Sample Materials to Start a Planning Commission

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Check List #1A: Create a Planning Commission

Presents a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the process of adopting an ordinance to create a planning commission in Michigan. The checklist follows Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 (and Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006, as amended), statutory requirements, superseding the old acts as of September 1, 2008. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file.

Check List #1A: Create a Planning Commission.

Sample #1B: Ordinance to create a planning commission

Presents an example of an ordinance which creates a planning commission in Michigan. The sample includes a number of discussion points, presenting a number of options for a community to consider. It is designed to comply with the requirements of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 and the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006.

Sample #1B: Ordinance to create a planning commission.

Sample #1E: Bylaws for a Planning Commission

This presents a sample bylaws, for a planning commission in Michigan. It is written to cover most needs which may occur, so editing is mainly to omit what is not pertinent for a given community. This is written to reflect the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006.

Sample #1E: Bylaws for a Planning Commission.

Sample #1O: Joint Planning Commission Agreement/Ordinance

This presents a sample Ordinance and agreement (combined as one) for the creation of a joint planning commission in Michigan.  There are many different decisions and ways a joint planning commission can be set up. This document is just to present a starting point. Many decisions and details will need to be added. This is prepared to follow the Joint Municipal Planning Act, M.C.L. 125.131 et seq. and to reflect the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006.

Sample #1O: Joint Planning Commission Agreement/Ordinance.

Sample #7: Zoning Board of Appeals Rules of Procedure

This presents a sample rules of procedure, or by-laws, for a zoning board of appeals in Michigan. It is written to cover most needs which may occur, so editing is mainly to omit what is not pertinent. This is written to reflect the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006.

Sample #7: Zoning Board of Appeals Rules of Procedure.

Sample #8: Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals Code of Conduct

This presents a sample code of conduct and oath of office for a planning commission and a zoning board of appeals in Michigan. It is written to cover most needs which may occur, so editing is mainly to omit what is not pertinent.

Sample #8: Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals Code of Conduct.

Training, continuing education is best strategy for planning and zoning risk management

Continuing education and training is an important planning and zoning risk management strategy for local governments in Michigan. While Michigan has many training opportunities, participation has not been very high. Bylaws and local policy should also address how much training is appropriate and what topics training should focus on.

Training, continuing education is best strategy for planning and zoning risk management.

How to end a planning and zoning program – repeal of the zoning ordinance and planning commission ordinance

This publication is to review things to consider if a municipality (city, village, or township) or county is considering ending its planning and zoning program. Ending planning and zoning might be done for a number of reasons. In Michigan having a planning commission is optional. Having zoning is also optional.

How to end a planning and zoning program – repeal of the zoning ordinance and planning commission ordinance