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Building Advisory Committee’s Purpose per our By-Laws

• The purpose of the BAC as stated in the by-laws, "… shall be to make members aware that plans for construction of improvements to their property shall be presented to the Committee for its review and monitoring, with the express purpose of maintaining/protecting the area’s integrity and natural beauty; shall uphold Dunewood’s tradition of protecting trees, dunes, bluffs, etc. from improper sighting of residences and other structures; and shall maintain liaison with City and Township Building Inspectors and local realtors."

How the Building Advisory Committee (BAC) can help

• The BAC welcomes any questions from association members who are considering building new construction, additions, or ancillary structures such as boat houses, gazebos, garages, any paved areas including patios and driveways, and the location/relocation of septic systems or other utilities which would alter water run-off patterns. If needed, the BAC will help DPOA members reach out to the appropriate regulatory agencies for information regarding the permitting and construction process.
• The BAC requests that its Chair be notified when the types of projects listed above are being considered.
• The BAC requests that its Chair be notified when projects have been granted permits to assist in the coordination of any conditions which may impact the common areas of the association, such as easements, roadways, temporary road closures, etc. as well as making sure that the restrictions and covenants in your deed are being adhered to.
• The BAC advises anyone undertaking work to hire reputable architecture, engineering and construction firms who understand and respect the nature of our Dunewood ecology.
• The BAC also advises homeowners to reach out to neighbors to communicate plans as they may affect adjacent properties.

Environmental Impact

• All properties in DPOA fall within the Critical Dune Area (CDA) and require permits from EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) for most disturbances of soil, vegetation, trees and/or wetland area(s), including our dunes and beaches. (See Environmental Permitting Policies & Procedures below).

Permitting Requirements/Deeds

• The DPOA is made up of properties in the City of Bridgman and properties in Lake Charter Township.
• If your property is in either Lake Charter Township or the City of Bridgman you must comply with the permitting requirements of the respective municipality which governs it and you should be aware that any prospective work will not be issued a permit from either municipality without obtaining the appropriate EGLE permits and the approval of the State of Michigan for the work. Work that typically requires permits would include, but not be limited to, new construction, additions and ancillary structures such as boat houses, gazebos, garages, stairs, retaining wall, any paved areas including patios and driveways, tree removal, and the location/relocation of septic systems or other utilities. (For specifics, see Environmental Permitting Policies & Procedures below).
• Property owners should review the deeds of their properties to understand any potential restrictive covenants and/or easements on their property before undertaking the planning, design and construction of a future project. For further information please see the section 'Plats & Deeds | Easements-Restrictions-Covenants' just below and review maps and sample deeds located in the section at the bottom of this page.

Plats & Deeds | Easements-Restrictions-Covenants

• Dunewood was developed in the following five phases (all of these phases' plat maps listed here, plus a full color-coded Dunewood lot map, are located in the section below):

                       · Lakeview Drive (Lakefront and Non-lakefront, 1950's)

                         · Supervisors Plat of Dunewood (Lakefront and Non-lakefront, 1950's)

                         · Dunewood No 1 (1963+)

                         · Dunewood No 2 (1969+)

                         · Dunewood No 3 (1979+)

• Each of the Dunewood phases, which are recorded as "plats" at the County, contains a group of individual lots. Each lot has a deed that details the easements, restrictions and covenants that apply to that particular lot. The easements give each of us the right to access Dunewood Drive from Lake St through Kramer Heights, to use all Dunewood roads, and to access and use our two beaches. The restrictions place limits on lot improvements and rules around maintaining our common elements. The covenants define how members can enforce these restrictions and rules.
• Understanding this language in our deeds is important because our DPOA Constitution states that  "the purpose of the association is to effectuate the covenants and the restrictions contained in our deeds”.  In the 'Plat Maps & Deeds' document section below, you'll find plats with a sample deed from within the plat. The restriction and covenants in each sample deed are highlighted so you can quickly find that info. Note that if you are located in Lakeview or Supervisors Plat of Dunewood, you will have different deed language if you are lakefront vs non-lakefront (both deed examples are within their respective documents below).
• If you plan on building new or adding on to your home, you should not only follow the state and local requirements for permitting structures but you will also need to adhere to the restrictions placed on your property by your deed. If your deed states “subject to restrictions of record” contact the Building Advisory Chair for the detail of the restrictions that apply to your property.

Here are helpful website links when building in Dunewood:

• City of Bridgman Building and Zoning Department
• Lake Township Building and Zoning Department
• EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy)

Any additional questions or guidance requests:

• Contact the DPOA Building Advisory Chair, Julie Hacker at 847-828-3541.