Summer Services
Q: . What days are trash pick-ups?
A: Trash pick-up is on Friday. For 2026, collection begins Friday, May 22, and ends on Friday, October 9.
Q: When does the Wabaningo Post Office open and close for the Summer? What are the PO hours?
A: The Post Office opens on June 15th and closes on September 15th of each year. The hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 12:00 Pm, and Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 Pm.
Construction & Noise
Q: When is construction or maintenance work allowed?
A: Construction and maintenance noise (including carpet cleaning, power washing, and spider spraying) is not permitted between June 30 and Labor Day.
Q: Can exceptions be made to the construction noise rule?
A: Yes. The Board may approve exceptions in extraordinary circumstances.
Transportation & Vehicles
Q: Where can I drive golf carts or motorized scooters?
A: Only on Association driveways. They are not allowed on sidewalks or walkways, except when transporting someone physically challenged to their doorstep.
Q: Can mobile homes, campers, or RVs be used as residences?
A: No. Temporary or permanent occupancy of mobile homes, motor homes, campers, or similar structures is not permitted on Sylvan Beach property.
Alcohol, Firearms, & Smoking
Q: Can I sell alcoholic beverages at Sylvan Beach?
A: Only with the proper permits.
Q: Are firearms allowed?
A: Firearms may not be discharged on Sylvan Beach property.
Q: Where is smoking prohibited?
A: All Association buildings (Wabaningo Club, Post Office, Wab Garage, etc.) are non-smoking.
Fire Safety
Q: What are the rules for grills, firepits, or outdoor heaters?
A: They must be attended at all times and placed at least 10 feet from homes, garages, deck railings, and bushes.
Q: What about tree clearance near structures?
A: A minimum 4-foot clearance is required between branches and any structure to reduce fire risk.
Q: What about obstructions near driveways?
A: All driveways and roadways must remain clear of obstructions, including vehicles, temporary work tents, and low-hanging branches.
Pets
Q: Are pets allowed at Sylvan Beach?
A: Yes, but pets must be leashed and under control at all times. Owners must clean up immediately.
Q: Can the Board restrict pets?
A: Yes. The Board may limit pet access to Parkland and Beaches if owners fail to comply.
Porches, Stairs & Parking
Q: Who owns porches and beach stairs?
A: Although built on SBRC land, all porches and many beach stairs are privately owned by the Shareholders who built them and must be maintained by those owners.
Q: May I use someone else’s beach stairs or porch?
A: Courtesy requires asking the owner for permission unless it’s an emergency. Exclusive annual use by one party is discouraged. Association-provided access, stairs and beach paths, to the shoreline, are the preferred beach approach.
Property Boundaries & Surveys
Q: Who is responsible for knowing property boundaries?
A: Each Leaseholder is responsible. The most current survey must be filed with the Grounds Chair and Secretary.
Septic Systems
Q: Who maintains septic systems?
A: Leaseholders are responsible, as with other utilities (wells, electricity, gas).
Q: How often should septic systems be inspected or pumped?
A: Inspections are required every 3 years. Pumping should be done when needed—preferably every 3–5 years—before June 30 or after Labor Day. Proof of maintenance may be requested if a system fails.
Trees & Vegetation
Q: Can I trim or remove trees on my property?
A: Yes, at your expense, following Fruitland Township regulations.
Q: What about trees on Parkland?
A: Approval is required from the Grounds Chair before trimming or removal. Healthy trees with landscape value will not be removed. Hazardous, dying, or diseased trees may be removed at Sylvan Beach’s expense.
Q: Can I trim for a better view?
A: Large-scale trimming on bluffs requires prior approval. Clear-cutting is prohibited to protect dune stability.
Q: Can I trim trees on a neighbor’s land?
A: No. Trimming on neighboring property is not permitted.
Fires
Q: Are beach fires allowed?
A: Yes, but never during drought conditions, never near bathing areas, and they must be attended at all times.
Q: Are brush fires allowed?
A: No. Brush fires, burning construction materials, stumps, or garbage are never allowed. Burn permits from outside authorities do not override this rule.
Fireworks
Q: Are fireworks allowed?
A: No. Fireworks are prohibited on all Sylvan Beach property, including Leaseholds and beaches.
Q: What about permitted offshore displays?
A: If you have a permit, notify the Board immediately so the community can be informed.
Q: What if there’s a drought or Red Flag warning?
A: Displays must be postponed or canceled.
Q: What laws apply?
A: Michigan state law governs fireworks on public property, including SBRC beaches and shoreline.
Q: Are there noise limits?
A: Yes. Fruitland Township prohibits loud noise between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Signs
Q: Can I post signs on Association property?
A: No. Signs of any kind—including for sale, political, or contractor signs—are prohibited. This policy aligns with Muskegon County and Fruitland Township ordinances.