MSU Extension Planning

The following represents a sample Rules of Procedure for a zoning board of appeals in Michigan. These rules are written in attempt to cover most needs that may occur. Before adoption they should be reviewed, and sections which are not pertinent omitted.

Section 603(1) of P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.) indicates a zoning board of appeals may have rules of procedure, or bylaws. If a legislative body of a city or village acts as the zoning board of appeals they shall establish separate rules to govern its procedure when acting as the zoning board of appeals (§601(2)). The statute includes a number of topics which should be addressed in rules of procedure:

• How meetings are called (§602(1)).
• To govern the zoning board of appeals procedures (§603(1)).
• To indicate the prescribed time limit within which an appeal must be taken (§604(2)).

This pamphlet is not designed as a substitute for reading and understanding the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. This outline is not a substitute for legal advice or for professional planner services.

The following represents one sample set of rules of procedure for a zoning board of appeals in Michigan. These are written in an attempt to cover most needs that may occur. Before adoption they should be reviewed, and sections which are not pertinent omitted. In the sample rules of procedure, below, text which appears in brackets ( [like this] ) should be replaced with the specific name, number, or