Home   Resiliency Regulation   Example Regulations   Coastal Regulations Document

Luce County Regulation

County in Michigan (on the shoreline of Lake Superior)

Population: 6,631

Visit Website

Luce County is home to one of the two famous Tahquamenon Falls (the upper falls being in Luce County and the lower falls in Chippewa County), Newberry State Forest, and over 30 miles of pristine Lake Superior shoreline.  Luce County has very few revetments or development along the coastline.  Zoning codes require large lots and setbacks from Lake Superior as well as regulations for floodplain usage and building requirements.

Regulation meets the following Key Measures:

1

Prevents the removal and/or requires the installation of native vegetation near dunes and beaches.

Greenbelts are required in areas designated as Stream Districts in the Zoning Ordinance.  Clear-cutting of native vegetation is prohibited with the exception of certain viewsheds.

Zoning Ordinance Article 9, Section 9.04

Greenbelts are required to be maintained and any fill-areas are required to obtain permits from the appropriate state department and must use native vegetation to prevent erosion.

Zoning Ordinance Article 9, Section 9.05

3

Limits development/redevelopment in floodplains.

The county limits development on lands that are subject to flooding and provides a minimum finished grade level.

Zoning Ordinance Article 8, Section 8.04.A

The county also designates a Stream District area limits development along streams and waterways to preserve the natural environment and allow for outdoor recreational activities (such as hunting or fishing).  The county uses the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) to determine setback measurements

Zoning Ordinance Article 8, Section 8.04.A

4

Limits development/redevelopment along the shoreline.

The county classifies several Lake Districts in the zoning ordinance based on the size of the lake that is adjacent to the property.  Setbacks and minimum lot sizes are required to promote the conservation of lake frontage.

Zoning Ordinance Article 8, Section 8.01 – 8.04


Documents

Luce County - Zoning Ordinance

Download Luce County - Zoning Ordinance