FAQs

Planning

A new project is being constructed near my home, would I be able to see the plans?

Yes.  When a developer of a commercial or residential project brings in his application, a file is created.  The file and all its contents are open to the public. This policy is the same for any Zoning Board of Appeals cases and rezoning files.

Do I need a permit to cut down trees?

Since the township does not have a woodland ordinance, you do not need a permit.  Although, if the trees are located in a regulated wetland, you may need a permit from the township and/or the DEQ.  For further information, please call our environmentalist, Mike McAdams at 248-698-7700 ext 190.

I came home from work today and there are several stakes with colored ribbons in place in my yard and/or th surrounding area. What is the meaning of this?

A survey crew was sent to your vicinity for utility work or a neighbor needs to survey their own property.  The color of the ribbon depicts the utility.

  • Blue - Water
  • Brown - Sewer
  • Green - Storm Drain
  • Orange - Phone & TV
  • Purple - Surveying
  • Red - Electric
  • Yellow - Oil & Gas

Utility and survey companies are not required to notify the township not the homeowner when they come out to your area. Thus, we here at the Township may not know the purpose or reason for the flags. You can call Miss Dig at 1-800-482-7171 to find out what is going on.

The street that I live on is in need of repairs or pothole repair. Who do I call?

If you live on a public paved County road, you would call the Road Commission of Oakland County (RCOC) to discuss the problems with the road. Their phone number is 248-858-4804. 

If you live on an Oakland County road that is unpaved, you would also call the RCOC to inquire about grating or chloriding issues. 

If you live on a private or County unpaved residential road, and you are interested in discussing how to do a special assessment district (SAD) to either repair or pave the road, you would contact the Township Assessor to learn how to pursue this process. The White Lake Township Assessor is Dave Hieber at 248-698-3300  X-3.

What are the requirements for owning a horse?

Your property must be zoned Agricultural (AG) or Suburban Farms (SF) and have a minimum of 2 acres. If you meet these requirements, than it's two horses for the first two acres and 1 horse per acre afterwords.

Why did I receive an agenda for a Zoning Board of Appeals or a Planning Commission meeting?

For all ZBA cases, rezonings, and special land uses, we are required to notify all homeowners and property owners that are within 300' of the property in question.  Rezoning and special land uses require a public hearing and are held at Planning Commission meetings.