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Administration of zoning seldom results in property takings but claims are more frequent, Part 1
Published on December 19, 2013
Property takings are always something government regulators should be concerned about. Understanding the different types of takings can clarify the topic. -
Zoning decisions travel with the land and are not temporary
Published on February 26, 2013
Zoning administrative decisions are permanent, not temporary. Zoning decisions are specific for the parcel of land and not to an individual person who sought the zoning permit/approval. -
Charlevoix County communities talk about shoreline zoning
Published on June 21, 2012
Charlevoix County communities are working together to coordinate their shoreline zoning ordinances. Consistent regulation protects water resources and reduces business uncertainty. -
Joint zoning board of appeals can be done
Published on November 22, 2016
The Michigan Municipal Joint Planning Act allows for joint planning commissions but overlooks joint zoning board of appeals. It can still be done but takes considerable finesse to accomplish. -
When buying property, be sure to check the local zoning ordinance
Published on August 5, 2021
Being aware of how a local zoning ordinance applies to a piece of property can save purchasers trouble down the road. -
A zoning plan is a required part of master plans in Michigan
Published on August 4, 2021
Recent changes to Michigan statutes related to planning and zoning clarify the requirement for communities with an adopted zoning ordinance to also have an adopted “zoning plan.” -
Approving our Zoning Board of Appeals minutes
Published on December 29, 2017
Land use experts can help answer questions. -
Legislative body involvement in zoning administrative decisions can raise important questions
Published on September 11, 2020
Michigan zoning is set up to mimic the three branches of federal government with separation of powers. But it is not done perfectly, and requires some careful consideration when thinking about how things are done in your community. -
The uncompromising zoning administrator is not a bad person
Published on October 19, 2020
Zoning administrators are sticklers for rules, and may seem uncompromising. They have a job to do, and not doing their job can result in serious personal liability for a zoning administrator. -
Nonconformities in zoning is the source of much confusion
Published on December 13, 2019
Zoning cannot be retroactive and has to grandfather existing land uses. Those are called nonconformities which take on many characteristics and are different than zoning violations. -
New sample zoning for wind energy systems
Published on October 23, 2020
An updated wind energy zoning resource is available for local units of governments in Michigan. -
Local government has an important role for water quality protection: Part 1
Published on April 13, 2023
State and federal regulations help protect water resources but does not do the whole job—local government has an important role also: often the proactive, preventative function. -
A zoning moratorium should only be done with caution
Published on August 3, 2023
A local government might adopt a moratorium to prevent development until rules are established. This is not without legal risk. Do so with caution and make sure the municipal attorney is directly involved. -
MSU Extension’s Zoning Administrator Certificate Program returns to in-person format for 2023
Published on November 3, 2022
Participants in the ZAC Program will receive a wealth of training, resources, and learning activities to understand all parts of their role as a Zoning Administrator. -
Zoning and condominiums
Published on September 1, 2022
Does the zoning ordinance prohibit condominiums if they are not listed as a use? -
"Due Process" is often a source of lost court cases in local government
Published on September 30, 2020
In planning and zoning due process is simple to do, but maybe because it is so simple it is often overlooked. Yet many times it is one of the most important things to get right. -
Overlay zoning districts can be a valuable tool
Published on September 15, 2023
Overlay zoning districts is a valid tool in some conditions. But be careful not to overuse it when more traditional zoning techniques can do the job. -
Cultivating local farm economies
Published on April 21, 2021
Farm viability requires flexibility, innovation in local government planning and zoning to allow for farm income diversification. -
Planners must treat similar businesses the same way
Published on February 25, 2020
If planners are required to treat similar businesses in the same way, how can they respond to criticism for approving “too many of the same kind of business”? -
Urban agriculture and agriculture-like sample zoning text available to local governments in Michigan
Published on May 29, 2020
Local government should encourage urban agriculture. But there needs to be proper safeguards and a consensus to balance agriculture activities without undesired impacts in the neighborhood.