The Prettiest Little City in The State of Michigan

Rules and Regulations

EAB Firewood Inspections

The Michigan Agricultural Department will be increasing its firewood inspection to potentially decrease the spread of EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) throughout Michigan. Firewood found with EAB will be transported out of quarantined areas or into the Upper Peninsula and out of the state. Citizens can help with this matter by purchasing firewood from local vendors. This process will begin Nov. 11th, checking random locations across the state to see if it is in violation of the state's internal quarantine. All firewood from such areas will be confiscated and disposed. Individuals in violation could receive fines from $1000 to $250,000 and jail time of up to five years for moving regulated ash materials. For more information about Emerald Ash Borer, please visit one of these Web sites: www.michigan.gov/eab or www.emeraldashborer.info. You may also contact your regional MDA office, local Michigan State University Extension office or conservation district office.

Improvements in the road right-of-way

The City of Syvlan Lake has a policy that explains what you can and cannot do in the road right-of-way (ROW). The ROW is the area from the edge of the street to the front property line. The ROW is approximately 15 feet from the edge of the street. A permit is required for any improvements in the ROW. This includes ditching, driveways, culverts, landscaping, etc. Please be sure to contact City Hall before any work is done in the ROW. Click here for the full policy: ROW Policy

Ordinance Compliance

The City is continuously enforcing the zoning ordinance. Unfortunately we have been receiving many complaints about ordinance violations. Any resident not complying with the established ordinances will receive written notification and a reasonable amount of time to take care of the problem. If the problem is not rectified, the violation could result in a ticket. Understand that these rules are in existence to keep our city looking beautiful.

Report you complaint on our hotline: 682-1440 Ext. 6 after 4:30 p.m. Please leave the address where the problem is and a detailed message of the problem.

No Parking

Please take note that there is no parking on any street from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Also please observe the no parking signs where posted. Violators will be ticketed. If you park in front of your home during the above hours, all tires must be completely off the asphalt. It is in violation of the City Ordinance to park in your front yard set-back. If you have any questions regarding this ordinance please call City Hall.

Building Permits

Make note that if you are going to be doing any repairs, remodeling, renovating, building, plumbing or electrical work on your home, you probably need a permit. If you are in doubt with any project, check with City Hall. A City ordinance also requires a permit for a garage sale. See downloadable forms for copies of the different permits.

Dogs and Cats

All dogs and cats over the age of six months must be licensed. You must have a valid rabies vaccination slip and present it when applying for the license. Our City Ordinance states that no residence may harbor more than two pets. Animals are not allowed to run loose in the City; they must be on a leash no longer than ten feet. No animal, even on a leash, is allowed in the park areas. These areas are well defined with signs. Violators are warned and may be ticketed.

Animal Control Agency

Oakland County is our Animal Control Agency. They will respond to the following complaints from Sylvan Lake residents (not the Police Department): injured dog; any bite to a human by a dog, cat or wild animal; any dog at large; cruelty to animals; deceased dog (in road only). To report any of these, call 391-4102. To complain about barking dogs you should call Sylvan Lake Police at 682-2104.

Fire Department

Our City is served by the Tri-City Fire Department under the direction of James Poppelreiter, West Bloomfield Fire Chief. We contract with them for fire protection and medical rescue calls. They also serve the cities of Keego Harbor and Orchard Lake Village. For fire and medical emergencies dial 911. For non-emergencies dial 682-9200. The Fire Hall is located about one mile from the City.

Burning Ordinance

We have a Burning Ordinance in the City which prohibits any and all open burning in the City. This means leaves, twigs, branches, trash, and building materials. These items can be bagged and set out for pick-up if you contract with them to pick up your yard waste. The City has a leaf vacuum which makes regular collections during the fall. You are to rake your leaves to the edge of the asphalt (not in the ditch, not in the street) and the City will vacuum as these items accumulate.