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Welcome to Petts Lake
Petts Lake is one of the small, quiet lakes tucked into the Lake Fenton area, about two miles from downtown Fenton. Homes on small lakes like this one don't come up often. Here's what I know and what I check for my clients. No Petts Lake homes are listed right now, so the Fenton Township waterfront listings appear below.
Lake Overview
- Location: Fenton Charter Township, Genesee County. Petts Lake is one of the lakes inside the Lake Fenton census-designated place (Wikipedia).
- Size: about 14 acres (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA).
- Boating rules and public access: I didn't find a published DNR boating rule or a public access site for Petts Lake. Ask me, and we'll confirm what applies to a specific home.
Living on Petts Lake
A lake this size is about the view, a kayak off the shore and quiet evenings, not big boats. You're also close to the bigger water: Lake Fenton is in the same community, along with Crooked, McCully, Dollar, Little Long and Barnum Lakes (Wikipedia). Downtown Fenton is a short drive south.
The Lake Fenton Area & Schools
Petts Lake is in Fenton Township, not the City of Fenton, so township taxes and services apply (Fenton Township). The area is served partly by Lake Fenton Community Schools, and some nearby homes fall in Fenton Area Public Schools. I confirm the district for every address before you write an offer.
Tips for Buyers
- Understand riparian rights. In Michigan, waterfront ("riparian") owners generally have rights to dock and reach the water (EGLE inland lakes guide). An off-water home with "lake privileges" or a shared lot is a different thing, so read the deed and any easement carefully.
- Know the township rules. Fenton Township does not permit lake access for non-riparian use (as quoted by the Lake Fenton Property Owners Association). If a home is sold with lake access but no frontage, we'll confirm exactly what that access allows.
- Seawalls and permanent docks generally need an EGLE permit, while seasonal docks removed each year usually don't (EGLE dock handout). Ask the seller for permit records on any shoreline work.
- Find out whether the home is on public sewer or a private septic system and whether water comes from a well, and plan time for well and septic inspections if it has them.
- Look the address up on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and get a flood insurance quote early.
- Ask whether there's a lake or subdivision association, what the dues are, and whether any special assessments apply to the parcel. I'll get that in writing.
Tips for Sellers
- Measure and document your frontage, water depth at the shore and any dock or seawall permits.
- Small-lake buyers love privacy. Photos of the quiet shoreline and sunsets help them feel it.
- Have your well and septic records ready.
FAQ
How big is Petts Lake?
About 14 acres (DNR data via MLSA).
Is Petts Lake in the City of Fenton?
No. It's in Fenton Township, within the Lake Fenton census-designated place (Wikipedia).
Which school district will I be in?
It depends on the address. The area is split between Lake Fenton Community Schools and Fenton Area Public Schools, so we'll confirm it for the specific home.
Let's Talk Lake Life
Curious about Petts Lake or the smaller lakes around Lake Fenton? I'd love to help you find the right fit. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.
