Designing River‑Ready Yards in Jenison: Decks, Docks, Views

Morning coffee over the water. Kids fishing off a safe, sturdy dock. A view that feels open and private without stripping the shoreline bare. If you own Grand River frontage in Jenison, you can have all three. The key is blending smart design with shoreline care and the right permits so your yard works with the river, not against it. In this guide, you will learn how to plan decks and docks, frame views, use native landscaping to prevent erosion, and move through permits with fewer surprises. Let’s dive in.

Know the rules first

A riverfront project touches more than curb appeal. You are working near public waters and a dynamic shoreline, so a quick call before you sketch saves time later. Local, county, state, and sometimes federal rules can apply, depending on the work and location on your lot.

What triggers permits

• Zoning and setbacks: Georgetown Township and Ottawa County set where you may place decks, stairs, and hardscape near the water and property lines. Floodplain rules can limit locations and heights.
• Floodplain and elevation: FEMA flood maps and local codes may require elevation, anchoring, or special engineering if a structure sits in a regulated floodplain or could affect flood flow.
• State water and wetland permits: Michigan EGLE regulates work in inland waters and regulated wetlands. Docks, riprap, dredging, and fill often need a permit even if you view it as maintenance.
• Soil erosion controls: Disturbing shoreline soils usually requires an erosion and sediment control plan. Work near county drains may fall under Ottawa County Drain Commissioner rules.
• Navigation and habitat: The Grand River is a public waterway. Docks cannot block navigation and may face extra protections in sensitive habitat.

Who to contact first

• Georgetown Township planning and building for setbacks, deck placement, and local building permits.
• Ottawa County offices, including Planning and the Drain Commissioner, for floodplain, drainage, and erosion requirements.
• Michigan EGLE for any in‑water work, shoreline stabilization, riprap, or docks.
• MDNR for seasonal guidance tied to fisheries and boating rules if needed.

Starting these calls early helps you pin down what is allowed on your parcel and how long permits will take.

Timing and expectations

Permitting can take weeks to months depending on complexity, public notice, and seasonal windows. In‑water work often avoids fish spawning periods. Build your timeline around permit steps and the best seasons for construction and planting.

Shoreline‑friendly landscaping

A living shoreline is your best long‑term protection. Native plants slow runoff, hold the bank, and frame your view with texture and seasonal interest. This approach looks natural and often reduces maintenance once established.

Start with a living buffer

Replace turf that runs to the water with a planted buffer. Keep a defined path or stair run for access so foot traffic is not trampling the bank. When you need to get down to the dock, concentrate use in one durable route.

Buffer width basics

Wider buffers give more benefit on steeper or fragile banks. Many conservation guides suggest starting around 25 to 50 feet for basic filtration and stability, and going wider, 50 to 100 feet or more, on steep, erosive sites. Local ordinances and site conditions control what is required, but the principle is simple. More width and more plant diversity improve protection.

Native plants that work

Choose species adapted to wet feet and changing river levels. Deep roots knit soil and stand up to storms.

• Trees: river birch, silver maple, and bur oak in the right spots.
• Shrubs: red osier dogwood, buttonbush near the water’s edge, and appropriate willow species used carefully for bioengineering.
• Groundcovers and forbs: native sedges, soft rush, swamp milkweed, and native grasses and wildflowers for filtration and slope stability.

Avoid invasive plants such as aggressive reed stands. If you see them, plan removal using accepted best practices.

Erosion control during work

Use silt fencing and sediment traps before you disturb soil. Cover bare ground quickly with mulch and temporary seed. Expect inspections when a soil permit applies.

Frame the view without harming the bank

You can open the view and keep the shoreline intact. Aim for selective trimming, not clearcutting.

Pruning for sightlines

Mark your sightlines from both seated and standing positions. Remove or trim a narrow V‑shaped corridor through your view. Keep taller vegetation at the edges for habitat and privacy. Try pruning before removing any major trees.

Paths and access

Build one clear route to the water with steps or a stair run. This prevents multiple social trails and reduces erosion. Low native shrubs and grasses in the foreground keep interest while preserving your view across the river.

Plan decks for the river

Decks on river lots must handle moisture, seasonal flooding, and changing water levels. Design with elevation, ventilation, and runoff in mind.

Siting and elevation

Start with how you will use the space. Entertaining, quiet viewing, or a launch point each suggest different sizes and placements. Respect setbacks and keep a living buffer between the deck and the waterline. On flood‑prone ground, elevate the deck above expected flood levels and follow local floodplain requirements. Use open‑slatted decking and allow airflow under the deck so water and debris move through instead of piling up.

Materials and runoff

Choose rot‑resistant or low‑maintenance materials such as pressure‑treated lumber, composite, or cedar. Use corrosion‑resistant fasteners and slip‑resistant surfaces. For near‑ground decks, add permeable hardscape around the structure and direct roof runoff into planted infiltration areas or a rain garden rather than toward the river.

Choose the right dock

Dock design on the Grand River should be seasonal and flexible. Water levels shift, and winter ice can do real damage.

Dock types and seasons

• Seasonal floating docks: Modular floats are common on rivers with changing levels. They are easier to remove before winter ice.
• Permanent pile or pier docks: Fixed systems may require deeper foundations and more permitting. They can face more winter stress.
• Gangways and stairs: Plan safe connections from the upland to the dock with slope and mobility in mind.

Check permit needs with EGLE and your local offices. Even removable floating docks can require approvals.

Siting and navigation

Place docks so they do not interfere with navigation channels or public access. Choose a location with adequate depth and a gentle approach from upland to avoid erosion. Consolidate access to one durable path.

Materials, ice, and safety

Use freshwater‑rated materials such as pressure‑treated lumber, aluminum framing, and polyethylene floats with stainless hardware. Plan for seasonal removal or secure anchoring to handle ice. Add non‑slip surfaces, ladders, and safe lighting that is low glare and directed downward.

Your step‑by‑step checklist

Follow a simple sequence to keep the project on track and compliant.

1. Confirm your boundaries and conditions

   • Get a property survey to verify lot lines, riparian frontage, and any easements.
   • Note topography and bank slope. Identify soil types and any signs of instability.
   • Check FEMA flood maps and ask whether your lot is in a regulated floodplain.

2. Call the right offices early

   • Georgetown Township planning and building for setbacks and deck permits.
   • Ottawa County for drainage, erosion control, and floodplain rules.
   • Michigan EGLE for any in‑water work or shoreline stabilization.
   • MDNR if fisheries timing or boating rules could apply.

3. Draft a shoreline‑first concept

   • Keep or restore a vegetated buffer. Map one durable access path.
   • Sketch your view corridors using selective pruning.
   • Choose deck elevation and open decking to manage flood flow.

4. Build the permit package

   • Adjust the design to minimize disturbance and match requirements.
   • Prepare erosion and sediment controls and any plans requested by reviewers.

5. Construct in the right order

   • Install erosion controls before clearing.
   • Build structural elements like decks or dock anchors.
   • Plant the buffer and finish with permeable hardscape.

6. Maintain and monitor

   • Inspect docks and deck hardware each season.
   • Water and weed plantings until established, then switch to light maintenance.
   • Remove floating docks before winter if required by your design.

Build the right team

River projects benefit from local experience and the right mix of experts.

Professionals to consider

• Shoreline landscape architect or designer experienced with riparian buffers and bioengineering.
• Marine or dock contractor familiar with Grand River levels, ice patterns, anchoring, and permits.
• Civil or geotechnical engineer for steep banks, heavy loads, or floodplain design.
• Wetland or permit consultant for projects near regulated wetlands or in‑water work.
• Licensed general contractor for structural elements that require building permits.
• Local permitting officials at the Township, County, and EGLE for early scoping.

Seasonal timing in West Michigan

Aim to plant in spring or fall so roots establish with cooler temperatures and rain. Plan in‑water work outside spawning periods based on state guidance. Schedule dock removal before freeze‑up if you use a floating system. Expect permit timelines to influence your start date.

Bringing it all together

A river‑ready yard in Jenison balances access, views, and shoreline health. When you pair a living buffer with a well‑placed deck and a right‑sized dock, you reduce erosion risk, meet the rules, and create a space you love year‑round. The earlier you line up permits and experienced pros, the smoother the build and the better the outcome.

If you are weighing a riverfront purchase or planning improvements on your current lot, you do not have to navigate this alone. Prichard Properties brings local waterfront insight and a process‑first approach to help you plan, budget, and connect with the right shoreline professionals. Ready to talk through options and next steps? Work with Ryan and our team at Prichard Properties.

FAQs

Do Jenison riverfront decks need to meet floodplain rules?

• Yes, if your parcel is within a regulated floodplain, elevation, anchoring, or engineering requirements can apply. Check FEMA maps and ask the local building office about your lot.

How close can I build a deck or stairs to the Grand River?

• Setbacks vary by parcel and ordinance. Contact Georgetown Township and Ottawa County to confirm the required distances and any floodplain limits before you design.

Do I need a permit to install a dock on the Grand River?

• Very likely. In‑water structures commonly require permits from Michigan EGLE and sometimes local approvals. Start with early calls to scope the process.

What is the simplest way to open my river view without harm?

• Use selective pruning to create narrow sightlines, keep low native plantings at the foreground, and avoid clearing large areas of vegetation that stabilize the bank.

Which plants hold a West Michigan riverbank best?

• Native species with deep roots perform well, such as river birch and silver maple for trees, red osier dogwood and buttonbush for shrubs, and sedges, soft rush, and native grasses for groundcover.

How do I protect docks from winter ice on the Grand River?

• Choose a seasonal floating dock that you remove before freeze‑up, or design secure anchoring for a fixed system. Use freshwater‑rated materials and inspect hardware annually.