MSU Extension Planning

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  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.

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  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.”

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  Water quality concerns and actions addressed during Water School Webinar Series

  Published on July 30, 2021
  Local decision-makers play a key role in managing and protecting the water quality of our freshwater resources.

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  2020-2021 Michigan planning and zoning court cases are available

  Published on July 26, 2021
  The annual 2020-2021 summary of Michigan planning and zoning court cases is now available to the public.

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  Planning commissions and zoning board of appeals are required to have governing bylaws

  Published on July 23, 2021
  There is a minimum content for bylaws, but normally there is much more, including specifying which parliamentary authority is used.

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  New Planning Commissioner Training series launched in partnership with Planetizen Courses

  Published on June 28, 2021
  Virtual training series provides citizen planners with the tools and resources to effectively work alongside professional planners on behalf of their communities.

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  Water quantity webinar addresses water availability and use

  Published on June 28, 2021
  Local decision-makers play a key role in managing our freshwater resources.

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  To plan or not to plan? Minimum contents of a master plan

  Published on June 17, 2021
  For local governments that chose to adopt zoning, this is a moot question, as zoning must be based on a plan. Still, the minimum contents of a master plan are not well defined in law and communities have great latitude in developing a master plan.

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  MSU to offer CPTED certificate training – June 2-4, 2021

  Published on May 13, 2021
  The MSU Complete Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Certificate Training is a three-day course that focuses on understanding the relationship between the physical environment and criminal opportunities.

• 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.