registered Renewing your hull ID online is easy.
Tax Records online - Look up the online details of your lakefront property Fenton Township. City of Fenton.
Zoning Ordinances online: Fenton Township. City of Fenton.
Map of Lake Fenton - Looking for a house on the lake from your boat? Google maps is your friend.
MI Lakes and Streams Association - A great website to learn how to protect our lake. Consider becoming a member.
MI Lake and Stream Webinar Series - Pre-recorded free webinars show how to protect the lake. Constantly updated.
Lake Fenton Sailing Club - If you want to learn how to sail this club is the best on the lake.
Skipper Buds' Marina - The only gas station on the lake. Here's when they are open.
History of Lake Fenton - Old article from the Flint Journal. Here's another article. It's fun to know the stories like the "Indian War."
Michigan DNR Resources
Michigan has two agencies that have oversight on the lake. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has officers in boats on the lake most weekends all summer patrolling the lake. They also stocks the lake with walleye and oversee the public boat launch. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is responsible for environmental policy and regulations like seawalls, invasive species, and weed control. Below are a few of their publications of interest to Riparian (lakefront lot) owners:
The Water's Edge - A handbook of ideas and tips from EGLE to improve your shoreline to help fish and lake wildlife.
Natural Shorelines for Inland Lakes - A step-by-step guide from EGLE to transition from a seawall to a natural shoreline.
Lake Fenton Walleye Survey 2021 - The DNR stocks lake Fenton with walleye. Here are the most recent published results.
Lake Fenton DNR Report 2011 - The last time the DNR did a full survey of the fish population was 2011. Here are the results.
The Water's Edge - A handbook of ideas and tips from EGLE to improve your shoreline to help fish and lake wildlife.
Natural Shorelines for Inland Lakes - A step-by-step guide from EGLE to transition from a seawall to a natural shoreline.
Lake Fenton Walleye Survey 2021 - The DNR stocks lake Fenton with walleye. Here are the most recent published results.
Lake Fenton DNR Report 2011 - The last time the DNR did a full survey of the fish population was 2011. Here are the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to have a watercraft vehicle at your property that is not owned and currently licensed and registered by the riparian property owner?
The following is from the Fenton Township web site: Attention Fenton Township Residents: Important Information
(1) Riparian Information:
Be aware that providing access to any lake within Fenton Township for non-riparian use is not permitted. All reported activity is followed up upon and if found to be in violation, will be promptly enforced.
Each watercraft vehicle is required to be owned and currently licensed and registered by the riparian property owner. Any violations found, will be subject to having the watercraft removed from the premises, with all costs of doing so being the responsibility of the riparian owner.
If a home is being rented or leased on any lake within Fenton Township, and it is proven to be the primary residence of the occupant, that occupant is permitted to have watercraft.
Legal documentation will be required and will be checked. If you suspect non-riparian activity taking place, please contact our Ordinance Enforcement Department by calling (810) 629-1537. Here is the link: http://www.fentontownship.org/department_pages/ordinance_info.htm
(1) Riparian Information:
Be aware that providing access to any lake within Fenton Township for non-riparian use is not permitted. All reported activity is followed up upon and if found to be in violation, will be promptly enforced.
Each watercraft vehicle is required to be owned and currently licensed and registered by the riparian property owner. Any violations found, will be subject to having the watercraft removed from the premises, with all costs of doing so being the responsibility of the riparian owner.
If a home is being rented or leased on any lake within Fenton Township, and it is proven to be the primary residence of the occupant, that occupant is permitted to have watercraft.
Legal documentation will be required and will be checked. If you suspect non-riparian activity taking place, please contact our Ordinance Enforcement Department by calling (810) 629-1537. Here is the link: http://www.fentontownship.org/department_pages/ordinance_info.htm
Does the DNR stock fish in Lake Fenton?
Yes.....In fact for many years the Michigan DNR has been planting thousands of walleye fingerlings in an effort to maintain this great fishing lake. Hopefully they will grow into "legal keepers" in the years to come.
Is there a law on how far a swim raft can be legally anchored out in an inland lake from shore?
While there is no exact distance, because state law doesn’t regulate that, according to a Department of Natural Resources Lieutenant Robson, the raft must not pose a “navigational hazard,” to boaters. Here is the statute:
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT (EXCERPT) Act 451 of 1994 324.80163 Anchored raft or other item or material; relocation or removal as navigation hazard; costs; failure to pay; lien.
Sec. 80163.
(1) If an anchored raft or other item or material, whether floating free or attached to the bottomland or a shoreline, presents a hazard to
navigation, the department or a peace officer with jurisdiction over the body of water where the anchored raft or other item or material is located may relocate or remove it or may order its relocation or removal.
(2) The person who owns or who caused a navigational hazard that is relocated or removed under subsection (1) is liable to pay the actual and
reasonable costs of relocation or removal. The department or the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the body of water where the navigational hazard was located may send written notice of the relocation or removal under subsection (1) and the associated costs to the person determined to own or to have caused the navigational hazard. If the owner or person who caused the navigational hazard fails to pay the costs within 30 days of the date the written notice is mailed, the costs may become a lien against the person's property.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT (EXCERPT) Act 451 of 1994 324.80163 Anchored raft or other item or material; relocation or removal as navigation hazard; costs; failure to pay; lien.
Sec. 80163.
(1) If an anchored raft or other item or material, whether floating free or attached to the bottomland or a shoreline, presents a hazard to
navigation, the department or a peace officer with jurisdiction over the body of water where the anchored raft or other item or material is located may relocate or remove it or may order its relocation or removal.
(2) The person who owns or who caused a navigational hazard that is relocated or removed under subsection (1) is liable to pay the actual and
reasonable costs of relocation or removal. The department or the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the body of water where the navigational hazard was located may send written notice of the relocation or removal under subsection (1) and the associated costs to the person determined to own or to have caused the navigational hazard. If the owner or person who caused the navigational hazard fails to pay the costs within 30 days of the date the written notice is mailed, the costs may become a lien against the person's property.
Is the narrows into the south end of the Lake a no-wake area?
LAKE FENTON - R281.725.14 - Slow--no wake speed zone.
14. Within, and for a distance of 200 feet either side of, the following described waters of Lake Fenton and the canals and channels connected thereto, it is unlawful for the operator of a vessel to exceed a slow--no wake speed; southerly from a line drawn from a point where Enid street, as extended, intersects the water's edge; thence northeasterly to the nearest opposite shore; thence northerly from a point where Haddon street, as extended, intersects the water's edge; thence easterly to the nearest opposite shore, section 13, T5N, R6E, Fenton township, Genesee County.
14. Within, and for a distance of 200 feet either side of, the following described waters of Lake Fenton and the canals and channels connected thereto, it is unlawful for the operator of a vessel to exceed a slow--no wake speed; southerly from a line drawn from a point where Enid street, as extended, intersects the water's edge; thence northeasterly to the nearest opposite shore; thence northerly from a point where Haddon street, as extended, intersects the water's edge; thence easterly to the nearest opposite shore, section 13, T5N, R6E, Fenton township, Genesee County.
Does Lake Fenton have a 45 mph speed limit?
LAKE FENTON - 281.725.15 - Speed restriction.
15. On the waters of lake Fenton, sections 2, 11, 13, 14 and 23, T5N, R6E, Fenton township and the city of Fenton, Genesee county, except those portions already regulated by a slow--no wake rule it is unlawful, at any time, to operate a vessel in excess of 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour).
15. On the waters of lake Fenton, sections 2, 11, 13, 14 and 23, T5N, R6E, Fenton township and the city of Fenton, Genesee county, except those portions already regulated by a slow--no wake rule it is unlawful, at any time, to operate a vessel in excess of 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour).
Does Lake Fenton have a no-anchor designated area and Township ordinance?
On the waters of Lake Fenton, sections 12 and 14, town 5 north, range 6 east, Fenton township, Genesee county, on that portion of Lake Fenton located within the boundaries of a line from the northernmost portion of Cases Island northeast to the northernmost point of Lot 22 Woodhull Landing and the southernmost portion of Cases Island southeast to the easternmost portion of Log Cabin Point, it is unlawful to anchor except for emergency purposes.
What are the rules for docks on the lake?
Here’s the official information from the Fenton Township website:
https://www.fentontownship.org/enforcement/page/docks-boardwalks-seawalls-and-beach-sanding-information
In my experience after 25 years on the lake, any problems with docks come down to 3 things:
When it comes to docks you need to be a good neighbor and a steward for our lake. Just ask yourself, “If my nearest neighbor put up the same dock would I have a problem with it?” Being considerate of your neighbors will make your life on the lake so much more enjoyable.
There are no rules about lights.
Regarding leaving a dock in over the winter, you’re betting the ice won’t take it out in the spring thaw. It only takes a day. If you’re in a cove you’ve got good odds. If you’re on open water, sooner or later ice will take out your dock. Do what your neighbors do and you’ll be fine.
https://www.fentontownship.org/enforcement/page/docks-boardwalks-seawalls-and-beach-sanding-information
In my experience after 25 years on the lake, any problems with docks come down to 3 things:
- Docks that are placed that block a neighbor’s lake view or hinders their ability to dock their boats.
- Docks that stick out way beyond neighbor’s docks so as to impede boat traffic.
- Adding/changing a seawall to support the dock. Seawalls need to have a permit from the DEQ.
When it comes to docks you need to be a good neighbor and a steward for our lake. Just ask yourself, “If my nearest neighbor put up the same dock would I have a problem with it?” Being considerate of your neighbors will make your life on the lake so much more enjoyable.
There are no rules about lights.
Regarding leaving a dock in over the winter, you’re betting the ice won’t take it out in the spring thaw. It only takes a day. If you’re in a cove you’ve got good odds. If you’re on open water, sooner or later ice will take out your dock. Do what your neighbors do and you’ll be fine.
How do you become a Lake Association Director or Officer?
It is easy.... The Lake Fenton Property Owners Association has a Board of Directors (BOD) consisting of 20 members. There are 4 officers and 4 district directors in each of the 4 lake districts. Each year, one district director position from each lake district and two officer positions become available due to expiring terms. The district director positions are for four year terms. The officer positions are for two year terms. If you wish to become a candidate for election to the BOD simply attend a meeting and express your interest. The slate of next year's candidates is established in the August monthly meeting. The election takes place at our annual meeting in September of each year.
Read the ByLaws (pdf).
Lake Fenton District Map.
Read the ByLaws (pdf).
Lake Fenton District Map.
Does the Lake Fenton Property Owners Association provide lake related information updates by email?
We are trying to get as many Lake Fenton residents as possible to sign up for electronic communication by email. If you have not yet done so and would like to receive Lake Fenton related information by email, contact the membership secretary.
Who are our Local Elected Representatives for Lake Fenton?
Our State Representative is Rep. Mike Mueller, District 72
mikemueller@house.mi.gov
(517) 373-0840
Our State Senator is Sen. Lana Theis, District 22
senltheis@senate.michigan.gov
(517) 373-2420
Our County Commissioner is Shaun Shumaker, 6th District
SShumaker@co.genesee.mi.us
(810) 257-3020
Our Fenton Township Supervisor is Vince Lorraine
vlorraine@fentontownship.org
(810) 869-8620
mikemueller@house.mi.gov
(517) 373-0840
Our State Senator is Sen. Lana Theis, District 22
senltheis@senate.michigan.gov
(517) 373-2420
Our County Commissioner is Shaun Shumaker, 6th District
SShumaker@co.genesee.mi.us
(810) 257-3020
Our Fenton Township Supervisor is Vince Lorraine
vlorraine@fentontownship.org
(810) 869-8620
Did Forest Boswell live on Margaret Drive in 1938?
Yes, according to the 1938 Lake Fenton Directory here (pdf).