neighborhood Guidelines

 

Beach Accesses

Residents of Sheldon Dunes enjoy use of 3 neighborhood beaches and rights-of-way to those beaches (see Boundary Map). SDHA member dues have funded construction and maintenance of stairways, beach storage areas, picnic tables, fire rings and landscaping. It is important to keep beach areas clean and to use only chairs, umbrellas and toys you bring to the beach – not those other members store there. Properties north and south of each shared access are private. Please respect the rights of those owners.

 

Boats and Jet Skis

Operating boats or jet skis near swimming areas requires extreme caution. If you are heading to or from the beach, be alert for swimmers in or under the water. Travel at slow speed (no wake) on a course perpendicular to the shoreline. Michigan law requires that boats and jet skis be operated at no-wake speed within 100 feet of shore or swimming areas (any area inside the second sandbar). We recommend you follow a 200-foot no-wake zone, for added safety. Please do not park jet skis on shared beaches, because space there is limited.

 

Fires and Fireworks

Open fires (both on the beach [except inside fire rings] and on your property) require a permit from Port Sheldon Township. If you plan to have a fire, call the Township. If fire danger is low, the Township will issue a permit good for three days. Always use extreme caution. The matted and dry beach grass on the dunes can easily ignite with just a spark. In high wind conditions, a beach grass fire quickly spreads out of control and threatens the safety of our homes and community. Always extinguish fires completely with water; and never bury hot coals in the sand. Use designated rings for fires. Fire rings at the accesses are the property of the Association and should never be removed. Your help in cleaning the access after using it for a fire is appreciated so all members can continue to enjoy a clean beach. It's also important to share or take turns using these amenities. Short-term renters and other nonmembers may not use Association fire pits and picnic tables unless accompanied by dues-paying members.

 

Due to frequent extremely dry conditions, the Association is concerned about the use of fireworks within our community.  If you use fireworks, please do so in a cautious manner. The dune grass can catch fire and very quickly spread, putting homes in danger in a matter of minutes.

 

Also, please be considerate of others regarding the noise fireworks make. Children and some adults prefer to go to sleep early; and we need to be respectful of the need for quiet after dark.

 

Noise

Lake acoustics tend to amplify the sounds of blowers, mowers, weed whackers and twig grinders, often drowning out the sounds of nature that many chose Sheldon Dunes for. Please consider decibel level, duration and time of day before you flip that switch. It will be much appreciated by those nearby who might want to step outside or open a window now and then to hear the waves or birds without listening to machinery.

 

Renters

Only Sheldon Dunes residents, their family members and accompanied guests may use SDHA beach accesses. Long-term renters (more than one year) may become members of the Association, if they or their property owners register with the Association and pay dues. Short-term renters (less than one year), may not use SDHA beach accesses. They can be encouraged to use nearby public accesses, such as at the end of Stanton Street, Kirk County Park and Olive Shores County Park.

 

Sand Dunes

Sand dunes are extremely fragile. The natural action of wind and water erode the dunes and jeopardize the stability of lakefront homes and stairways. Property owners have planted beach grass and constructed sea walls and toe walls to minimize the effects of these elements. You can do your part by staying off the dunes and educating your guests about this fragile ecosystem.

 

Pets

If you own a dog or cat, please be considerate of your neighbors by keeping your pet under control. If you are bothered by a loose pet, you can reach Animal Control by calling 911; state that your call is not an emergency and give a description of the animal and its location. Animal control is tasked to locate the owner and ensure that local ordinances are followed. Please pick up all pet waste along subdivision streets, access sites and the beach and show courtesy to other neighbors by filling holes on the beach left by pets, which might pose a tripping hazard.

 

Speed Limits

Children feel safe on our streets. Keep them that way by observing the 25 MPH speed limit, when you travel through the neighborhood. Encourage guests to do the same.