Member Login

FAQs

Did the Annual Assessment increase pass?

Yes, on January 11th, the Association successfully reached a quorum and commenced a vote. The assessment increase passed by a two-thirds majority.
 
New Annual Rates (effective April 1, 2025):
$380.00- Primary Lot
$214.00- Secondary Lot
 

Did the definition of a Secondary lot change?
Yes, on January 11th, the Association successfully reached a quorum and commenced a vote. By member vote and with approval from a two-thirds majority, the definition of a Secondary lot was changed from "additional lots owned" to "lots within the same subdivision."
 
This change will take effect on April 1, 2025. If you own lots in multiple subdivisions, you will be charged for a primary lot for each subdivision in which you own property.
 
What are the Annual Assessment Rates?
Beginning April 1st, the Annual Assessment rate for Lakes of the North is $380.00 for a primary lot and $214.00 for each additional secondary lot. To qualify for the secondary lot rate, the ownership on the deeds must match, and the lots must be within the same subdivision.
 
Per the Association's Restrictive Covenants, Annual Assessments are due every April 1st.
 
Please note: Payments that are postmarked after April 1st will be considered late and may incur late fees and interest. Delinquent accounts could be subject to collections, liens, and foreclosure. If you have questions about a delinquent account, please contact the Management Office at 231-585-6000.

 
Does it cost to use the pool?
The pay-to-play amenity fees will end on April 1, 2025, but the fee schedule for the 2025 fiscal year is not yet available for guests. Please check back soon for more information.
Why do I need a parking pass?
To protect our lakes and maintain a members-only environment, a parking pass is required for visiting the lakes.
 
The 2025 parking passes can be picked up at the AMO, Clubhouse, Beach House, or Campground at no cost. You must be a member in good standing to receive a pass. The parking pass is issued as a window hanger, which can be used in any of your vehicles. We also have stickers available for your golf cart or ATV. Please note that parking passes are for members only and should not be shared. A temporary pass will be issued for guests of members.
 
Staff will ask anyone at the beaches without a pass to leave. Failure to leave may result in a ticket from law enforcement.

 
What is a Quorum?'
A quorum is the minimum number of votes needed, either in person or by proxy, to conduct the business of the Association or to hold a vote. To pass any changes to Lakes of the North assessments or to approve a special assessment, two-thirds of the established quorum is required. For more details, please refer to Article V, Section 6 of the Restrictive Covenants found under the Resources heading. Votes can be cast either in person or by proxy during the scheduled meeting.
What Are 'By-Laws?'
Bylaws are a set of rules and guidelines that govern the operation of a non-profit organization, such as a Board of Directors. They typically outline the definitions of offices and committees within the Board. Additionally, bylaws may cover voting rights, meeting protocols, notice requirements, and other aspects essential for the successful functioning of the organization.

Member Amended By-Laws
 
What are Restrictive Covenants?
A Restrictive Covenant is a legal obligation that is recorded in a deed when ownership of a home or property is transferred. These restrictions ‘run with the land,' meaning they apply to future owners of the property as well.

Anyone who purchases or obtains property in the Lakes of the North development must comply with the recorded Restrictive Covenants, including their limitations and requirements. These restrictions may pertain to factors such as the size, location, or type of structure, as well as the activities permitted on the property.

Additionally, the Association's Restrictive Covenants include provisions for collecting annual assessments.

Restrictive Covenants
 
What is a 'Proxy?'
The Lakes of the North Association’s Restrictive Covenants state that votes for assessment increases must be cast in person; absentee ballots are not allowed. Members may either vote in person or assign their proxy to the President of the Association or another member in good standing to vote on their behalf.
 
What is my Membership Number?
You may have encountered the terms "Jonas number" or "account number." This is the identifier assigned to your account for easy reference in our new Jonas software. To find your account number, you can call the Management Office at 231-585-6000 or, for a quicker response, email us at [email protected].

Your member number is also printed on your billing statements. 
 
Are Side by Sides allowed in Lakes of the North?
Please click HERE for the ORV Ordinance for Antrim County
How do I purchase a lot?

If you are interested in purchasing a lot from Lakes of the North, please call the Management Office at 231-585-6000 or email us at [email protected]. We will help you gather the necessary information for the purchase agreement. Additionally, you can find more specific information about available lots under the 'Home' section and 'Lot Sales and Info.'
What is a Board of Directors?
A director is an officer responsible for the conduct and management of the Association's business. The group of directors is collectively referred to as the Board of Directors, or BOD for short, and they are typically elected or appointed. The Lakes of the North Association Board consists of nine members who are elected by a vote from the members. Every year, three directors are elected for a three-year term.

You can find contact information for the BOD by logging into the Member Central portion of the website.  
 
What are Governing Documents?
Governing documents include the covenants, bylaws, operating policies/rules, articles of incorporation or any other documents which govern the normal operating procedures of the Association.
 
What is a Lien?
A lien is a financial claim placed against a property due to unpaid charges, such as association assessments. This lien is attached to the property rather than the owner and must be recorded in the property records of the county where the property is located. When a lien is in effect, the property owner has very limited ability to take any actions involving the property until the lien is satisfied or removed.
 
What is an 'Easement?'
An Easment is an interest or a right in real property which grants the ability to use the land of another for a special purpose or endeavor. A public utility may have an easement for repair work to be executed at a future date.
 
What is a 'Common Area?'
Common Area is area that may be used by all Lakes of the North members. The management of the common area is by the Association which collects annual assessments from the members to pay for the building and facility upkeep, maintenance, and improvements.
 
What are Ordinances?
An Ordinance is an individual or set of laws adopted by local government at the county or township level.
What is the Greenbelt area?
All of the Lakes of the North lakes have at least 50' Greenbelt of common area that surround them. These Greenbelts were designed to protect the natural character, environment, and ecology of our lake shores. These Greenbelt areas preserve the natural beauty and vegetative cover of our common areas and shore lands.Greenbelts move with the water levels.
 
What if my property is bordered by a Greenbelt area?
The Greenbelt area adjacent to your lot is the property of the Lakes of the North Association and is subject to preservation rules. Any alteration to the Greenbelt which violates these rules may result in a request by the Association to make restoration or modifications. You may find the Greenbelt Regulations on this website - under L/N Documents - Other Documents.
 
Where are my membership cards?
Lakes of the North has introduced a new software system called 'Jonas' that eliminates the need for paper membership cards. To access the amenities, simply visit the amenity building of your choice with your photo ID (such as a driver's license or state-issued ID). You will be looked up and granted access accordingly.
 
I'm a new owner in Lakes of the North but have not received any information?
Welcome to the neighborhood! Once you receive your recorded deed back from the county, please email a clear photo of it to [email protected] so we can update our membership system. Don’t forget to include your contact information.
 
Please note that assessment fees may be due upon the transfer of ownership. The county does not notify the Association when a lot is bought or sold, but new owners typically receive a copy of the recorded deed within a few weeks.

*Please note that Lakes of the North does not send a Welcome Packet to new property owners. All association information is available on our website or by contacting the Management Office at [email protected] or 231-585-6000.
 
What if I am no longer interested in my property?
In certain situations, the Association may allow you to return your lot to us. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis. Generally, all debts must be paid in full, and taxes must be current for you to qualify for this option. Please note that we do not buy back lots and cannot sell lots on behalf of members.
 
If you are no longer interested in your lot, please contact the Management Office to discuss your options at 231-585-6000 or [email protected]
 
I sold my lot(s) in Lakes of the North but still received a billing statement?
Newly recorded deeds are mailed to the new owner, who is required to provide these ownership documents to the Association. If you have sold your lot and are still receiving billing statements, it may be because we have not yet received the new deed. To stop the statements from being sent to your name, please email a copy of the newly recorded deed to [email protected], and we will update our membership records accordingly.
 
The Association cannot obtain legal ownership documents on behalf of its members. If you need a copy of your deed, please contact the county Register of Deeds office.
 
Please note that if you have an unpaid, delinquent balance from before you sold or lost your lot, we will continue to make every effort to collect this amount. Members are responsible for paying assessments for each fiscal year they own property within the Association. A past-due balance does not disappear when a lot is sold or lost to tax foreclosure. Unpaid balances may be referred to a collection agency.
 
Where can I drop my trash off in Lakes of the North?
On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, you can drop off your trash at our Airport between 10 AM and 2 PM. The cost is $5.00 per 30-gallon bag.
I want to develop my lot.

All members of Lakes of the North must complete an Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Permit and submit it to the Committee for review and approval before undertaking any development or construction on their lot. This requirement applies to building a home, garage, woodshed, or addition, as well as installing a fence or removing trees. Additionally, it is crucial to obtain a permit from the county to ensure that your construction is legal and safe. Failure to secure permits from both the ACC and the county may lead to a notice and/or a fine. A legal survey is required. 

Click HERE for Otsego County Building Permits and information.

Click HERE for Antrim County Building Permits and information.

You can find your lot's dimensions by clicking HERE.
 

The ACC Committee meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. To have a permit included on the meeting agenda, it must be submitted by the previous Monday. A permit will NOT be considered complete and cannot be added to the agenda until all pages are fully completed and submitted, and the permit fee is paid.
 

Please review the Lakes of the North Restrictive Covenants, which outline the rules, expectations, and minimum square footage requirements. Once you have determined that these rules align with your development plans, please submit your Architectural Plan to the Architectural Control Committee using the link provided below.
 
Submission options: Mail, drop-off, or email: [email protected] 
Permit fee payment options: Mail, drop-off, or call 231-585-6000 (please note there is a 3.5% surcharge for credit card payments made over the phone).

 
**No development is allowed without ACC approval. A hard copy of your permit will be provided upon approval. Permits cannot be reviewed or approved until all documents are properly submitted, an ACC review is conducted, and full payment is received.
Why does my Property have a lien?
The Association will record a lien on any property that has outstanding assessment payments. This action is also the initial step in pursuing legal foreclosure.
 
If your property has an assessment lien recorded against it, please contact the Management Office at 231-585-6000 or email [email protected]. All debts associated with a particular lot must be resolved before we can record a lien discharge.
 
Please be aware that lots purchased without proper title work may carry liens or other encumbrances. The only way to ensure that a lot has a clear title is to obtain title work. We also recommend that prospective buyers contact the Association before purchasing any lot within the Association.
 
Does Lakes of the North use a Collection Agency?
If you do not pay your assessments, your account may be sent to a collection agency or law office. If that happens, you will be contacted by either Sherloq Collection Agency or Velo Law Office. In the event of a judgment against you for non-payment, your wages, tax returns, and other income may be garnished.
 
Additionally, if you fail to pay your assessments, your account may be referred to our attorney to initiate the lien and foreclosure process. According to the Restrictive Covenants, any legal fees incurred will be the sole responsibility of the delinquent member.
 
Assessments are due on April 1st of each fiscal year. Payments postmarked after April 1st will be considered late and may incur late fees and interest.
 
We want to work with you to find a solution. If you have an overdue balance and would like to discuss your options, please contact the Management Office at 231-585-6000. You may qualify for a payment plan.
 
Please remember that you are allowed to make payments throughout the year. Each payment will be credited to your account, which will reduce the amount you owe by April 1st.
 
How do I reach the Management Office?
The management office is located within the clubhouse at 6273 Pineview Dr, Mancelona, MI. The office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can also contact the staff via email at [email protected] or by phone at 231-585-6000.
Who is the General Manager?
James Duffy is the Acting General Manager of Lakes of the North. He is available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 4 PM. You can reach Mr. Duffy by visiting his office inside the Clubhouse or via email at [email protected].  
 
How do I stay updated?
It is important to keep the association updated with your current address and contact information. You can find most information on our website or our Official LOTN Facebook Page. We encourage you to call the Management Office to speak with our staff if you have any questions.
 
All members in good standing have access to the Member Central section of our website, where you can watch Town Hall meetings and Board of Directors meetings if you are unable to attend in person.
 
Please make sure to obtain information only from official and authorized social media channels.

 
Can I camp on my vacant lot?
No, the Restrictive Covenants does not permit camping on vacant lots. Property owners in good standing can camp at our members-only campground, Campers Village. For more information, please call 231-585-6828.
 
Are short-term rentals allowed?
The Restrictive Covenants clearly state that Lakes of the North is designated for residential use only. Any commercial use of properties, including short-term rentals, is prohibited.
Can I have chickens?
No animals, livestock, or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred, or kept on any lot, except for dogs, cats, or other household pets. These pets may be kept as long as they are not raised, bred, or maintained for any commercial purposes.
Where do I report blight?
The Association treats blight violations with utmost seriousness and is actively working to resolve these issues. Several factors, including county and township regulations, influence how we address blight. If you notice a property that you believe violates the Association's rules or has blight issues, please contact the Management office at 231-585-6000 or email us at l[email protected].
I want to sell my property, where do I start?
Lakes of the North does not function as a realtor, so we are unable to sell property on behalf of our members. However, association property can be sold like any other property. Once a property is sold and a new deed is recorded, the buyer or seller must provide a copy of the deed to the Association so that we can update our records accordingly.
I don't use the amenities, do I still owe assessments?

Yes, Lakes of the North membership is determined by property ownership, not by usage. Assessments must be paid for each fiscal year during which you own property in Lakes of the North, regardless of amenity use.

ARTICLE V

COVENANT FOR MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS

Section 1.  Creation of the Lien and Personal Obligation of Assessments.   The developer being the owner of all the properties hereby covenants and each subsequent owner by acceptance of a land contract and/or a deed therefore, whether or not it shall be expressed in any such deed or contract is deemed to covenant and agree to pay to the Association;  (1) annual assessments or charges;  (2) special assessments for capital improvements, such assessments to be fixed, established, and collected from time to time as hereinafter provided.  The annual and special assessments, together with such interest thereon and costs of collection thereof as hereinafter provided, shall be a charge on the land and shall be a continuing lien upon the property against which each assessment is made.  Each such assessment, together with such interest thereon and cost of collection thereof as hereinafter provided, shall also be the personal obligation of the person who was the Owner of such property at the time when the assessment fell due. 

How does Membership work?
You can add as many owners to a deed as you wish; however, membership at Lakes of the North is limited to either one married couple or two single individuals. If there are multiple owners, or if one owner is married and another is single (such as a married adult child and their widowed parent), a Principal Owner Form must be completed and submitted to the Management Office. Any additional owners not designated as a Principal Owner will be considered guests. This designation can be changed once every 12 months or at the discretion of the Management Office.

Please refer to Article III, Membership Section of the By-Laws for more information, as well as the section on Guests.

Principal Ownership forms are available at the Management Office. For more information please call 231-585-6000. 
Who maintains the roads?
The roads throughout the Lakes of the North community are maintained by the county Road Commission.

Antrim County: 231-587-8521
Otsego County: 989-732-5202
Are mobile homes allowed?
Yes, mobile homes, also known as manufactured homes, are permitted only in The Villa subdivision.

Modular homes, on the other hand, can be constructed in other subdivisions but must adhere to all building codes and regulations. It's important to note that mobile homes and manufactured homes are not the same as modular homes; therefore, these terms should not be used interchangeably.


Mobile_Homes_vs_Modular_Homes
Are lots marked?
No, unlike campgrounds or mobile home communities, individual lots at Lakes of the North are not marked. However, maps are available to assist you in locating your lot, and a legal survey is required before any lot development can take place. Lakes of the North encompasses 8,023 lots spread over 10,000 acres.  
Are surveys required?
The Lakes of the North Association requires that a survey be completed and attached to all tree-cutting and building permit applications. This ensures proper setbacks and helps prevent lot line encroachments. If you already possess a legally binding survey, you can attach a copy to your permit application. A new survey is not required each time you plan to develop your property.
 
Below is the name of a licensed surveyor who is familiar with our Association’s requirements.


Brand Land Surveying LLC
533 Greenfield Drive
Gaylord, MI 49735
989-732-8077

https://www.brandlandsurveying.com/
Can I hunt in Lakes of the North?
The Lakes of the North Restrictive Covenants does not include any restrictions or rules related to hunting. All hunting and shooting regulations are determined by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). For further information, please contact them directly or click here.

If you have a complaint regarding someone's hunting or shooting practices, please reach out to the DNR or your local law enforcement.
Helpful Information: