News
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Zoning petitions: What are citizens’ options?
Published on April 19, 2023
Zoning ordinances or zoning amendments are approved by local bodies of elected officials; however, citizens of municipalities in Michigan can submit petitions to challenge new zoning laws. -
Planning and zoning for solar in Michigan
Published on April 13, 2023
The economics of solar have never been better and individuals, businesses, utilities and cooperatives are planning projects all over Michigan. Is your community ready? -
National Institute of Food and Agriculture awards MSU Center for Regional Food Systems $3.45 million to Expand Culturally Relevant Support for Farm and Food Business owners
Published on March 30, 2023
Over the next five years, MSU CRFS will work with MSU Extension, Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), and the Julian Samora Institute to develop resources for inclusive farm business engagement. -
Administrative decisions require careful application to ordinance standards: Part 2
Published on March 21, 2023
Base decisions only on explicit standards in the ordinance to avoid a challenge of being unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious. -
Administrative decisions require careful application to ordinance standards: Part 1
Published on March 21, 2023
Base decisions only on explicit standards in the ordinance to avoid a challenge of being unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious. -
The importance of your Zoning Board of Appeals
Published on March 17, 2023
Maintaining a properly organized and functioning Zoning Board of Appeals is critical to ensure the integrity of the board’s decisions and to avoid potentially serious and costly legal issues. -
Ten things to remember about composting during the winter
Published on March 6, 2023
Healthy organisms in a balanced compost will be active, hot, and produce steam even in the winter. -
How to manage e-waste
Published on February 22, 2023
Precious metals like copper, gold, platinum, silver, and nickel are found in everyday electronics, making it crucial to properly dispose of this “e-waste.” -
How to remove restrictive covenants from a deed in Michigan
Published on January 13, 2023
The 2022 Discharge of Prohibited Restrictive Covenants Act allows for the discharge of racist and other discriminatory language from recorded deeds. -
Local government has an important role for water quality protection: Part 3
Published on December 21, 2022
Local governments have a very important role to play in the protection of surface water, ground water, drinking water and wetlands; often filling the gaps in state and federal regulations.