Do I need approval before I build or remodel?

Yes. This is one of the strictest requirements in the covenants, and it covers more than new houses.

The covenants say no **building, fence, wall or other structure** may be commenced, erected or maintained on your property until plans and specifications have been submitted and approved **in writing**. The same rule applies to any exterior addition, change or alteration to something already there.

Your plans have to show:

- The nature and kind of what you are building
- Its shape and height
- The materials
- Its location on the lot

Approval comes from the Board of Directors, or from an architectural committee of three or more people appointed by the Board. At Lake of the Pines this is the Architectural Committee.

The Rules & Regulations spell out what this covers in practice — new homes, additions, or other structures — and say approval must be obtained **before starting construction, including clearing of the site**.

Two cautions from the Rules & Regulations worth taking seriously:

- Do not start planning a new structure, or changing an existing one, before reading the deed restrictions that apply to your lot.
- Do not sign contracts or make commitments before you have plan approval.

Association approval is also not the only approval you need. Construction plans must comply with State of Michigan, Freeman Township and Lake of the Pines requirements, and the Township has its own permit process.

Start with the office. They will tell you what to submit and how.

*Source: Restrictive Covenants, Article VI, Section 1; Rules & Regulations (7/12/2025), Building Plans.*