12 proposed changes · Actual RC language · Formal amendment text

Proposed Amendments to theRestrictive Covenants

The verbatim RC language, formal proposed legal text, and plain-English context — side by side, for each of the 12 proposed changes.

The following proposed amendments were developed by community members. These are proposals for discussion — not adopted changes. Each subdivision votes independently on its own Restrictive Covenants. Registered members with confirmed emails may cast informal votes below. After voting, you may also share private feedback with the organizing team.

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#1Update existing rule

Exterior Building Materials

Article VII Section 1 — Current RC language (verbatim)

"no asphalt shingles, imitation brick, building paper, insulation board or sheathing or similar non-exterior materials shall be used for the exterior finish of any such building; exterior finish shall be wood or asbestos shingles or siding, logs, brick, stone or concrete."

Proposed amendment language

Article VII, Section 1 is hereby amended to replace the exterior finish restrictions with the following: Permitted exterior finish materials shall include wood siding, fiber cement siding (including products marketed as Hardie Board or equivalent), vinyl siding, steel or metal siding, brick, stone, concrete, metal roofing, and architectural asphalt shingles. All references to asbestos-containing materials are hereby deleted. All other exterior finish restrictions remain in effect.
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Community note: An alternative approach proposed by members would simplify this to: 'All building materials, processes, and technologies shall be consistent with applicable federal, state, and local building codes and requirements.' Both options are under consideration — member feedback welcome.

Why this matters

Over 50% of existing LOTN homes already use vinyl siding — the current language hasn't matched community practice for decades. This amendment updates the rules to reflect reality while maintaining standards.

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#2AUpdate existing rule

Accessory Structures — Article VII, Section 1

Article VII Section 1 — Current RC language (verbatim)

"No building shall be erected, altered, placed or permitted to remain on any lot other than one single family dwelling not exceeding two and one-half stories in height, and one private garage or boathouse, or combination garage and boathouse for family automobiles and boats."

Proposed amendment language

Article VII, Section 1 is hereby amended to permit up to two (2) accessory structures per lot in addition to the primary dwelling. Accessory structures may be stick-built or prefabricated and include sheds, garages, boathouses, and similar outbuildings, provided that: (a) All accessory structures require prior written approval from the Architectural Control Committee. (b) The exterior finish of all accessory structures must be substantially consistent with the primary dwelling. (c) No accessory structure shall be used as a residence, temporarily or permanently (see Article VII, Section 2). Grandfather clause: Accessory structures existing prior to the effective date of this amendment that received prior written ACC approval shall be considered conforming. Replacement or rebuilding of more than fifty percent (50%) of the structure's assessed value must comply with these updated standards. (d) Woodsheds: One (1) woodshed, defined as an enclosed or partially enclosed structure used exclusively for the storage of firewood, shall be permitted on any lot in addition to any other accessory structures approved under this section, provided the woodshed does not exceed two hundred (200) square feet in total floor area and is maintained in an orderly condition.

Why this matters

Expands the current one-garage limit to two accessory structures while maintaining ACC oversight and consistent exterior standards. Existing approved structures are protected.

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#2BUpdate existing rule

Permitted Residential Structures — Article VII, Section 2

Article VII Section 2 — Current RC language (verbatim)

"No trailer, mobile home or similar type structure, basement, tent, shack, garage, barn or other outbuilding shall at any time be used as a residence, temporarily or permanently, nor shall any structure of a temporary character or any building in the process of construction, be used as a residence."

Proposed amendment language

Article VII, Section 2 is hereby amended as follows: (a) Permitted primary residential structures are limited to: single-family dwellings constructed on a permanent foundation meeting all applicable building codes; and barndominium-style structures constructed on a permanent foundation, provided such structures meet the minimum square footage requirements of Article VII, Section 1, comply with the exterior finish standards of Article VII, Section 1 as amended, and receive prior written approval from the Architectural Control Committee before commencement of construction. (b) The following are expressly prohibited as primary or temporary residences on any lot: trailers; mobile homes; manufactured or prefabricated homes; tiny homes; Amish-style portable or drop structures; sheds or outbuildings of any kind; tents; campers; and recreational vehicles. (c) Exception: Lake of the North Villa subdivision retains its existing subdivision-specific authorization permitting mobile homes and manufactured structures as residences, as recorded in its Restrictive Covenants.

Why this matters

Modernizes the residential use standards to explicitly permit barndominium-style construction while clearly prohibiting the use of portable or prefabricated structures as residences. Preserves the Villa subdivision's existing manufactured home authorization. LOTN is not a tiny home community — this makes that unambiguous.

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#3New rule

Short-Term Rentals

Current RC language — no specific STR provision exists

"All lots not otherwise specifically designated upon a recorded plat or recorded Declaration by Developer shall be used for residential purposes only, and no business, commercial or manufacturing enterprise, shall be conducted on said premises." — The current Restrictive Covenants contain no provisions specifically addressing short-term rentals.

Proposed amendment language — new Article VII Section 9

Article VII is hereby amended to add Section 9, Short-Term Rental Regulations, as follows: It is hereby declared that the short-term rental of a residential dwelling for periods of fewer than thirty (30) consecutive days constitutes a residential use of property and does not constitute a business, commercial, or manufacturing enterprise within the meaning of Article VII, Section 1 of these Restrictive Covenants. Short-term rental is and has been a recognized residential use within the Lakes of the North community. (a) Short-term rental of a residential dwelling, defined as rental for a period of fewer than thirty (30) consecutive days, shall constitute a permitted residential use, subject to the conditions set forth herein. (b) No more than twenty percent (20%) of the total original lots within any individual subdivision may operate as short-term rentals at any one time. (c) No single owner shall operate more than two (2) short-term rental properties within the Lakes of the North community. (d) Short-term rental operators must obtain an annual STR permit from the Association prior to commencement of any rental activity. Permit fees shall be established by a vote of the membership of the Association as a whole, consistent with the voting procedures established in Article V of these Restrictive Covenants. (e) The following operational standards apply to all permitted short-term rentals: quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM shall be enforced; guests shall not park on public or private streets within the subdivision; the property owner or a designated property manager must be reachable by phone 24 hours per day during any rental period. (f) Occupancy of any short-term rental shall not exceed the maximum occupancy permitted under applicable building codes for the structure. No short-term rental shall be operated in a manner that converts a residential lot into a boarding house or multi-unit rental facility. (g) The property owner shall remain responsible for compliance with all applicable Restrictive Covenants regardless of the identity of any occupant. The owner shall be liable for any fines, remediation costs, or enforcement actions arising from the conduct of guests or occupants. (h) Property maintenance: All lots used for short-term rental shall be maintained to the same standard as owner-occupied residential lots. Grounds must be kept free of overgrowth, accumulated debris, junk, and inoperable vehicles. In the event of a blight condition, the Association shall provide written notice to the property owner. The owner shall remedy the condition within thirty (30) days of such notice. Failure to remedy may result in Association-directed remediation at the owner's expense. (i) Violation of these standards may result in STR permit revocation and fines as established by the Association. Active STR permits shall be tracked and made available for member review upon request.

Why this matters

The current RCs are silent on short-term rentals, creating legal uncertainty for everyone. These rules provide a clear, lawful path for STR operators while giving neighbors enforceable protections — neither of which exist today.

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#4New rule

Long-Term Rentals — New Rule

Current RC language — no specific long-term rental provision exists

The current Restrictive Covenants contain no provisions specifically addressing long-term rentals. Rental of a residential dwelling is generally considered a residential use.

Proposed amendment language — new Article VII Section 10

Article VII is hereby amended to add Section 10, Long-Term Rental Regulations, as follows: (a) Long-term rental of a residential dwelling, defined as rental for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days or more, shall be a permitted residential use. (b) Long-term rental operators must obtain an annual long-term rental permit from the Association. Permit fees shall be established by a vote of the membership of the Association as a whole, consistent with the voting procedures established in Article V of these Restrictive Covenants. (c) Prior to the commencement of any tenancy, the property owner shall provide to the Association: the owner's current contact information; the tenant's name and an emergency contact phone number; and written certification that the owner has provided the tenant with a copy of the applicable Restrictive Covenants. (d) The property owner shall remain responsible for compliance with all applicable Restrictive Covenants regardless of the identity of the tenant. The owner shall be liable for any fines, remediation costs, or enforcement actions arising from the conduct of any tenant or occupant. (e) Occupancy shall not exceed the maximum occupancy permitted under applicable building codes for the structure. No long-term rental shall be used as a boarding house, rooming house, or multi-unit rental facility. (f) Property maintenance: All lots used for long-term rental shall be maintained to the same standard as owner-occupied residential lots. Grounds must be kept free of overgrowth, accumulated debris, junk, and inoperable vehicles. In the event of a blight condition, the Association shall provide written notice to the property owner. The owner shall remedy the condition within thirty (30) days. Failure to remedy may result in Association-directed remediation at the owner's expense. (g) No lot used for long-term rental shall be used for any commercial purpose in violation of Article VII, Section 1.

Why this matters

Establishes clear, fair standards for long-term rentals while ensuring property owners remain accountable for their lots regardless of tenancy. Protects neighbors from blight and abuse while respecting the right of owners to rent their property.

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#5Standardize

Minimum Square Footage

Article VII Section 1 — Current RC language (verbatim)

"Every dwelling house shall have not less than 600 square feet of enclosed living space exclusive of porches, breezeways, carports, patios, pool areas, garages and other accessory uses."

Proposed amendment language

Article VII, Section 1 is hereby amended to replace the minimum square footage requirement with the following: Every dwelling house shall have not less than eight hundred (800) square feet of enclosed living space, exclusive of porches, breezeways, carports, patios, pool areas, garages, and other accessory uses. This standard shall apply uniformly to all subdivisions subject to this Declaration, superseding any subdivision-specific variations previously in effect, except that the Winterhaven subdivision minimum of one thousand (1,000) square feet shall remain in effect; and except that the Lake of the North Villa subdivision shall retain its existing subdivision-specific minimum square footage and residential structure standards as recorded in its Restrictive Covenants, which are not superseded by this amendment.
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Winterhaven exception: This amendment does NOT reduce the Winterhaven subdivision minimum. Winterhaven's existing minimum of 1,000 square feet remains in full effect and is not changed by this amendment.

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Lake of the North Villa exception: This amendment does NOT apply to the Lake of the North Villa subdivision. The Villa retains its existing 480 square foot minimum and its subdivision-specific residential structure standards as recorded in its Restrictive Covenants.

Why this matters

Replaces a patchwork of inconsistent minimums (480, 600, 1000 sq ft) with a single consistent standard across LOTN. 800 sq ft is reasonable for Northern Michigan — not a barrier, just a sensible floor.

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#6New rule

Vehicles & Parking

Current RC language — not addressed

The current Restrictive Covenants contain no provisions governing vehicle storage, parking, or commercial equipment.

Proposed amendment language — new Article VII Section 11

Article VII is hereby amended to add Section 11, Vehicle and Equipment Standards, as follows: (a) Vacant lots shall not be used for storage of commercial vehicles or equipment under any circumstances. (b) Commercial vehicles and equipment stored on any lot must be maintained in operable condition. Equipment and vehicles shall not be scattered across open lawn areas or stored in a manner visible from public view that is inconsistent with residential character. Where practical, seasonal equipment shall be stored within an enclosed structure (garage, barn, or approved accessory structure) during the off-season. (c) Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds may not be stored overnight on any lot. (d) Inoperable, unregistered, or unlicensed vehicles must be removed from any lot within thirty (30) days of becoming inoperable, unregistered, or unlicensed. (e) Recreational vehicles, campers, and trailers are permitted to be stored on a lot that contains a permitted primary residential structure but may not be used as a primary or temporary residence. Storage of recreational vehicles, campers, or trailers on vacant lots is prohibited. (f) For purposes of this section, a 'commercial vehicle' means any vehicle or piece of equipment used primarily for business or commercial purposes, including but not limited to service trucks, utility trailers, equipment trailers, skid steers, excavators, and similar machinery. (g) The following recreational and seasonal equipment shall be stored in an orderly manner and, where practical, within an enclosed structure during the off-season: boats, boat trailers, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-side utility vehicles (UTVs), and similar recreational equipment. Such equipment shall not be scattered across open lawn areas in a manner visible from public view that is inconsistent with residential character.

Why this matters

Establishes clear vehicle and equipment storage standards that the original 1972 document never contemplated. Protects community aesthetics and prevents lots from being used as equipment graveyards or commercial staging areas. Vacant lots receive no commercial use exemption.

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#7Clarify existing rule

Home Occupation & Incidental Business Use

Article VII Section 1 — Current RC language (verbatim)

"All lots not otherwise specifically designated upon a recorded plat or recorded Declaration by Developer shall be used for residential purposes only, and no business, commercial or manufacturing enterprise, shall be conducted on said premises."

Proposed amendment language

Article VII is hereby amended to add the following clarification to Section 1: The prohibition on business, commercial, or manufacturing enterprise shall not be construed to prohibit home occupation, defined as business or professional activities conducted by a resident owner from their primary dwelling, subject to the following conditions: (a) No more than two (2) business vehicles or pieces of business equipment may be present on the lot at any time. Business vehicles kept within an enclosed structure (garage, barn, or approved accessory structure) shall not be counted toward this limit. (b) Employees and crew members may temporarily access the lot for work purposes. Employee vehicles may not be left on the lot overnight or for extended periods unrelated to active work. (c) No customer traffic to the lot. (d) The following are expressly prohibited as home occupations: childcare or daycare facilities; cultivation, processing, or distribution of controlled substances; food preparation for commercial sale; manufacturing operations; and retail sales to the public. (e) Business vehicles and equipment stored outside shall comply with the standards in Article VII, Section 11. (f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit any activity that constitutes a retail, commercial, or manufacturing operation on the lot.

Why this matters

The 1972 prohibition was intended to prevent industrial and retail operations in a residential community — not to prohibit residents from working from home, running a home office, or storing a work truck. Many Lakes of the North residents operate small trade businesses (plumbing, snow removal, lawn care, electrical) from their properties. This amendment clarifies the original intent while maintaining the prohibition on true commercial operations. Without this clarification, the existing language could be used to penalize ordinary residential activities.

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#8Update existing rule

Signs

Article VII Section 2 — Current RC language (verbatim)

"No signs of any nature not previously approved by the Architectural Control Committee shall be permitted on any lot."

Proposed amendment language

Article VII, Section 2 is hereby amended to replace the signs restriction with the following: Signs shall be permitted on lots subject to the following conditions: (a) Real estate for-sale signs: One (1) sign per lot, not to exceed four (4) square feet in area, is permitted during an active listing period. Signs must be removed within seven (7) days following closing. (b) Short-term rental platform signage: Signs advertising short-term rental platforms (including but not limited to Airbnb, VRBO, and similar services) on the exterior of any structure or lot are prohibited. (c) Political signs: Temporary political signs are permitted during active election periods, defined as the sixty (60) days preceding an election in which the owner is eligible to vote. All political signs must be removed within seven (7) days following the conclusion of said election. (d) All other signs continue to require prior ACC approval. (e) Flags: American flags, Michigan state flags, and United States military service flags are permitted on any lot without restriction as to size or duration. Flags bearing political messaging, commercial advertising, or organizational branding are subject to the same standards as signs under this section and require ACC approval.

Why this matters

Replaces a vague blanket prohibition with specific, predictable standards everyone can follow — and count on neighbors to follow too.

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#9Update existing rule

ACC Process & Accountability

Article VI Section 1 — Current RC language (verbatim)

"In the event said Board or its designated committee fail to approve or disapprove such design and location within thirty (30) days after said plans and specifications have been submitted to it, or in any event, if no suit to enjoin the addition, alteration or change has been commenced prior to the completion thereof, approval will not be required."

Proposed amendment language

Article VI, Section 1 is hereby amended to add the following: (a) The Architectural Control Committee shall maintain and publish written approval standards for all categories of applications. Such standards shall be made available to all lot owners upon request and posted on the Association's official website. (b) The sixty (60) day review period established in this Section shall commence upon the ACC's written acknowledgment of a complete application. The ACC shall provide written acknowledgment within five (5) business days of receiving any application. (c) In the event an application is denied, the applicant shall have the right to appeal to the full Board of Directors within thirty (30) days of the denial. The Board shall render a decision on appeal within ninety (90) days of receiving notice of appeal. Failure to render a timely decision on appeal shall be deemed approval. (d) The Architectural Control Committee shall apply all standards uniformly and without discrimination among lot owners. Prior approvals granted by the ACC shall be considered evidence of established community standards for purposes of this Declaration. No enforcement action shall be selectively applied based on use type where similar uses have been previously approved or tolerated without objection by the Association; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to uses expressly prohibited under Article VII, Section 2 as amended, including but not limited to the use of Amish-style portable structures, tiny homes, or other prefabricated or non-permanent structures as residences. Prior ACC approvals for such prohibited residential uses shall not be used to establish a community standard or claim of waiver, and the prohibition on such residential uses shall be enforced notwithstanding any prior ACC action to the contrary.

Why this matters

Makes the ACC process transparent, timely, and fair — with real accountability and a clear appeal path. The sixty (60) day review window aligns with the ACC's actual monthly meeting schedule, and the ninety (90) day appeal window aligns with the Board's bi-monthly meeting schedule. Ensures the ACC applies rules consistently — prior approvals establish community standards, and selective enforcement is prohibited. An exception preserves the ability to enforce the prohibition on non-permanent residential structures regardless of past ACC decisions.

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#10Update existing rule

Removal of Outdated Developer References

Multiple articles — Current RC language (verbatim excerpts)

"The Developer, its successors and assigns, shall have the right to bring additional lands... The Developer shall retain the legal title to the Common Properties... No such assessment or charge or special assessment as provided below be levied against or be due from Developer for any lots owned by it..." (Multiple references across Articles II, V, VII, and VIII)

Proposed amendment language

Articles II, V, VII, and VIII of these Restrictive Covenants are hereby amended to delete all references to 'Developer,' 'American Central Corporation,' and any associated rights, exemptions, or obligations of the Developer, its successors and assigns, that are no longer operative or applicable. All rights, exemptions, and obligations of the Developer are hereby extinguished as of the effective date of this amendment. The Lakes of the North Association and its lot owner members shall have full authority over all matters previously reserved to the Developer under these Covenants.

Why this matters

American Central Corporation, the original developer of Lakes of the North, ceased active development operations decades ago. References to Developer rights and exemptions throughout the original 1972 Restrictive Covenants are legal artifacts that no longer serve any purpose. Removing them clarifies that the community — not a defunct corporation — governs itself.

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#11Update existing rule

Modernize the Amendment Process

Article VIII Section 1 — Current RC language (verbatim)

"...unless an instrument signed by the then owners of two-thirds of the lots, subject to this Declaration...has been recorded, agreeing to change said covenants and restrictions in whole or in part. Provided, however, that no such agreement to change shall be effective unless made and recorded three (3) years in advance of the effective date of such change, or unless written notice of the proposed agreement is sent to every owner at least ninety (90) days in advance of any action taken."

Proposed amendment language

Article VIII, Section 1 is hereby amended to add the following: (a) The two-thirds (2/3) threshold required for amendment of these Restrictive Covenants is not changed by this amendment and shall remain in full effect. (b) Required written notice to lot owners may be delivered by first-class mail or by electronic mail (email) to any lot owner who has registered a current email address with the Association or its designated agent. Electronic delivery shall be deemed valid written notice for all purposes under Article VIII. (c) The written agreement of lot owners required for amendment may be executed by electronic signature through a recognized digital signature platform. Electronically executed agreements shall be deemed valid written instruments for all purposes under Article VIII.

Why this matters

The 2/3 requirement is protective and should not change. This amendment modernizes the mechanics only — allowing email notice reduces mailing costs by thousands of dollars and reaches more owners faster. Electronic signatures are legally recognized in Michigan under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN). Neither change makes it easier to pass amendments — they make the process more accessible and affordable.

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#12Update existing rule

Backyard Hens — Limited Exception to Poultry Prohibition

Article VII Section 2 — Current RC language (verbatim)

"No animals, livestock, or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot, except that dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purposes."

Proposed amendment language

Article VII, Section 2 is hereby amended to add the following exception to the prohibition on poultry: Domestic egg-laying hens (female chickens) may be kept on any lot subject to the following conditions: (a) Maximum of six (6) hens per lot. (b) Roosters are prohibited. (c) Hens must be kept within an enclosed, covered structure or secure run at all times. Free-ranging on the lot or neighboring lots is prohibited. (d) Enclosures must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and shall not create odor, noise, or pest conditions that materially affect neighboring properties. (e) Hens may not be kept for commercial purposes. (f) Enforcement: Upon receipt of a written complaint from an adjacent lot owner, the Association shall provide written notice to the hen owner. The hen owner shall have thirty (30) days to remedy the condition. Failure to remedy within thirty (30) days constitutes a violation subject to fines as established by the Association. Repeated violations within a twelve (12) month period may result in revocation of the right to keep hens on the lot.

Why this matters

The current blanket prohibition on poultry was written in 1972. Backyard egg-laying hens have become a common and accepted practice in residential communities across Michigan. A limited, well-regulated exception — no roosters, contained enclosures, six-hen maximum — allows residents this option while protecting neighbors from nuisance conditions.

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Important: These are proposed amendments for community discussion only. Nothing on this page represents final or adopted changes. Each subdivision within Lakes of the North has its own separately recorded Restrictive Covenants on file with the Antrim and Otsego County Register of Deeds. Lakes of the North as a whole is a non-profit association — it is not a single subdivision. Amendments must be approved independently within each subdivision by two-thirds (2/3) of that subdivision's lot owners, consistent with the amendment procedures in each subdivision's recorded Restrictive Covenants.

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