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Brighton Township waterfront homesAll my lake guides

Welcome to School Lake

School Lake is a residential lake in Brighton Township, Livingston County, about 16.4 miles from downtown Fenton. When I checked in October 2026, my site had no School Lake listings, so the button above shows all Brighton Township waterfront homes, and I'm happy to set up a saved search just for School Lake.

Lake Overview

• Location: Brighton Township, Livingston County. The MichiganLakes.com directory places it next to Durfee Lake and north of Lyons Lake.
• Size: about 79 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA); EGLE MiEnviro inland lakes mapping shows about 79 acres.
• Depth: reported depths of 35 feet (MichiganLakes.com directory).
• Boating: under rule R281.747.3, no high-speed boating or water skiing from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).
• Boat launch: a 2025 township notice proposed paving a north-side boat launch, paid for by parcels on the lake. I didn't find it listed as a public DNR launch.
• Shoreline: Microsoft building-footprint map data shows about 136 buildings near the shore.

Living on School Lake

School Lake has room for daytime skiing and tubing, then the evening hours rule quiets things down from 6:30 p.m. on. Fishermen report largemouth bass (MichiganLakes.com directory).

Brighton Township & Schools

School Lake is in Brighton Township. Brighton Township waterfront listings I checked in October 2026 were split among Brighton Area Schools, Howell Public Schools and Hartland Consolidated Schools, with a mix of septic and sewer, so I confirm the district and utilities for every address.

Tips for Buyers

• Understand riparian rights. Michigan waterfront ("riparian") owners generally have rights to dock and reach the water (EGLE inland lakes guide). "Lake privileges" or a shared lot is different, so read the deed and any easement.
• Know the local rules. I'll check Brighton Township zoning, association rules, and any dock or shoreline rules for the specific parcel.
• Seawalls and permanent docks generally need an EGLE permit, while seasonal docks usually don't (EGLE dock handout). Ask for permit records.
• Confirm sewer or septic and well, and schedule inspections for any private system.
• Check the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and get a flood insurance quote early.
• A 2024 township notice proposed a School Lake aquatic special assessment, estimated at $235 plus about $50 in direct costs for the first year and $250 a year for years two through five per developed parcel. A 2025 township notice proposed a one-time launch-paving assessment of about $256 per parcel. I'll confirm what was adopted and what applies to the parcel in writing.
• Taxable value generally "uncaps" after a sale (MCL 211.27a), so don't budget off the seller's tax bill.
• Ask whether a home has its own frontage or shared access, and whether it's inside the assessment districts.

Tips for Sellers

• Lead with the water: room to ski by day and quiet evenings.
• Mention any recent weed-control results and launch access.
• Have well, septic or sewer records ready, plus any assessment payoff details.

FAQ

Can I water-ski on School Lake?

Yes, but not from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. under rule R281.747.3 (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).

How big is School Lake?

About 79 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA).

Are there lake assessments?

Brighton Township noticed a weed-control assessment in 2024 (2024 township notice) and a launch-paving assessment in 2025 (2025 township notice). I'll confirm the details for any home.

Let's Talk Lake Life

Curious about School Lake? I'd love to help you watch for the right home. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.