News

Is your consumer complaint going nowhere? Boost solution with the CFPB

Published on June 14, 2023
Consumers are getting results by filing their complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
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.
Administrative decisions require careful application to ordinance standards: Part 2

Published on March 21, 2023
Base decisions only on explicit standards in the ordinance to avoid a challenge of being unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious.
The importance of your Zoning Board of Appeals

Published on March 17, 2023
Maintaining a properly organized and functioning Zoning Board of Appeals is critical to ensure the integrity of the board’s decisions and to avoid potentially serious and costly legal issues.