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Off Limits: Lakefront Property

By Mary Yonkers

Education & Training with Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate

October 09, 2015 01:09 AM

'Private Beach'

Hey! Stay off my lakefront property! Didn't you see the 'Private Beach' sign?

Beach 3a

Lake Erie

Posting 'No trespassing' or 'Private Beach' signage has been a controversial issue for private property owners along the Pennsylvania Lake Erie shoreline.

Private Beach 1a

Presque Isle Peninsula

Property owners are allowed post their beach areas adjacent to their private residence but they cannot impede pedestrian movement along the lakeshore. The public can walk along the water's edge but not build a fire, have a picnic or enjoy a sunny afternoon on their blanket.

Avonia Beach 2a

'Private Beach'

Technically, the public is allowed to walk between the US Army Corps of Engineers high and low water marks along the Lake Erie shoreline which represent elevations of 573.4 and 569.2 feet above sea level respectively.

Today, October 9, 2015 the level is 572.18' which means I can walk along the water's edge but my feet might get wet as the water level is close to high mark. Yesterday the lake level was 572.13'.

Unfortunately, the owner of the lakefront property in the photo above has placed concrete blocks to access to the waterfront. However, I have seen people climb over. (No names though.)

Sheraton

Public walkway along waterfront outside Erie Bayfront Sheraton

All the businesses along the waterfront must build approximately eight foot sidewalk between their property and the breakwall. Hence patrons of the Erie Bayfront Sheraton are enjoying dinner or dip in the pool while you and I stroll along the lake. Sometimes the local fishermen toss their lines over the wall.

Sunset

Lake Erie Sunset

www.depweb.state.pa.us

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Will Hamm

Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO

"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Mark Yonkers, Interesting Now i know more then before, thanks. Have a great weekend!

Oct 09, 2015 01:37 AM

Mary Yonkers

Erie, PA

Ron and Alexandra Seigel

Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA

Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Mary,

Very interesting post. There is only one private beach here and it is part of a community that is beautiful. We were allowed because our client lives there and she showed it to us. A

Oct 09, 2015 01:44 AM

Belinda Spillman

Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO

Colorado Living!

That is very strange. While I was in Hawaii, I was told that all beaches are accessible to the public because the State owns the land and others cannot keep the public off of them.

Oct 09, 2015 02:04 AM

Sandra Thomas

Re/Max Achievers - London, OH

Interesting that a private beach isn't. Thanks for the post.

Oct 09, 2015 04:33 AM

Lottie Kendall

Compass - San Francisco, CA

Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Great topic for a post, Mary. Beaches in California are public, but access to some of them is controversial.

Oct 09, 2015 04:44 AM

Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional

Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL

Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

I find it annoying when those who have waterfront homes attempt to restrict access for all. They may own the land but often there is a buffer zone and it is open to the public.

As a matter of fact, many waterfront homes here that have docks and davits do NOT have water rights...........meaning they don't OWN their own docks! They are built on public property! So important to check boundaries!

Oct 09, 2015 07:11 AM

Noah Seidenberg

Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL

Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Hi Mary, it is exactly the same here with Lake Michigan beach access. Ther are two sides to the issue.

Oct 09, 2015 07:38 AM

Mary Yonkers

Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA

Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Will Hamm Glad I could help. Have a nice weekend in CO.

Visiting clients & friends with lakefront property is priceless, Ron and Alexandra Seigel where ever it is located.

Belinda Spillman Yes, there are many beautiful beaches in Hawaii and they are well cared for, too.

So true, Sandra Thomas

Oct 09, 2015 07:39 AM

Lottie Kendall Public vs Private has been hot topic here as well. Unfortunately not everyone is aware of the laws.

That is amazing Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional Not sure I would want to spend $$$ to build dock and not own it.

Thanks for heads up on Lake Michigan, Noah Seidenberg

Oct 09, 2015 07:43 AM

Noah Seidenberg

Evanston, IL

Lisa Von Domek

Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX

....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Mary Yonkers

Private beach or access to the public - yet another argument that will elicit two different responses to the same question depending on to whom it is posed!

Oct 09, 2015 12:42 PM

Off Limits: Lakefront Property

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