Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The beach is owned by the Association and available for member use. Remove all trash before leaving. Respect others—leave it as you found it or better. Vehicles (2 or 4-wheeled) are NOT allowed on the beach.

Yes, within limits. Michigan law grants public easement to high water mark on all shorelines—a narrow beach strip is public access. You cannot cross private property to reach it. Stay in the permitted area, take trash, and don't disturb beach owners.

Yes. Many dogs enjoy the beach. Please pick up after your dog—it's a courtesy all members expect. This applies to parks, common areas, and roads.

Yes. As a member, you and guests can use the Campground with both rustic and improved sites. Contact Bob Pryor (906-869-2414) for reservations. For short notice, contact Becca Foli or Beth Crosswhite.

An old pool house now used for member meetings, barbecues, and parties. It has modern bathrooms, running water, a permanent grill, and a fire circle (available unless township burn ban). Reserve with Beth Crosswhite for a nominal fee.

Yes. The Pavilion is available first-come, first-served. Contact Beth Crosswhite to reserve. There's a nominal fee covering cleanup and maintenance.

Yes. Trails are for walking only—excellent for hiking and observing nature. Many run through critical dune areas. Treat trails with respect—leave only footprints. Report obstructions to the Trails Committee chair: Dave DeRosia (231-360-0189).

No. Trails are exclusively for walking. Many are in critical dune areas sensitive to damage. Please hike only.

Yes. Download the trail map here.

The highest point on Beaver Island and a sand dune in a critical dune area. You can climb it on foot, but be careful not to disturb plants and trees—they hold the dune in place. Vehicles are prohibited.

Yes. Font Lake has a public launching site for small fishing boats. The Donegal Bay beach is not for launching. Hand-carried kayaks/canoes can launch at North Park, but no trailers allowed.

No, it's Association property. Historically, the Board permits island residents to use it. However, it is NOT public property—use is by Board permission only. The same applies to McCauley's Point Access Trail. The Board reserves the right to deny access for rule violations.

Pavilion, Stable Campground (rustic & improved sites), North Shore Park, Font Lake boat launch, Mount Pisgah, McCauley's Point trail access, extensive trail network, private parks, and Donegal Bay beach.

The Port of St. James Association is a Michigan not-for-profit corporation tax exempt under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Association maintains property comprising parks and common areas, and enforces the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants controlling how members use their property. A volunteer Board of Directors manages the Association's affairs to benefit members.

The Association's mission is to: conduct and administer PSJA business in members' best interest; maintain integrity through consistent enforcement of the Protective Covenant; and protect and safeguard the tranquil beauty of the environment, natural resources, and real property value for long-term member benefit.

The Association conducts business in accordance with its articles of incorporation, bylaws, applicable Federal statutes, and Michigan's Not-for-Profit Corporation Act. The Association exercises power to make rules implementing Covenant requirements and enforce its provisions.

A nine-member volunteer Board of Directors, elected for three-year terms at the annual September meeting. Three positions are voted on yearly. The Board makes decisions collaboratively, aiming for consensus and voting unanimously when possible.

At the annual meeting, members vote on three nominated candidates. Votes attach to each lot owned (one vote per lot). In multiple-owner cases, owners must agree how to cast the single vote per lot. The three candidates with the largest vote totals are elected. Cumulative voting is not allowed.

No. Restrictions arise from the Covenant, recorded against nearly every parcel by original developers. While some early property owners could opt out before the Association formed, current members cannot. The Covenant is binding on all purchasers as a matter of public record.

Yes. The Covenant is public record, giving constructive notice to all purchasers. Restrictions are binding on all buyers. If property is foreclosed for unpaid taxes, the state cannot use the land beyond Covenant limits. Title insurance policies note this as a recorded exception.

The Association provides: beach access at Donegal Bay, camping facilities (Stable Campground), common property and private parks, beach pavilion, and Covenant enforcement. Enforcement preserves property values and ensures quiet enjoyment of your property.

Ideally, you received a copy when you purchased. Some realtors and sellers don't provide it. The Board keeps a copy available for download from the website.

Yes, with restrictions. Campfires at the beach and Stable Campground are LIMITED to marked fire circles. On your property, you can build fires in a cleared, prepared fire circle or using a commercial outdoor fireplace, surrounded by stone or metal. Township burn bans prohibit ALL campfires when in effect.

Apply for an Association building permit as soon as you receive a township Zoning Permit. Don't apply to the Association before the township approves your plans—township setbacks, building size, and facility placement must be acceptable first.

Pick one up from Architectural Committee members (Beth Croswhite or Bob Smith), or download from the website, or request from psja.clerk@gmail.com.

Deliver to Architectural Committee co-chairs Bob Smith or Beth Croswhite at PSJA P.O. Box #298, or email a PDF to psja.clerk@gmail.com. Submissions are effective when received for time-limit purposes.

Usually rapid if submission is complete. The Architectural Committee must rule within 30 days. If questions arise or submission is incomplete, approval may take longer, but this is uncommon. Expect an answer well before 30 days.

Yes. The Covenant (Article VII) allows only a single-family residence and one ancillary building per lot. Commercial ventures are prohibited. The Covenant sets building standards and completion time limits.

Both do. The property is R-2 zoned. You must follow both the Zoning Ordinance AND the Covenant. When they differ, the stricter requirement controls. For example, setback requirements vary—the greater requirement wins.

Apply to the Architectural Committee with completed application form, plans, and exterior finish details. Mark all structure locations clearly. The Committee must rule within 30 days. The form is available for download.

Technically, a permit should be obtained first. However, the Association generally permits land clearing for staging if: the lot is left safe for neighbors, all trees/brush are removed, and the lot is graded smooth. Any work beyond clearing requires a permit. This policy is under review.

No. Any construction on your property requires an Association permit—even fences. This is true even if a township permit isn't needed. Your contractor must be mistaken.

Only one single-family dwelling (max 2.5 stories) plus one garage/boathouse combination per lot are allowed. The Covenant prohibits trailers, mobile homes, basements, tents, shacks, or temp structures as residences.

Building restrictions are in Article VII; Architectural Control provisions are in Article VI. The Covenant itself is available for download.

Yes. The Critical Dunes Act is MORE restrictive than the Covenant. Affected lots are mostly along Donegal Bay and subdivisions 6 & 7. Critical Dune buildings must meet R-1 zoning (768 sq ft min), vs. standard R-2 (600 sq ft). Vegetation cutting and beach grooming are prohibited.

Zoning Ordinance: stjamestwp.org/beaver_island_zoning_ordinance.pdf. Zoning Map: webgen1files1.revize.com zoning map.

No. The Association allows occasional cottage rentals. Renters must obey the Covenant and all Association rules. Renting members are responsible for damage. Provide renters with rules and the rental guide.

No. The Covenant forbids "any business, commercial, or manufacturing enterprise" (Article VII, Section 1). The Zoning Ordinance allows some home businesses in R-2 areas, but the Covenant is more restrictive and controls.

No permanent storage of tractors, backhoes, boats, etc. You CAN park a work truck at night. The Board enforces based on visual impact. Report storage concerns to the Board.

No. Except during active construction, the Covenant prohibits using property as a dumping ground. Trash and garbage must be in sanitary containers. Permanent materials storage is not allowed.

No. The Covenant prohibits any camping, trailers, RVs, tents, or temporary structures on member property—even for short stays. Use the Stable Campground instead. Contact Bob Pryor (906-869-2414) for reservations.

No. Guests cannot camp or stay in RVs/tents on member property. Arrange Stable Campground reservations with Bob Pryor (906-869-2414) or board members Becca Foli or Beth Crosswhite.

Quiet hours (10 p.m.–8 a.m.) exist in Association parks, facilities, and common property. Generally, no Association-wide quiet hours exist for private property, but the Board welcomes member input and will consider instituting them.

Hunting is forbidden in parks and common areas. On your property, it's your decision, BUT Michigan law requires written permission from property owners within 450 feet of any dwelling. Check all Michigan hunting regulations at michigan.gov/dnr before hunting.

ORVs may be driven on county roads, but NOT off-road anywhere. Critical Dune areas prohibit ORVs under state law. Snowmobiles ARE permitted on Association roads in winter but not off-road.

Yes, on Association roads in winter—necessary for property access. Snowmobiles are NOT permitted off-road, subject to the same vehicle restrictions as ORVs.

The Board believes 25 m.p.h. is appropriate (R-2 subdivision law), but road commission posts 35 m.p.h. warning signs. Please observe 25 m.p.h.—children, cyclists, and pedestrians use these roads. Report speeding to the sheriff.