News

Accessory dwelling units – Coming to a neighborhood near you?

Published on September 9, 2022
With interest in urban living on the rise, more communities are considering amending local regulations to allow accessory dwelling units in traditional neighborhoods.
Zoning and condominiums

Published on September 1, 2022
Does the zoning ordinance prohibit condominiums if they are not listed as a use?
Zoning district, tax assessor classifications not the same thing

Published on September 1, 2022
Some improperly use tax assessor classifications as an indicator of zoning district, but they are not the same and one should never base zoning decisions on property tax classifications.
Proving a practical difficulty for a dimensional variance request

Published on August 24, 2022
While inherently rigid, there are mechanisms in zoning to allow for flexibility.
Circuit court review of ZBA decisions

Published on August 24, 2022
When your zoning board of appeals is not the last stop on the road to a zoning ordinance determination.
How to handle appeals of administrative decisions

Published on August 19, 2022
The zoning board of appeals is the only entity authorized to hear appeals on the administration and enforcement of the zoning ordinance at the local level. When doing so, careful considerations must be made.
BIFAD Senior Researcher Award for Scientific Excellence goes to Thom Jayne

Published on June 8, 2022
Thom Jayne, University Foundation Professor Emeritus, is recipient of the 2021 BIFAD Senior Researcher Award for Scientific Excellence in a Feed the Future Innovation Lab
Conflict of interest rules apply to all communities, regardless of size

Published on February 24, 2022
Often a small community struggles to avoid a “conflict of interest” situation – particularly hard because of its small size. But there are not any exceptions or special dispensation due to the size of a community.
MSU Extension develops online resource, programs addressing historical redlining of Michigan cities

Published on September 23, 2021
The Redlining in Michigan website includes profiles for 11 cities and a summary of the racist housing justifications, in addition to the legacy it has left on each community.
MSU Extension, regional partners to provide guidance for local governments on American Rescue Plan Act spending

Published on September 15, 2021
In partnership with member regions of the Michigan Association of Regions, MSU Extension educators are offering 14 workshops exploring Local Fiscal Recovery Fund spending opportunities in a regional context.