Schindler's Land Use Page
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| Land Use Pamphlets |
The following are pamphlets on land use. All the pamphlets can be ordered as hard copies (printed on paper). Most can be downloaded as Portable Document Format (PDF) files here. Please go near the bottom of the page if you need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader to be able to read the PDF files. If hard copy is desired, an order form as an HTML document can be used, or use a PDF order form . Please print the form out, fill it in and fax or mail it to MSU Extension, Benzie. The materials here, are written for the specifics of planning and land use law in Michigan -- generally not applicable in other states. Pamphlets listed here all have a land use theme. All the pamphlets listed here are by various authors. This page last updated: May 10, 2012 |
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Alphabetic List of Titles: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
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| Both Planning and Zoning | |||
| Blaw | Statutes (planning and zoning laws in Michigan) | ||
| Freedom of Information Act (being P.A. 442 of 1976, as amended, , M.C.L. 15.231 et seq.) | The Freedom of Information Act applies to nearly all records of a planning/zoning department, planning commissions, zoning boards, zoning boards of appeals. | ||
| Joint Municipal Planning Act (being P.A. 226 of 2003, as amended, M.C.L. 125.131 et seq. | The Joint Municipal Planning Act, adopted in December, 2003, allows a city(ies), village(s), and township(s) to join together to have one Planning Commission and zoning ordinance. This version includes 2004 and 2008 amendments. | ||
| Land Division Act (being P.A. 288 of 1967, as amended, M.C.L. 560.101 et seq.) | The Land Division Act is the Michigan statute for dividing property (exempt divisions, divisions, bonus divisions, re-divisions, subdivisions), establishing local government review and approval of splitting a parcel of land, and is the enabling statute for county, village, city or township land division and subdivision ordinances. This version includes 2004 amendments. | ||
| Michigan Planning Enabling Act (being P.A. 33 of 2008, as amended, M.C.L. 125.3801 et seq.) | The Michigan Planning Enabling Act is the enabling statute for creation of a planning commission, and local government adoption of plans, master plans, and so on. This act is for counties, townships, cities, and villages. It took effect September 1, 2008 and replaces the County Planning Act, Township Planning Act, and Municipal Planning Act. (These repealed statutes are now found in the "Old Stuff" section of this web site). This copy includes amendments through December 23, 2010. | ||
| Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (being P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.) | The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act is the enabling statute for creation of a zoning ordinance for counties, townships, cities and villages. It took effect July 1, 2006 and replaces the County Zoning Act, Township Zoning Act, and City and Village Zoning Act. (These repealed statutes are now found in the"Old Stuff" section of this web site). This copy includes amendments through July 24, 2011. Please make sure your copy is dated on or after August 1, 2011. | ||
| Open Meetings Act (being P.A. 267 of 1976, as amended, , M.C.L. 15.261 et seq.) | The Open Meeting act applies to planning commissions, zoning boards, zoning boards of appeals, and virtually all deliberations and voting at those meetings. |
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| Regional Planning Act (being P.A. 281 of 1945, as amended, M.C.L. 125.11 et seq.) | The Regional Planning Act is the enabling statute for creation of regional planning commissions. There are currently 14 in Michigan, each multiple county regions. (Some are established as "Council of Governments"). It is possible to have regional planning for a smaller area--such as a group of municipalities. | ||
| Order form for Michigan Laws Relating to Planning 10th edition 2008 766pp., $40+shipping, or $35+shipping for two or more copies. | The 10th edition of Michigan Laws Relating to Planning, compiled under the direction of Mark A. Wyckoff, FAICP, Director of the
Planning & Zoning Center at MSU and Senior Associate Director of the
Land Policy Institute. The book includes the text of all Michigan laws relating to local planning, zoning, subdivision regulation, and related statues as of November 2008. The new edition has 766 pages, and includes a CD with an additional 2,000+ pages of laws. |
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| Order form for Michigan Laws Relating to Economic Development and Housing 2nd edition 2009 736pp., $35+shipping, or $30+shipping for two or more copies. | The 2nd edition of Michigan Laws Relating to Economic Development, compiled under the direction of Mark A. Wyckoff, FAICP,
Director of the Planning & Zoning Center at MSU, and Senior Associate
Director of the MSU Land Policy Institute. The book includes the text of all Michigan laws relating to economic development and housing as of January 1, 2009, is 736 pages and comes with a CD containing an additional 1,000+ pages of laws. |
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| Blaw | Court cases applicable to Michigan planning and zoning | ||
| Anti-S.L.A.P.P. Bills Introduced in State House (Available as a download only) | Discussion on law suits filed to stifle public participation at public meetings; Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (S.L.A.P.P.). A public policy paper by Gary Taylor. | ||
| County buildings exempt from zoning | Michigan Supreme Court Exempts Siting of County Buildings from Township Zoning, Policy Brief by Gary Taylor | ||
| Public
Policy Analysis; Michigan's Right to Farm Act and New Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices December 1999 (9p $1.80) |
Amendments to the Michigan Right to Farm Act significantly changed the control local ordinances –including zoning– has over animal farms. A major change is the state, through establishing Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMP) establishes the criteria for siting, odor control, setback distances, and several other things. In many situations local ordinances and zoning can not regulate these issues. This reviews GAAMPs for site selection and odor control for new and expanding livestock production facilities and addresses the local government role in this process. By Pat Norris. (Click here for updates) |
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| Public
Policy Brief: Congress Passes, President Signs the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 November 2000 (5p. $1.00) |
A new federal law greatly impacts how local governments may regulate churches and other religious buildings. This brief outlines the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, subsequent United States Supreme Court cases and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 and the implications for local government. By Gary Taylor. | ||
| Restrictions
on Zoning Authority May 16, 2002 (10 p. $2.00) Revised: December 21, 2011. |
This pamphlet is a summary of the limitations placed on zoning in Michigan. There are certain land uses which are exempt from zoning, others which might be subject to regulation but can not be prohibited. The list of restrictions on zoning changes as various court cases, state statues and federal law evolves. This pamphlet reviews limitation on zoning as it exists on the publication date. This has been updated to reflect P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.). (Please make sure your copy is not dated before December 21, 2011.) | ||
| Summary of Planning and Zoning Decisions, 2003 | A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 2002 to April 2003 by Gary Taylor. | ||
| Summary of Planning and Zoning Court Decisions, 2004 | A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 2003 to April 2004 by Gary Taylor. | ||
| Summary of Planning and Zoning Court Decisions, 2005 | A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 2004 to April 2005 by Kurt H. Schindler. | ||
| Summary of Planning and Zoning Court Decisions, 2006 | A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 2005 to April 2006 by Kurt H. Schindler. | ||
| Summary of Planning and Zoning Court Decisions, 2007 | A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 2006 to April 2007 by Kurt H. Schindler | ||
| Summary of Planning and Zoning Court Decisions, 2008 | A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 2007 to April 2008 by Kurt H. Schindler | ||
| Summary of Planning and Zoning Court Decisions, 2009 | A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009 by Kurt H. Schindler | ||
| Summary of Planning and Zoning Court Decisions, 2010 | A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010 by Kurt H. Schindler | ||
| Summary of Planning and Zoning Court Decisisons, 2011 | A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011 by Kurt H. Schindler. (Please make sure you are using a copy dated June 9, 2011, or newer.) | ||
| Summary of Planning and Zoning Court Decisions, 2012 | A policy brief on planning and zoning court decisions, attorney general opinions for May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012 by Kurt H. Schindler. | ||
| Summary
of Property Takings Case Law December 16, 2002 (6p. $1.20) |
This pamphlet reviews the court cases which have established the rules and considerations for taking of private property by government, and by government regulation. The pamphlet reviews “exactions,” Michigan takings case law, taking valuation, and the newest court involving land at Lake Tahoe. By Chris Grobble. | ||
| Summary of zoning and Right to Farm Act court cases January 5, 2010 | A policy brief on selected zoning court cases (1964-2009) concerning the Michigan Right to Farm Act and local zoning jurisdiction by Patricia Norris. (Please make sure you are using a copy dated January 5, 2010 or newer.) See also a Right to Farm Act decision tree on zoning and nusance jurisdiction. | ||
| White Paper, A Local Government View Of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act October 5, 2010 | White Paper, A Local Government View Of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act by Gerald A. Fisher, Esq. (October 5, 2010). This report provides a view of the Act primarily in terms of alternative responses available to local government. |
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| Bclsam | Sample materials for creating/updating a planning commission, etc. | ||
| See also these publications: | • Land Use Series: “List #1C; Summary of changes between new Michigan Planning Enabling Act and the three old planning acts: Municipal Planning Act, County Planning Act, and Township Planning Act.” • Land Use Series: “Checklist #1D; Steps to transition an existing planning commission to comply with the Michigan Planning Enabling Act” |
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| Land Use Series, “Checklist #1A; To create a planning commission" December 7, 2009 (9 p. $1.80) | 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, superceding the old acts as of September 1, 2008. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Brad Neumann, MSU Extension Land Policy Educator. (December 7, 2009) |
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| Land Use Series: “Sample #1B; Ordinance to create a planning commission” July 2, 2009 (19 p. $3.80) | 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. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. A copy of the sample is also available in MSWord™ and WordPerfect™ format. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before July 2, 2009) | ||
| Sample #1E:
Bylaws for a Planning Commission May 19, 2008 (24 p. $4.80) |
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 has been updated to reflect P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.) and P.A. 33 of 2008, as amended, (being the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3801 et seq.). Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. A copy of the sample is also available in MSWord™ and WordPerfect™ format. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before May 19, 2008) | ||
| Sample #1O: Joint Planning Commission Agreement/Ordinance October 14, 2010 (19 p. $3.80) | 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 P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.) and P.A. 33 of 2008, as amended, (being the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3801 et seq.). Written by Richard J. Figura, Esq. of Simen, Figura & Parker, P.L.C. of Empire, Michigan, Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator and with assistance from the Land Information Access Association's Partnerships for Change. A copy of the sample is also available in MSWord™ and WordPerfect™ format. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before October 14, 2010) | ||
| Sample #7:
Zoning Board of Appeals Rules of Procedure May 19, 2008 (13p. $2.60) |
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 has written to conform to P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.). Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. A copy of the sample is also available in MSWord™ and WordPerfect™ format. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before May 19, 2008) | ||
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. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. A copy of the sample is also available in MSWord™ and WordPerfect™ format. (May 1, 2008) | ||
| Baudit | Planning and Zoning*A*Syst.: Community Planning & Zoning Audit | ||
| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #1: Community Planning & Zoning Audit, Basic Setup June 23, 2008 (28 p. $6.60) |
A performance audit on the Basic Setup (E-3051) to make sure your planning commission, and zoning board of appeals are set up properly a system is in place to make sure the community keeps up-to-date. By Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County; Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan; and Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. (Updated June 30, 2010) | ||
| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #2: Community Planning & Zoning Audit, The Plan December 23, 2010 (40 p. $9.00) |
A performance audit on the The Plan (E-3052) reviews the process of plan and plan amendment adoption (to make sure that it was done properly) and a review of an existing plan to determine if it needs to be updated, and reviews what should be in a plan. By Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County; Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan; and Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. (Updated December 23, 2010) | ||
| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #3: Community Planning & Zoning Audit, Planning Coordination June 23, 2008 (20 p. $5.00) |
A performance audit on the Planning Coordination (E-3053) covers the process of coordination with neighboring government planning (review of each other’s plans); coordination with state, federal and other government agencies; coordination practices; and joint planning commissions. By Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County; Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan; and Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. (Updated June 30, 2010) | ||
| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #4: Community Planning & Zoning Audit, The Zoning Ordinance June 23, 2008 (34 p. $7.80) |
A performance audit on the The Zoning Ordinance (E-3054) reviews the process of zoning ordinance and zoning amendment adoption (to make sure that it was done properly) and what needs to be in the file to document that the proper steps were taken. This publication also reviews what should be in a zoning ordinance. By Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County; Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan; and Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. (Updated June 30, 2010) | ||
| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #5: Community Planning & Zoning Audit, Administrative Structure June 23, 2008 (54 p. $11.80) |
A performance audit on the Administrative Structure (E-3055) provides a performance audit for the operation of the planning commission, zoning administrator, and zoning board of appeals. It covers office procedures, job descriptions, filing systems, bylaws, rules of procedure, compliance with the Open Meetings Act, minutes, and process for meetings and decision making. By Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County; Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan; and Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. (Updated June 30, 2010) | ||
| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #6: Community Planning & Zoning Audit, Special Land Uses June 23, 2008 (24 p. $5.80) |
A performance audit on the Special Land Uses (E-3056) provides a review of the administrative structure for handling special use permits: preapplications, applications, public notification, record keeping, and use of standards in making decisions. By Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County; Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan; and Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. (Updated June 30, 2010) | ||
| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #7: Community Planning & Zoning Audit, Planned Unit Development June 23, 2008 (42 p. $9.40) |
A performance audit on the Planned Unit Development (E-3057) provides a review of the administrative structure for handling planned unit development handled as a special use permit and as a zoning amendment: pre-applications, applications, public notification, record keeping, and use of standards in making special use decisions or basis in the plan for zoning amendment decisions. By Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County; Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan; and Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. (Updated June 30, 2010) | ||
| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #8: Community Planning & Zoning Audit, Site Plan Review June 23, 2008 (18 p. $4.60) |
A performance audit on the Site Plan Review (E-3058) provides a review of the administrative structure for handling site plan reviews: applications, public notification, record keeping, and use of standards in making decisions. By Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County; Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan; and Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. (Updated June 30, 2010) | ||
| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #9: Capital Improvement Programming June 30, 2010 (23 p. $5.40) | Capital Improvement Program (E-3104) provides a review of the process of creating an annual capital improvement program (CIP). By Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties; Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County;
and Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan. (June 30, 2010) |
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| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #10: Subdivision and Land Splitting Reviews, June 30, 2010 (52p. $11.40) | Subdivision and Land Splitting Reviews (E-3105) provides a review of the administrative structure for handling land divisions, subdivisions or plats, site-condominiums, lot splits, and certified plats: preapplication meetings with the developer, public notification, plat review, record keeping, and use of standards in making decisions. By Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan; Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County; and Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. (June 30, 2010) | ||
| Planning and Zoning*A*Syst. #11: Capital Improvements Review, June 30, 2010 (16 p. $4.20) | Capital Improvements Review (E-3106) provides a review of the process for the planning commission to review and comment on local government construction projects (which are otherwise not subject to zoning), and outlines how this review can be used as a constructive way to ensure that government-funded projects comply with the adopted plan and local ordinances. By Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County; Kurt H. Schindler, Regional Land Use Educator, Northwest Michigan; and Jasneet Sharma, Land Policy Educator, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. (June 30, 2010) | ||
| Blaw | Open Meeting Act, Role of Elected Officials | ||
| Elected Officials: Dealing with Constituent Complaints on Planning and Zoning Issues. September 29, 2008 (10p. $2.00) | Elected officials frequently hear from constituents who are unhappy with a decision concerning a zoning permit, site plan, or the enforcement of a zoning ordinance. This pamphlet is written to help elected officials evaluate the options when asked to intervene in such cases. It offers suggestions on how to address specific situations to insure due process and to avoid unintended consequences and additional conflict. Most importantly it points out some actions by elected officials that can result in far greater problems. By Kurt H. Schindler, assistance, review, and suggestions by Eric Cline, Assistant City Manager for City of Alpena; Larry Merrill, Executive Director of the Michigan Townships Association; Brentt Michalek, Emmet County Planner; Elizabeth Moore, Policy Education Specialist, MSU Extension; Peter Stalker, Cadillac City Manager; and Mark Wyckoff, Planning and Zoning Center at MSU. |
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| Michigan
Open Meeting Act Decision Tree February 7, 2007 (4p. $0.80) |
This pamphlet is designed to help local officials and citizens answer
the following two questions: 1. Is a body, organization, or other meeting subject to the Michigan Open Meeting Act? 2. If so, can part of that open meeting be closed to the public? The flow chart, or decision tree, is based on P.A. 267 of 1976, as amended, (Michigan Open Meeting Act, M.C.L. 15.261 et seq.), Michigan Attorney General Opinions, and case law established by Michigan courts. By Kurt Schindler and John Amrhein. |
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| Bcit | Citizen participation (materials for local citizen groups, etc.) | ||
| How
to Participate in the Zoning Process for Special Use Permits (including
PUD) Cómo influenciar las decisiones de zonificación; Permiso para uso especiales May 31, 2002 (2p. $0.20) How
to Participate in the Zoning Process for Appeals & Variances How to Participate
in the Zoning Process for Zoning Amendments (including PUD) |
A series of three flyers designed to help a neighborhood
association, citizen group or other member of the public to be more effective
in presenting information at a zoning hearing. The flyer can be
used for distribution by an Extension Office and can be used by local
government to enclose with notices of a proposed zoning permit, appeal/variance,
and amendment. The three flyers cover the three situations.
Each is two sides of one sheet of paper. These pamphlets are also handouts for an Extension program intended for an audience of neighborhood association, citizen group or other members of the public to help them be more effective in presenting information at a zoning hearing and influence a zoning decision. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. These pamphlets were translated into Spanish by PST Translations, Isabel Borgstrom, Interpreter. |
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| Bres | Research | ||
| Are
We Supporting Sprawl? Revisiting the 1998 State Revenue Sharing Formula Changes 2002 (29p.) |
Are We Supporting Sprawl Through Aid to High-Growth Communities? Revisiting the 1998 State Revenue Sharing Formula Changes is an Informing the Debate Urban and Economic Fiscal Concerns series prepared by Michigan State University’s Urban Affairs Programs and the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Written by Carol S. Weissert, Ph.D., Director Michigan State University and Gary Taylor, Agricultural Economics. |
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| Expanding Education
and Training Opportunities for Michigan Local Government Land Use Planning
Officials April 2006 (24 p. order RR574 from MSUE Book Store) |
This MSU Agricultural Experiment Station research report reports on the results of a survey of planning officials and focus groups concerning their professional development and information needs, kinds of training formats preferred, if there is a demand for web-based training, if there is interest in a certification program. By Anne Cullen, former graduate Research Assistant MSU Dept. of Agricultural Economics; Patricia E. Norris, Professor and Extension Specialist MSU Dept. of Agricultural Economics and Community Agriculture Recreation and Resource Studies; Wayne R. Beyea, Extension Specialist with Citizen Planner; Christine Geith, Director of MSU Global; Gerald Rhead, Director Online Academic and Professional Programs at MSU Global. | ||
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| Land Use Planning and Growth Management: Comparative Policy Perspectives on Urban Sprawl and Future Open Space preservation RR587 (Available as a download. This is a very large file that one may not want to download through a dial-up connection. You can also order from your county extension office (no charge).) | A MSU Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station research report (RR587, May 2005) which covers urban decentralization in the United States; population, land use trends and policy issues in the Great Lakes region and in Michigan; balancing land supply and demand; regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to land use planning; federal, state and local government's roles in urban growth management; how these issues are handled in the Netherlands and New Zealand; and toward a strategy for urban growth management in Michigan. This research report was prepared by Ger Schultink, Ali Memon, and Michael Thomas, MSU Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. | ||
| Perspectives
on Land Use: A Survey of Township Land Use Decision Makers in Michigan December 2002 (45p. Available as a download only) |
Perspectives on Land Use: A Survey of Township Land Use Decision Makers in Michigan is research report 583 prepared by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Written by Murari Suvedi, Associate Professor, ANR Education and Communication Systems; Gary Taylor, J.D., Extension Specialist, State and Local Government; and Phillip Davis, Ph.D., Director, Victor Institute. | ||
| Perspectives
on Land Use: A Survey of Statewide Land Use Decision Makers in Michigan December 2002 (26p. Available as a download only) |
Perspectives on Land Use: A Survey of Statewide Land Use Decision Makers in Michigan is research report 582 prepared by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Written by Murari Suvedi, Associate Professor, ANR Education and Communication Systems; Gary Taylor, J.D., Extension Specialist, State and Local Government; and Phillip Davis, Ph.D., Director, Victor Institute. | ||
| To Plan or Not to Plan: Current Activity within Michigan's Local Governments July 2004 (only available as a download) | In this pamphlet, you will find results of a statewide survey of
Michigan's local governments on their activity in planning and zoning.
It is the first statewide survey conducted in Michigan since 1994. The
survey was funded by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. It was
a joint effort between MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social
Research (IPPSR), the Planning & Zoning Center, the Michigan Association
of Counties, the Michigan Municipal League, the Michigan Society of
Planning, the Michigan Townships Association, and MSU Extension. The
data were updated in July 2004. In addition to the survey, these maps
are available: |
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| Why Detroit Matters Article Series by Dr. Soji Adelaja. August-October 2010 | Series of articles by Dr. Adesoji "Soji" O. Adelaja, Hannah Distinquished Professor in Land Use Policy on Detroit and its importance to the economic health of all of Michigan. |
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| Right-Sizing Cities Article Series by Dr. Soji Adelaja. Nov.-Dec. 2010 | Series of articles by Dr. Adesoji "Soji" O. Adelaja, Hannah Distinquished Professor in Land Use Policy on "Right-Sizing Cities." The first article reviewes the shrinking cities-phenomenon and presented a formal definition of the term "shrinking cities." It also put the phenomenon in perspective, highlighting the fact that most American cities have shrunk from their 1950 population levels. The second article examines the evolution of American cities, how they became so large in the first place, and why many of them began to decline from their peak levels. It also tried to explain why more aggressive public policies have not emerged to address the shrinking cities problem. Third is to create the foundation for responding to the question: "Should we do something about shrinking cities?" Of course, the answer lies in the value of cities, not only to urban residents, but to regions, states and the nation, in general. | ||
| Does Population Count? by Dr. Soji Adelaja. July 2010 | Series of articles by Dr. Adesoji "Soji" O. Adelaja, Hannah Distinquished Professor in Land Use Policy on having an increasing population as a basic economic development stratagy: "Does Population Count?" | ||
| LPI's State of the State Bulletin Series | This is a series of State of the State Survey Bulletins on Michigan economic recovery by the MSU Land Policy Institute. For the March 2009 survey (SOSS-51), the Land Policy Institute commissioned questions asking residents to rate the importance of tourism, the automobile industry, renewable energy, parks and trails, the agricultural industry and farmland, and domestic and international migration as catalysts in Michigan's economic recovery. These questions assess the level of interest among state residents on a variety of solutions that have been proposed privately and publicly to address Michigan's economic challenges. As the economy has slowed in recent years, the dialogue about how best to reposition Michigan, especially as a leader in the New Economy, through such avenues as agriculture, renewable energy, enhanced tourism, attracting immigrants and regaining new population, are being offered as alternative diversification strategies to complement the strong manufacturing presence in the state. The State of the State Survey (SOSS) is a quarterly survey of Michigan residents designed to monitor the "mood on important issues in major regions of the state. This survey is administered by the MSU Institute for Public Policy & Social Research's Office for Survey Research. Below are the published bulletins for the series:
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| Planning | |||
Pln |
Planning generally and Checklists | ||
| See also Land Use Series, “Checklist #1A; To create a planning commission” | Go to Land Use Series, “Checklist #1A; To create a planning commission” | ||
| Land Use Series: “List #1C; Summary of changes between new Michigan Planning Enabling Act and the three old planning acts: Municipal Planning Act, County Planning Act, and Township Planning Act.” May 1, 2008 (8 p. $1.60) | This document summarizes the changes between Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 and the three soon to be former planning enabling acts: • Municipal Planning Act (being P.A. 285 of 1931, as amended, M.C.L. 125.31 et seq.) • County Planning Act (being P.A. 282 of 1945, as amended, M.C.L. 125.101 et seq.) • Township Planning Act (being P.A. 168 of 1959, as amended, M.C.L. 125.321 et seq.) Written by Lincoln Sweet and Jason Ball, both MSU Graduate Students in Urban & Regional Planning. (May 1, 2008) |
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| Land Use Series: “Checklist #1D; Steps to transition an existing planning commission to comply with the Michigan Planning Enabling Act” May 1, 2008 (6 p. $1.20) | Presents a decision tree in the form of a flow chart with “yes” and “no” questions to help a community determine what they may need to do in terms of updating or replacing the resolution or ordinance creating their planning commission and updating or replacing the planning commission’s bylaws. It is designed to make the transition from the soon-to-be repealed planning acts to the requirements of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. (May 1, 2008) | ||
| Land Use Series: “Checklist #1F; Content of a Plan” December 23, 2010 (17 p. $3.40) | Presents a couple of ways to look at what should be the content of a Master Plan in Michigan. The checklist follows “best planning practice” as reflected by the guidelines adopted by the law committee of the Michigan Association of Planning as well as to comply with the Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008, superceding the old acts as of September 1, 2008. Written by Dean Soloman, County Extension Director and member of the MSU Land Use Team. (December 23, 2010) | ||
| Land Use Series: “Checklist #1G; Adoption of a Plan in Michigan” December 23, 2010 (15 p. $3.00) | Presents a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the process of adopting a plan in Michigan. The checklist follows Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 (and Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006, as amended,) statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of September 1, 2008. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. (December 23, 2010) | ||
| Land Use Series: “Checklist #1H; The Five Year Plan Review.” December 23, 2010 (19 p. $3.80) | Once a plan is over five years old, it needs to be reviewed to determine if it should be replaced or not. This document presents a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the process of assessing its existing plan. It includes some criteria for making that assessment. Next it walks through the process of deciding if the plan should be replaced with a new one, amended/updated, or does not need modification. The checklist follows Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of September 1, 2008. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Brad Neumann, MSU Extension Land Policy Educator, and Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. (December 23, 2010) | ||
| Land Use Series: “Checklist #1I; Adoption of an Amendment to a Plan” December 23, 2010 (14 p. $2.80) | Presents a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the process of adopting a plan amendment in Michigan. The checklist follows Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 (and Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006, as amended,) statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of September 1, 2008. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. (December 23, 2010) | ||
| Land Use Series: “Checklist #1J; Adopting and Updating a Capital Improvement Program” May 1, 2008 ( 8 p. $1.60) | Presents a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the process of adopting an capital improvement program in Michigan. The checklist follows Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of September 1, 2008. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Jasneet Sharma, MSU Extension Land Policy Educator. (May 1, 2008) | ||
Land Use Series: “Checklist #1K; Review of Infrastructure/Public Capital Expenditure” May 1, 2008 (9 p. $1.80) |
This document presents a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the process of reviewing proposed infrastructure and capital expenditures. It includes some criteria for making that assessment. The checklist follows Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of September 1, 2008. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Jasneet Sharma, MSU Extension Land Policy Educator. (May 1, 2008) |
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| Land Use Series; “Check List #1L: For Adoption of a Subdivision Ordinance Governing the Subdivision of Land in Michigan” May 1, 2008 (8 p. $1.60) | This document presents a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the process of adopting a Subdivision Ordinance, or rules. The checklist follows Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of September 1, 2008. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Michael Forsyth, MSU Graduate Assistant with Planning and Zoning Center. (May 1, 2008) | ||
| Michigan
Planing Guidebook: for Citizens and Local Officials. First edition. May 2008 (97+ p. $15 for a single copy) |
This Extension publication (May 2008) is a general overview of planning in Michigan covering basic planning activities: roles of different people in the planning process, creation and organization of the planning commission, the master plan (special plan elements and subplans), review of other's plans, capital improvement program, infrastructure reviews, subdivision regulations, planning principles, and more. It is written to reflect the requirements of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008. By Mark Wyckoff. A training program is available on the new act. | ||
| Planning
Under Michigan Planning Enabling Acts: The Wexford County Example December 7, 2008 (14p. $2.80) |
In 2001, for the first time in decades, major amendments
were made to Michigan's Planning Enabling Acts. Those changes were retained in the 2008 Michigan Planning Enabling Act. This bulletin will summarize
the new statutory process, and provide additional suggestions reflecting state-of-the-art public participation for communities to
do planning with a high degree of coordination and public involvement.
The new statutory requirements can be made into a major advantage
for a community doing planning. Wexford County was one of the first counties to prepare a new plan
under the new statute requirements. MSU Extension and Extension Victor Institute for Land Use and Development , with a grant
from the United States Forest Service, used the Wexford Planning process
for research and to assist the county in working with the new procedures
to the county's advantage. This bulletin also shares that experience
and research to help others learn what worked well. By Alice Dieble and
Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. |
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| Pln | County Planning | ||
| County
Planning; Its Legal Authority, and Coordinated Planning July 18, 2008 (8p. $1.60) |
Plans adopted by a county have a unique position, and function in Michigan – used for coordination between townships, villages, cities and other government agencies. This is done with review of township, village and city plans and township zoning ordinances; review of capital improvement projects undertaken by several different government agencies. This bulletin presents a brief overview of the unique aspects of a county plan. This pamphlet reflects the changes as a result of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act and the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. Training program is available. Copy should be dated July 18, 2008, or more recent. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. | ||
| Econ | New Economy | ||
| Can Small
Towns Be Cool? Study Translation Paper. (July 25, 2006 (5p. $1.00) |
"Cool Cities" has become a buzzword among both community and economic development practitioners. This paper reports the results of research on how small towns and rural areas can also be "cool cities". The paper examines the differences between those communities which are teetering on the brink of extinction while others enjoy prosperity. The main body of the paper presents 10 keys for success; the 10 things the communities that enjoy prosperity have in common. They might be viewed as the 10 best practices for community prosperity. By David Ivan, MSU Extenstion Director. | ||
| Historic Preservation Easements July 13, 2009 (7p $1.40) | This pamphlet addresses the following questions: What is a Historic
Preservation Easement? Why Use Easements for Historic Preservation? What
Defines a Historic Resource’s Eligibility for a Preservation Easement?
What are the Tax Benefits associated with Historic Preservation Easements?
What are the Responsibilities of the Protecting (Grantee) Organization?
How do Historic Preservation Easements fit with Local Ordinances? Where
can I find Additional Information about Historic Preservation Easements? By Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator, MSU Extension, St. Joseph County, with peer review by Richard Wilson, Esq. of Gockerman, Wilson, Saylor & Hesslin P.C., Manistee, Michigan. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before July 13, 2009) |
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| Michigan Local Government: New Economy Preparation Checklist May 12, 2010 | A "do do" list for local government, reviewing possible amendments/changes to the Master Plan, zoning ordinance, and other local government practices and policies to get starting on preparing for the New Economy in Michigan. Ideas compiled from various sources, and updated as users, such as yourself, suggest things to add to the checklist. Most recent version is dated May 12, 2010. | ||
| Pln | Review of Plans | ||
How
Governments Make Submissions on a Neighbor's or County's Proposed Plan. |
In 2002 Michigan Planning Commissions received a new duty, to review the plans of neighboring governments and their county's plans. This publication reviews the duty to conducting those reviews, how long you have to do the review, what the review is for, examples of submissions made in review of a plan, what the county planning commission reviews for, as well as other tips. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator and Brad Neumann, MSU Extension Land Policy Educator. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before May 1, 2008) | ||
| How
a Planning Commission Should Respond to Submissions. May 1, 2008 (7p $1.40) |
In 2002 Michigan Planning Commissions had another series of steps added to the process of adopting a plan. One of those steps is to solicit comments from neighboring governments on one's own proposed plan. After those submissions are received each should be assessed and action taken. This publication reviews the duty of looking at each submission received and responding to those submissions, how long one waits for submissions, what to do with the comments on one's plan, examples of submissions and responses, as well as other tips. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator and Brad Neumann, MSU Extension Land Policy Educator. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before May 1, 2008) | ||
| Pcip | Capital Improvement Plans | ||
| See also Land Use Series: “Checklist #1J; Adopting and Updating a Capital Improvement Program” | Go to Land Use Series: “Check List #1J; Adopting and Updating a Capital Improvement Program” | ||
| Pcip | Review of Infrastructure projects | ||
| See also Land Use Series: “Checklist #1K; Review of Infrastructure/Public Capital Expenditure” | Go to Land Use Series: “Check List #1K; Review of Infrastructure/Public Capital Expenditure” | ||
| Psub | Subdivision Ordinance | ||
| See also Land Use Series; “Check List #1L: For Adoption of a Subdivision Ordinance Governing the Subdivision of Land in Michigan” | Go to Land Use Series; “Check List #1L: For Adoption of a Subdivision Ordinance Governing the Subdivision of Land in Michigan” | ||
| Psub | Review of Subdivisions and Land Divisions | ||
Land
Division Application form (sample) |
Sample forms for administration of local government review of land divisions under the P.A. 288 of 1967, as amended, (being the Land Division Act; M.C.L. 560.101 et. seq.) | ||
| Pln | Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | ||
| Learning
from the Application of Land Use Change Models (Available as a download only) |
A report on a workshop on land use (computer) change models sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The Ohio State University, and Michigan State University. The workshop took place May 9 and 10, 2002 near Perrysville, Ohio. | ||
| Standardized
Land Use and Other Thematic Map Colors July 18, 2008 (3p. $0.60) |
There are conventions in the use of color, such as blue to show water when making a map. Colors are also associated with residential, commercial, industrial, agriculture, and so on. This pamphlet suggests some standard uses of color for creating land use, zoning and planning maps. A copy of this flyer should be dated July 18, 2008, or more recent. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. | ||
| What a Basic
County GIS Includes September 9, 1999 (3p. $0.60) |
Most of the cost of a Geographic Information System (GIS) is in creation of data sets. It is important to focus that effort on what data is needed and what data may be readily available. This pamphlet reviews some of the common data sets needed by a county for planning and data which can be created at little or no cost. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. |
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| Zoning | |||
| Zone or Bclsam |
Zoning Administration and Checklists | ||
| A
Behavioral Approach To Avoid Regulatory Takings August 8, 2000 (7p. $1.40) |
This outlines the types of behavior local zoning authorities engage in which are likely to get them in trouble for taking a persons property without just compensation. The pamphlet outlines three ways that happens and techniques to stay out of such trouble. This has been updated to reflect P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.). Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. | ||
| Check
List #2 For Adoption of a Zoning Ordinance in Michigan" May 1, 2008 (9p. $1.80) |
This series of pamphlets present a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the process of adopting a zoning ordinance in Michigan. The checklist follows Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006 statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of July 1, 2006. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before May 1, 2008.) | ||
| Check
List #3 For Adoption of an Interim Zoning Ordinance in Michigan" May 1, 2008 (8p. $1.60) |
This series of pamphlets present a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the process of adopting of an interim zoning ordinance in Michigan. The checklist follows Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006 statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of July 1, 2006. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before May 1, 2008) | ||
| Check
List #4 For Adoption of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment (including some PUDs)
in Michigan" May 1, 2008 (11p. $2.20) |
This series of pamphlets present a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the process of adopting of a zoning amendment in Michigan. The checklist follows Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006 statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of July 1, 2006. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before May 1, 2008) | ||
| Check
List #5 For Processing a Zoning Special Use Permit (including some PUDs)
in Michigan" May 1, 2008 (8p. $1.60) |
This series of pamphlets present a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the processing a special use permit (including some PUDs) in Michigan. The checklist follows Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006 statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of July 1, 2006. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before May 1, 2008) | ||
| Check
List #6 For Processing a Zoning Appeal and Variance in Michigan" May 1, 2008 (6p. $1.20) |
This series of pamphlets present a chronological step-by-step checklist to walk a county, village and city, or township through the processing a zoning appeal and variance in Michigan. The checklist follows Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006 statutory requirements, superceding the old acts as of July 1, 2006. The checklist also indicates what documentation should be kept on file. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before May 1, 2008) | ||
| Environmental Permit Information Checklist, MDNRE. | Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment Environmental Permit Information Checklist and the Permit and Liscensing Guidebook. Both can be found at this web page. These documents are updated regularly, so it is best to get a copy as needed from the above links. Please report to me, schindl9@msu.edu, if these links are broken. | ||
| How to
Set Permit Fees December 8, 2008 (6p. $1.20) |
This bulletin is a discussion of the philosophy of what should be paid by fees and what should be covered by general fund moneys. It also presents work sheets for a municipality to establish zoning, land division, and other permit fees. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. | ||
| How
to take Minutes For Administrative Decisions May 4, 2006 (8p. $1.60) |
Taking minutes for the county board, city council or township board is one task. But the job of taking minutes for an administrative body (like a planning commission, zoning board, appeals board) is very different. This pamphlet explains the difference and why the difference exists. The bulletin also outlines the content of an administrative body's minutes and suggests techniques for taking minutes. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator, and Judge Charles Corwin. This has been updated to reflect P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.). | ||
| Michigan
Zoning Guidebook: for Citizens and Local Officials. Second edition. May 2008 (70+ p. $12 for a single copy) |
This Extension publication (May 2008) is a general overview of zoning in Michigan covering basic zoning activities, the three zoning functions, roles and responsibilities of different boards and officials, procedural elements, special land uses, planned unit developments, site plans, amending and adopting zoning, enforcement, open space zoning, purchase of development rights, and more. It is written to reflect the requirements of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006. By Mark Wyckoff. A training program is available on the new act. Please make sure your copy is dated May 2008, or newer. | ||
| Organization
and Codification of a Zoning Ordinance August 14, 2000 (8p. $1.60) |
There is a logic to the way a zoning ordinance is organized. This bulletin presents one example of how to codify a zoning ordinance. The example presents a system that might be used for all zoning ordinances in a county. Doing so can be a public service to help those who work with several different zoning ordinances. With the standardization of ordinance organization, it is easier for a person using many ordinances to be able to find and compare particular sections. This has been updated to reflect P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.). Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. | ||
| See also "Restrictions
on Zoning Authority" |
Go to Restrictions on Zoning Authority | ||
| Sample #9:
Approach to Update a Zoning Ordinance to Comply With Michigan Zoning Enabling
Act of 2006. May 1, 2008 (16p. $3.20) |
This pamphlet present one approach for zoning amendments to comply with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006. Local governments must follow the Acts procedures starting July 1, 2006. By July 1, 2007 the zoning ordinance must be amended to conform with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act of 2006. Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator, and Mark A. Wyckoff, Director of Planning and Zoning Center at MSU. (Please make sure your copy is not dated before May 1, 2008.) |
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| Sample Zoning
Administrator Office Manual December 16, 1999 (109p. plus binding; $25.00) |
This is a comprehensive office procedure manual for zoning administrators, covering job description, conflict of interest, operation of a zoning ordinance, handling money, non conforming uses, office files, step-by-step procedures, and sample forms for processing zoning permits, special land use permits, variances and appeals, ordinance amendments, zoning enforcement, and more. By Richard Wilson Esq. and Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. | ||
Spot
Zoning |
Spot Zoning is a Policy Brief prepared by the MSU Extension State and Local Government team. It provides a good primer on what is spot zoning, and how to deal with spot zoning issues. By Gary Taylor | ||
| Zone | Firewise | ||
| Wildfire Series Wildfire-resistant Landscape Plants for Michigan E2948, January 2010 | Certain areas of Michigan are prone to forest fires. (Such as an area which has predominantly evergreen tree species with lower branches which do not die off and are near to the ground, such as, but not limited to, Jack Pine or Scrub Pine (Pinus banksiana), Scotch Pine or Scotch Fir (Pinus Sylvestris), Red Pine or Norway Pine (Pinus resinosa), Spruces (Picea), Hemlock (Tsuga candensis), and Cedars or Junipers (Pinaceae); and other situations where structures encroach into wildlands.) Some communities have zoning provisions concerning various measures to protect homes and other buildings from being as likely to burn down during a wildfire. Often the regulations call for using fire resistant plants within a 30 foot area around the home. This bulletin lists such plants which can grow in Michigan. | ||
| Wildfire Series Protect Your Michigan Home from Wildfire E2831, October 2006 | Certain areas of Michigan are prone to forest fires. Some communities have zning provisions concerning various measures to protect homes and other buildings from being as likely to burn down during a wildfire. Examples (covered in this bulletin) include creation of fuel breaks (3 foot ring around your home and buildings without burnable vegitation, using fire resistant plants and prune lower brances of trees in a 30 foot ring, 30-100 foot area thin trees); driveway design (12 feet wide, 15 feet high, gate location); address display; spark arrestor; enclosed open eaves, soffits, and gabble vents; non-combustible roof which is kept clean. | ||
| Econ | New Economy | ||
| Better
Designs for Development in Michigan; Putting Conservation into Local Land Use Regulations (11p. $2.20) |
This reviews conservation design principals for development in Michigan. Development approaches such as clustering, open space preservation, through use of use of Planned Unit Development and Michigan Land Division Act tools are explained. This pamphlet introduces the conservation planning/design concept, the need for a community to envision its future, identification of conservation lands, conservation zoning, and a four step process for conservation design. By Rod Cortright, MSU County Extension Director. | ||
| Conservation Easements April 17, 2008 (6 p. $1.20) |
This pamphlet reviews conservation easements as a means to protect natural areas, conservation values of land, open space, and so on. It covers the tax credits involved, development impacts, pros and cons to doing so, and lists Michigan Land Conservancies and Land Trusts. Written by Kendra Wills, Land Use Educator for Kent County. | ||
| Form
Based Codes and Michigan Zoning Enabling Acts December 2, 2008 (6p. $1.20) |
With neo-traditional development, and development attempting to follow traditional patterns, a new type of zoning is starting to catch on in Michigan: Form-Based Code, or Form-Based Zoning. This type of zoning places more emphasis on the design (form) of development and redevelopment and less on the type of use. This pamphlet is to discuss its legal application under Michigan's zoning enabling statutes. By Steve Langworthy formerly of Langworthy Strader LeBlanc & Associates, Inc. This has been updated to reflect P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.). (A copy of Michigan's first form based zoning ordinance, Village of Suttons Bay in Leelanau County, is available here.) | ||
| Michigan Local Government: New Economy Preparation Checklist | For more information see the same title under "Planning, New Economy" | ||
| Zsp | Groundwater and surface water protection | ||
| Sample
Zoning Amendments and Program For Groundwater Protection July 13, 2010 (21p. $4.20) |
Groundwater is often the source of one’s drinking water. It is much less expensive to avoid groundwater contamination than to clean it up. Local government is situated to be the most effective level of government to do so. This pamphlet introduces one sample that might be the zoning part of a community’s groundwater protection program, and wellhead protection program. This has been updated to reflect P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.). Written by Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. Please make sure your copy is dated July 13, 2010, or newer. This publication references the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment Environmental Permit Information Checklist and the Permit and Liscensing Guidebook. Both can be found at this web page. These documents are updated regularly, so it is best to get a copy as needed from the above links. |
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| Lakeland Report #12, "Greenbelts: A Circle of Protection for Inland Lakes" (undated) (6p. download only) | This report reviews basic standards for establishing and maintaining greenbelts, explains how greenbelts work to protect water quality, and recommended ground covers, shrubs, and trees are best in a greenbelt. The Report 12 was written by Marion Secrest and Jan Nagel (illustrated by Scott Ewen) by the University of Michigan Biological Station, Pellston, at Douglas Lake with financial support from the National Science Foundation. This report is available here for download because a number of local zoning ordinances adopt, by reference, Report 12 as their standards for greenbelts. Although written for lakes, it has also been used for river shorelines. The Lakeland Report #12 report is outdated, and lists some plants which are invasive species. Here are two more current sources of information, but unfortunatly not specific enough for use to adopt by reference for ordinance/regulation purposes (Sensible Shoreline Development; A Guide for Shoreline Homeowners). The second source is a web site (MSU Kellogg Biological Station Shoreline Management Demonstration and Information) which can change and thus cannot be adopted by reference for ordinance purposes. |
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| Zsp | Community cleanup (junk) | ||
| How To
Deal With Accumulated Junk Problems November 26, 2007 (14p $2.80) |
Trash, or junk left on the landscape is one of the major issues identified by local government officials in northern Michigan. It is also one of the easier problems to solve. This publication presents a five-activity process a local government can undertake to help reduce the problems associated with accumulated junk. The pamphlet also includes sample zoning amendments and a sample junk ordinance for consideration. This has been updated to reflect P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, (being the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, M.C.L. 125.3101 et seq.). Written by Sarah (Genshaw) O'Donnell, MSU Extension Alpena County Land Use Educator, and Kurt H. Schindler, MSU Extension Regional Land Use Educator. | ||
| Zsp | Agricultural: Right to Farm | ||
| Planning and Zoning for Animal Agriculture in Michigan: A Handbook for Local Governments Revisions and Updates (dated July 2009 (Chapter 3 updated January 19, 2010)) | Planning and Zoning for Animal Agriculture in Michigan: A Handbook for
Local Governments by Pat Norris, (the big green
three-ring binder that was sent to each government unit in Michigan in
2000). It was updated by Bradley Neumann, Land Policy Educator in July 2009 and January 19, 2010. It is a large document, downloading the entire document with the link to the left. To download in parts, use the links here: See also Public Policy Analysis: Michigan's Right to Farm Act and New Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices pamphlet can be downloaded. By Pat Norris. |
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| See also Public
Policy Analysis; Michigan's Right to Farm Act and New Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices |
|||
| See also Summary of zoning and Right to Farm Act court cases | Go to Summary of zoning and Right to Farm Act court cases | ||
| When Urban Agriculture Meets Michigan’s Right To Farm Act: The Big’s in the Parlor | A very complete and authorative peer reviewed law journal article on Right to Farm Act issues is available from Michigan State Law Review (Norris, Patricia, Gary Taylor and Mark Wyckoff; “When Urban Agriculture Meets Michigan’s Right To Farm Act: The Big’s in the Parlor”; Michigan State Law Review; 2011:2 Mich St. L. Rev. 365). | ||
Who is protected from nuisance suits under the Right to Farm Act (RTFA) (May 5, 2009) and What sorts of local regulations are preempted by the Right to Farm Act (RTFA) February 13, 2012 |
"Who is protected from nuisance suits under the Right to Farm Act (RTFA)" and "Who is protected from zoning regulation under the Right to Farm Act (RTFA)" are two decision tree tables to attempt to indicate when farming is protected from local zoning or nuisance suits under the RTFA. Both are combined into one PDF document. The format for both is a series of "yes"/"no" questions to determine local jurisdition. By Pat Norris, Gary Taylor, Brad Neuman, and Kurt Schindler. Please make sure your copy for nuisance suits is dated May 5, 2009 or newer, and local regulation preemption is dated February 13, 2012 or newer. For copies of the Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMP) go here. |
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| Suggestions for Ordinances Allowing Backyard Poultry E-3136 October 2010 | Suggestions, or recommendation for community ordinances which allow poultry in residential settings. These suggestions do not mean or imply that such a provision in a local ordinance is allowed under the Right To Farm Act. Separate anylisis on that issue will still need to be done. By Darrin M. Karcher, Ph.D., Poultry Extension Specialist, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University; Paul Wylie, MSU Extension Agricultural and Natural Resources Educator, Retired; and R. M. “Mick” Fulton, D.V.M., Ph.D., Avian Pathologist, Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. | ||
| Zsp | Wind Energy/Alternative Energy | ||
Michigan Land Use Guidelines for Siting Wind Energy Systems, Extension Bulletin WO-1053, February 2007, To order a printed copy: and search for "WO-1053" Sample Zoning for Wind Energy Systems, April 16, 2008 Energy Office of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth |
Guidelines for siting wind energy systems were released in December 2005 by the Michigan Energy Office in the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG). The DLEG guidelines are titled “Michigan Siting Guidelines for Wind Energy Systems,” and recently re-formated as sample zoning text (see left). The MSUE bulletin describes the most important provisions of the new guidelines and how they suggest handling the most common concerns of neighbors. It looks at the science behind the guidelines and provides a glossary and references for further reading. It concludes with a short list of Michigan communities that have adopted local planning and zoning laws about wind system siting. The new guidelines and this publication are meant to help local officials strike a balance between the need for clean, renewable energy resources and a local government’s responsibility to protect the public health, safety and welfare. By Michael Klepinger, former MSU Extension Specialist. The Sample Zoning for Wind Energy Systems, was prepared in zoning amendment format, following guidelines developed by a wind energy work group, Energy Office for the State of Michigan. Link to the Michigan Energy Office which has more resources on this topic as well as Michigan Wind Energy Resource Maps.
See also:
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