News

Local government strategies to protect groundwater

Published on August 3, 2023
Groundwater can, and in some places has already, become contaminated. Local government is best-suited to prevent contamination from occurring with straightforward planning and zoning tools at their disposal.
Awareness of equitable climate resiliency in underserved communities

Published on July 28, 2023
As the need for climate resiliency continues to increase there is a need to acknowledge the disparities and inequities that underserved communities face.
Village of Cassopolis is FIT for action

Published on May 16, 2023
MSU Extension's First Impressions for Tourism (FIT) assessment program provides communities with valuable feedback that can be turned into action.
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.
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.
How to spot a spot zoning

Published on April 13, 2023
When considering a rezoning, remember four key criteria to avoid creating a spot zone.
Right to Farm Act can preempt local regulation authority, but not all local regulations

Published on April 11, 2023
Many statutes and laws result in limiting local government’s ability to adopt and enforce regulations. Most are straightforward, but the Right to Farm Act preemption is confusing, changing and only preempts local regulation of certain things.
When to call an attorney for planning and zoning issues

Published on April 6, 2023
Land use decision making is not always a do it yourself proposition for local officials; there are times when you really should hire a lawyer.
No state oversight of planning, zoning; limited central database of zoning ordinances

Published on April 4, 2023
While there is no state oversight of planning and zoning, there is a statewide database of zoning ordinances in Michigan.
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.