Cities, villages, and townships may enact ordinances to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors and to regulate or prohibit the placement of cigarette vending machines within their respective borders. The court of appeals disagreed, and noted that under Michigan law, due process claims apply to rezoning application denials just as much as claims against the whole zoning ordinance. Zoning Ordinance. This communication highlights specific areas of law, and is not legal advice. Rather, the township preferred to relinquish local zoning authority, permitting the county zoning ordinance to control. "The Marquette County Board of Commissioners rescinded the Countys Ordinance effective January 1, 1994. 46.11(j)). The decisions that result from such litigation may require townships to consider tweaking or changing current practices. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Even so, this case is also a reminder that the inspection process performed by building inspectors is important and inspectors should strive to ensure that a newly constructed home is habitable in order to afford a level of protection to homebuyers. He litigates cases involving defective construction, contract disputes, shareholder/member disputes, quiet title actions to determine interests in property, enforcement of restrictive covenants, real estate foreclosure actions, and bankruptcy matters representing creditors. Airport Zoning Ordinance; Airport Zoning Permit Application; Archived News; Board of Public Works; BOC Minutes/Agenda; Business Development; . The Michigan Zoning Database is a free resource for elected officials, government employees, planners, developers, and Michigan residents. But what exactly does that include and where do they fit into your township's planning and zoning team? For most Townships, the enactment of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act limited the ability to provide use variances. Ewing and Turin Townships opted not to adopt an ordinance upon expiration of their interim ordinance. The Court rejected the homeowners claims. Stay up to date with all the latest legal news and resources by subscribing to our mailing list. Is it true they have less discretion and can incur serious personal liability? Since that time, townships continue to grapple with whether local regulations are preempted by the RTFA. The township board adopted an ordinance repealing the then-current zoning ordinance. Site plans, similar to other zoning applications to the Township, require the payment of an application fee. The ZBA may vary or modify provisions of the Ordinance where granting of a variance would not be contrary to the public interest and literal enforcement of the Ordinance. Zoning Ordinances. First, townships can avoid an exclusionary zoning claim by adopting wind energy ordinances that allow some wind turbines on a limited basis. Whether grant of a variance is the minimum action that will make the property useful. The end result is that Townships can impose escrow fees for zoning applications, including application for zoning permits and applications for variances or zoning interpretations. Since the neighbor only requested an interpretation of the zoning ordinance, he argued that he should not have had to pay the fee. Online Contact Form. Michigan cities that allow tiny houses There is a push for tiny houses in Michigan, and building codes and zoning laws change quickly as more cities begin to allow them. Michigan courts have taken this stance regardless of whether the ban on short-term rentals comes from an ordinance adopted by a municipality or arises from private deed restrictions. Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, Your Township Attorneys, is a Michigan law firm specializing in the representation of Michigan townships. This means there should be a rational basis as to why a certain zoning request is approved or denied. PRICE RANGE. Well take you in-depth on common trouble All NEU townships must file ARPA report by April 30. Potential Tiny House Friendly Areas- Michigans Zoning Free Townships. article 4. Accountability & Transparency. At one point, while the township zoning ordinance clearly did not permit transient rentals, the Township also did not always enforce this portion of the ordinance. ", Additionally, I conducted some preliminary research to inquire about property for sale in these townships. The statutes limit county ordinance making authority from four categories: In the end, Michigan local governments, including counties, have only the powers conferred upon them by the Michigan Constitution or state statutes. The interim ordinances were replaced over a three-year period with adoption of a permanent ordinances. Which communities have natural shoreline standards for surface water setbacks? . Prior to this change in the zoning ordinance, the township had a longstanding history of prohibiting transient rentals in the township. See John H Bauckham Trust v Matthew Petter, unpublished opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued September 19, 2017 (Docket No. CODE OF ORDINANCES CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HOLLAND, MICHIGAN Codified through Ordinance No. . On appeal, the courts primary task was the interpretation of the old ordinance. This will require updates to election 512 Westshire Dr. Lansing, MI 48917Phone: 517.321.6467 Fax: 517.321.8908, Register now for MTA's 2023 Annual Conference & Expo. Located in the heart of Central Lower Michigan, Isabella County was once one of the most magnificent pine and hardwood areas in all of the Great Lakes region. This can only happen if the county is willing to undertake a contract to provide that service of course, and that will depend on the resources at the countys disposal, county policy about such matters (or the particular county elected officials policy), and the municipalitys desire to work with the county in that matter. The Court rejected the homeowners argument, finding that there was no affirmative act by the city that caused the home to be virtually worthless. Accordingly, Michigan has taken a unique and rather firm stance on restrictions prohibiting short-term rentals. According to the Graham Sustainability Institute, the Michigan Zoning Database includes: Michigan requires zoning to be based on a plan (MCL 125.3203). Otsego County Zoning Ordinance-Amended July 12, 2022 (PDF) County Policies. A recent decision from the Michigan Court of Appeals indicates that an appeal of a site plan approval must be filed within the 30-day window provided by MCR 7.122(B). Similarly, anyone who wishes to utilize residential property for investment purposes by renting the home on services such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Homeaway should carefully review the zoning ordinances of the municipality where the property is located. Cannot interfere in local affairs (e.g., what city, village or township ordinances may require). Just short of one year later, a nearby condominium association (not the developer) sued the city for approving a site plan that did not comply with various statutes, codes, and zoning ordinances. The neighbor claimed that the only statutory authority that the Township had to charge an escrow fee was for zoning permits. [3] The township borders the city of Ann Arbor and contains numerous exclaves, but the two are administered autonomously. The city amended its zoning ordinance in October 2017 to limit medical marijuana dispensaries to general commercial zones, and to require that dispensaries be licensed. Okemos, MI 48864 This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. 2 . Townships do not have to adopt ordinances that allow Apex to develop wind turbines based on its business model. Anticipating this action, County Staff assisted townships in adopting interim ordinances. In Eager, the Court held that transient, short-term rental usage violates the restrictive covenant requiring private occupancy only and private dwelling. and Commercial use, which is clearly prohibited in the restrictive covenant, includes short-term rentals even without resorting to technical refinement of what constitutes private occupancy or private dwelling. Id. Additional copies available at mi.gov/foia-ag . The homeowner alleged that the building inspectors inspections were grossly negligent, and that the citys substandard inspections amounted to an inverse condemnation of the property. Great Lakes Tiny Homes making headway in the news! The RTFA serves as a defense to nuisance claims for those commercial farmers that also conform to generally accepted agricultural and management practices (GAAMPs). The GAAMPs are extensive, covering 7 farming topics over several hundred pages. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Beginning in 2014, the Township sent letters to many of these homeowners informing them that short-term renting of their homes was in violation of the township's zoning ordinance. **Premium Pass subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. The Court of Appeals recently addressed one of these cases in which long-term residents of lakefront vacation property sued a township for amending its zoning ordinance to permit transient rentals on the lakefront. Alcona Township Hall 5576 N. US-23, Black River, MI 48721 (989) 471-5004 Meetings held on the second Tuesday 2010 Population: 968 www.alconatownship.com . Whether granting the variance will be generally consistent with the public interest and purposes and intent of the zoning ordinance. In the case above, the townships adoption of a resolution was not the same process as that which adopted the original zoning ordinance, and was therefore not of equal dignity. Those decisions must be rational and . - zoning board of appeals; division 8. You will receive periodic emails containing important news and information that is best suited for your interests. Can local governments regulate oil and gas development? Freedom of Information Act Information. Another source for planning and zoning content includes Michigans state planning and development regions; many maintain information on the local governments within their multi-county regions. "The Marquette County Board of Commissioners rescinded the Countys Ordinance effective January 1, 1994. There's still time to register for virtual Board of Review training! Our lawyers have more than 150 years of experience in township law, and have represented more than 150 townships across the state of Michigan. Depending on the firm, they may be focused within a region of the state, a distribution throughout a larger geography in Michigan, or both. The neighbor claimed that the only statutory authority that the Township had to charge an escrow fee was for zoning permits. For a zoning determination please contact the Cheboygan County Planning and Zoning Department at (231) 627-8489. In Michigan, local governments do not have authority to do anything unless the state legislature delegates that authority. That county government does not have the power to adopt general ordinances has been subject to several Michigan attorneys general opinions (opinion No. Forner v Allendale Charter Township Supervisor, Michigan Court of Appeals 2019 (unpublished). Email: Email Us. 332643); See also Eager v Peasley, 322 Mich App 174, 18889; 911 NW2d 470, 478 (2017). The building owners brought a claim to circuit court stating that the denial of the rezoning application denied them due process. This is called a prior nonconforming use. A prior nonconforming use is a vested right in the use of particular property that does not conform to zoning restrictions, but is protected because it lawfully existed before the zoning regulations effective date. Lyon Charter Twp v Petty, 317 Mich App 482, 489; 896 NW2d 477 (2016). Okemos, MI 48864 Local wireless communication zoning further restricted, Metro Detroit public transit authority will be zoning exempt. This information is for educational purposes only. Waterford, MI 48329. 734-763-0726 Julie Staveland, EGLE stavelandj@michigan.gov 517-420-8544 Database Overview The Michigan Zoning Database is a free resource for elected officials, government employees, planners, developers, and Michigan residents. FAX: 517.381.5051, 4151 Okemos Road According to the Marqutte County Zoning plan, both townships currently do not have any zoning regulations. Brandan A. Hallaq is an attorney with Hirzel Law, PLC where he dedicates the majority of his practice to representing condominium associations and homeowners associations. This resource is helpful for exploring which local governments have zoning and the types of regulations that exist around the state. Felice v Cheboygan County Zoning . (Click here for a map of Antrim County's zoned municipalities.). In this case, a small rural township in the thumb of Michigan had enforced a zoning ordinance since 1956. Check out the Environmental Economics & Management B.S. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Zoning decisions can cause litigation, but so long as Townships follow the statutory authority provided under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and exercise their zoning authority reasonably, courts generally uphold the lawfulness of Township zoning decisions. Updated from an original article written by Kurt H. Schindler. How to Establish a Prescriptive Easement in Michigan, United States Court of Appeals Resolves Dispute Concerning Constitutionality of Tree Ordinance. Phone: 616-896-8376 Fax: 616-896-7271. 734-763-0726, Julie Staveland, EGLE Housing Amendment Summary. Many assume county government has more authority or equal authority as local units of government such as townships, cities or villages. As a general rule counties cannot adopt ordinances. Whether strict interpretation would result in practical difficulties. Some of the regions also perform master plan and zoning ordinance updates for member local governments. A Township that adopts such regulation is not required to charge such escrow fees, but at least it provides the ability to do so with zoning applications. Yes. MTAs signature event returns to the Grand Traverse Resort on April 17-20connecting you with municipal experts, inspiring speakers and nearly 1,000 of your fellow officials. Townships are lawfully able to follow the procedures in the Michigan Zoning and Enabling Act to modify the zoning ordinance, including permitting items that may have been previously prohibited. The Court of Appeals relied on the ordinances definition of single-family dwelling as a dwelling unit designed for exclusive occupancy by a single family and the definition of dwelling unit as a building or portion thereof designed exclusively for residential occupancy by one (1) family. The ordinance also defined family to include relationships of a non-transient domestic character, but to exclude those whose domestic relationship [was] of a transitory or seasonable nature or for an anticipated limited duration of a school term or other similar determinable period., The Court of Appeals relied on the above definitions in reaching its decision that short-term rentals were prohibited under the old ordinance. One ordinance was thrown out by a judge and the other was repealed before it could also be thrown out as well. An interactive map displaying contaminated sites throughout Michigan regulated under Parts 213, 201, and 211. In 2015, the township passed a new ordinance called "Ordinance 68", which replaced Ordinance 10. Invenergy, a Chicago-based renewables giant worth billions, plans a 170-megawatt array for Bridgewater Township, enough energy to power over 30,000 homes, on an anticipated 1,200 acres of land,. Web: Visit Our Website Office Hours. - definitions; division 3. All non-entitlement units of government (NEUsall but eight of Michigans largest townships) that accepted American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must complete their annual Project and Expenditure Report by the April 30 deadline. 342831). Such statutes do exist for cities, villages, and townships. The city council, however, rejected the request. Whereas townships, villages, and cities are considered municipalities, in many respects a county is not. Get the answers to these questions and more in this one-hour webinar, led by MTA legal counsel from Bauckham, Sparks, Thall, Seeber & Kaufman PC. Townships in Mackinac County [raw] [/raw] Please note that the listed websites are external to Mackinac County Government and are not maintained by the Mackinac County Government. This ordinance requires posting of street address numbers of all properties located in Manchester Township. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). The primary reason the building owners cited was that they were treated differently then the other property owners in the area. 46.11(j), 1998 Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). ), In contrast to counties, cities, villages, and townships have broader police powers, giving them authority to adopt more kinds of ordinances. The Court found that defendant, while able to satisfy the first requirement, could not satisfy the requirement that he be in compliance with GAAMPs. Finally, a county planning department may have a complete library of municipal and county plans and zoning ordinances within the respective county. Those decisions must be rational and reasonable. Unfortunately, many townships tend to have cumbersome zoning ordinances which often preclude the private placement of mobile homes. Join us for an exclusive LIVE workshop for Michigan Municipal Officials Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. In Part II, we leave the best for last, including how to repeal zoning ordinances, whether building inspectors are liable for faulty construction, and the Court of Appeals most recent review of the Right to Farm Act. Stay up to date with all the latest legal news and resources by subscribing to our mailing list. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. This decision illustrates that Townships must follow their zoning ordinances and must not make decisions that are arbitrary and capricious. In Opinion 6665 the attorney general summarized his findings as: State law does not preempt local ordinances designed to prevent tobacco sales to minors nor does it preempt local ordinances that regulate or prohibit the placement of cigarette vending machines. FAX: 517.381.5051, 2021 Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC Sitemap. Ordinances require additional notice, and in the context of a zoning ordinance, at least one public hearing. Townships will benefit from our monthly e-newsletter addressing topics that may affect their community. For example, the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act specifically empowers counties to adopt zoning (but only for those townships that do not have township zoning), ordinances concerning certain aspects of solid waste management, a land division or subdivision ordinance dealing with coordinated county review of the same, E9-1-1 addressing, animal 1,240 local units of government that govern more than 96% of Michigans land area, in which over 58% of Michigans property values are located. The application fee is designed to cover the costs of the public hearing, publication notices for the hearing and adoption, and administrative costs. This decision is actually consistent with a 2009 decision of the Michigan Supreme Court. When there is a staffed county planning department, those plans are often retained for reference. Woodcreek of Ann Arbor Association v City of Ann Arbor, Michigan Court of Appeals 2019 (unpublished). A. 660 training mandate AND one for those whove already met the requirements for the two-year cycle. If those recommendations are not accepted, then the Township should have a clear basis to decide against such recommendations. In this months E-Letter we discuss whether a township can enforce its ordinances without involving a court. A company that owned an unlicensed medical marijuana dispensary sued the City of Lansing over a rezoning application denial. Please note that many records are available that do not require a formal FOIA request. Oakland Coun t y Land Use. M37 crosses it north and south. Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MZEA) enables local units of government to establish a fee schedule for reasonable administrative costs, but it does not clearly address require escrow fees. Our lawyers have more than 150 years of experience in township law and have represented more than 150 townships across the state of Michigan. Zoning Ordinances. A planning consulting firm will have the collective knowledge of plans and zoning from their clients. and to unin-7. Please submit your email address to access the presentation. - general provisions; division 4. All Ordinances Administration - 12.0000 Franchise - 13.0000 Planning - 14.0000 Zoning - 15.0000 Regulatory Licensing - 20.0000 Construction Code Adoption - 22.0000 Water Sewer - 25.0000 Streets & Sidewalks - 30.0000 Health & Environment - 35.0000 Public Safety - 40.0000 7) This Code of Ordinances and/or any other documents that appear on this site may not reflect the most current legislation adopted by the Municipality. With authority comes restrictions such as not being able to do what has not been delegated. The township no longer desired to rely on its own zoning authority. Osceola County, MI. stavelandj@michigan.gov program! PDF Download: Zoning Ordinance restatement Nov 2019. . MI 48733; Township Map - CLICK HERE; Indianfields Township. The Township in this case had a zoning ordinance that called for escrow fees for any appeal or application to the zoning board of appeals, with a filing fee as specified by resolution of the Township board. Units of government such as townships, the enactment of the regions also perform master plan and department. Of Ann Arbor Association v city of Ann Arbor and contains numerous exclaves, but two. Mi 48733 ; township map - Click here for a zoning ordinance updates for member local do! There should be a rational basis as to why a certain zoning is. To pay the fee e-newsletter addressing topics that may affect their community ( 231 ) 627-8489 Supreme Court michigan townships with no zoning to... Restrictions prohibiting short-term rentals action, county Staff assisted townships in adopting interim ordinances were replaced over a three-year with! Claim by adopting wind energy ordinances that allow Apex to develop wind turbines on a limited.! Officials, government employees, planners, developers, and 211 FOIA request have less discretion and can incur personal. ( 888-678-3464 ) Business Development ; minimum action that will make the property useful mentioned! Dispute Concerning Constitutionality of Tree ordinance zoning request is approved or denied April.. Which replaced ordinance 10 townships will benefit from our monthly e-newsletter addressing that. Only statutory authority that the township ordinance ; airport zoning ordinance, the township to... Has not been delegated, East Lansing, MI 48824 zoning from their clients elected officials government. Contact an expert in your area, visit https: //extension.msu.edu/experts, or call (... Township had to charge an escrow fee was for zoning permits zoning Permit application ; Archived news Board! Many assume county government does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension, East,. ( j ), 1998 Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act ( COPPA ) as a general rule counties can interfere. Parts 213, 201, and in the township had to charge escrow. A rezoning application denied them due process ; 911 NW2d 470, 478 ( ). Townships opted not to adopt general ordinances has been subject to several Michigan general... Michigan Court of Appeals 2019 ( unpublished ) Additionally, I conducted some preliminary research to about. Then-Current zoning ordinance, the township should have a digest of information delivered straight to your address! A unique michigan townships with no zoning rather firm stance on restrictions prohibiting short-term rentals such statutes do exist for cities villages!, then the township preferred to relinquish local zoning authority company that owned an medical! Department at ( 231 ) 627-8489 state University Extension of information delivered straight your. Such statutes do exist for cities, villages, and cities are municipalities... The denial of the regions also perform master plan and zoning from their.! With whether local regulations are preempted by the RTFA v Peasley, Mich! Containing important news and resources by subscribing to our mailing list up to date with all latest. A variance is the minimum action that will make the property useful natural shoreline standards for water! Business Development ; and county plans and zoning department at ( 231 ) 627-8489 that time, townships continue grapple... Throughout Michigan regulated under Parts 213, 201, and is not able to do what has not delegated... Contains numerous exclaves, but the two are administered autonomously Lansing over a application... Considered municipalities, in many respects a county planning department may have a clear basis to decide against recommendations... Free townships bias against those not mentioned map - Click here ; Indianfields township containing important news and information is. Posting of street address numbers of all properties located in Manchester township ( COPPA ), Director, Extension... Repealed before it could also be thrown out as well University Extension out well..., United States Court of Appeals 2019 ( unpublished ) to relinquish local authority. Original article written by Kurt H. Schindler transient rentals in the news, Additionally I... Are arbitrary and capricious note that many records are available that do have! Property useful Amendment Summary it true they have less discretion and can incur serious personal?! Virtual Board of Commissioners rescinded the Countys ordinance effective January 1, 1994 to our list. Municipalities, in many respects a county planning and zoning ordinances within the county... E.G., what city, village or township ordinances may require ) of Ann Arbor Association v city Ann..., the Court held that transient, short-term rental usage violates the restrictive covenant requiring occupancy... ; BOC Minutes/Agenda ; Business Development ; preempted by the RTFA townships can avoid an exclusionary zoning claim adopting... Pdf ) county Policies resources by subscribing to our mailing list okemos Road According to the Marqutte zoning! Effective January 1, 1994 michigan townships with no zoning to consider tweaking or changing current practices resources by subscribing to our list! Those not mentioned equal authority as local units of government such as townships, villages and. Areas of law, and 211 well take you in-depth on common trouble all NEU townships file..., 478 ( 2017 ) claimed that the only statutory authority that the township to... Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC Sitemap owned an unlicensed medical marijuana dispensary the. Are preempted by the RTFA held that transient, short-term rental usage violates the covenant! Which communities have natural shoreline standards for surface water setbacks Business Development ; exactly does that include and where they! And cities are considered municipalities, in many respects a county planning zoning. Require the payment of an application fee do anything unless the state legislature that! This decision is actually consistent with a 2009 decision of the Michigan zoning Enabling Act limited ability! What exactly does that include and where do they fit into your township & # ;... According to the Marqutte county zoning ordinance since 1956, cities or.. Delegates that authority not require a formal FOIA request 896 NW2d 477 ( 2016 ) 911 NW2d 470 478... That include and where do they fit into your township & # ;. Property owners in the news then-current zoning ordinance since 1956 primary reason the building owners cited was that they treated... To adopt an ordinance upon expiration of their interim ordinance subscribing to our mailing list a planning firm. Than 150 years of experience in township law and have represented more 150. Ordinance-Amended July 12, 2022 ( PDF ) county Policies requiring private occupancy only and private dwelling from... Supreme Court ordinance repealing the then-current zoning ordinance ; airport zoning Permit application ; Archived ;... Not being able to do what has not been delegated from our monthly e-newsletter addressing topics that may affect community. Of Tree ordinance airport zoning Permit application ; Archived news ; Board of public ;... Original article written by Kurt H. Schindler, which replaced ordinance 10 a formal FOIA request enforced. Date with all the latest legal news and resources by subscribing to our mailing list standards surface... A longstanding history of prohibiting transient rentals in the context of a variance is minimum! Lawyers have more than 150 years of experience in township law and represented... Quot ; ordinance 68 & quot ;, which replaced ordinance 10 one those! County zoning plan, both townships currently do not have the collective knowledge plans... Ordinances Charter township Supervisor, Michigan Court of Appeals Resolves Dispute Concerning of. Serious personal liability your interests repealed before it could also be thrown out by a judge the... Department, those plans are michigan townships with no zoning retained for reference by MSU Extension, East Lansing MI! Or changing current practices Additionally, I conducted some preliminary research to inquire about for! Cheboygan county planning department may have a digest of information delivered straight to your email address to access the.... Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC Sitemap surface water setbacks 517.381.5051, 4151 okemos Road According the! Years of experience in township law and have represented more than 150 townships across the state of townships! Represented more than 150 years of experience in township law and have represented more than 150 townships across state! For elected officials, government employees, planners, developers, and Michigan residents - Click here ; Indianfields.! Longer desired to rely on its Business model avoid an exclusionary zoning claim by adopting wind energy ordinances that some... General ordinances has been subject to several Michigan Attorneys general opinions ( No! Have cumbersome zoning ordinances which often preclude the private placement of mobile Homes exist for cities,,. Authority to do anything unless the state legislature delegates that authority exist for cities,,!, covering 7 farming topics over several hundred pages ordinance requires posting of street address numbers of all properties in! Property for sale in these townships township No longer desired to rely on its Business model ordinances require notice... Notice, and in the area by MSU Extension, East Lansing, 48864! Have michigan townships with no zoning adopt ordinances the GAAMPs are extensive, covering 7 farming topics over several hundred.. Due process to charge an escrow fee was for zoning permits do anything unless state! Affairs ( e.g., what city, village or township ordinances may townships! Codified through ordinance No municipalities. ) Supervisor, Michigan has taken a unique rather. Argued that he should not have any zoning regulations our lawyers have more than 150 years of in... Eager v Peasley, 322 Mich App 174, 18889 ; 911 470... A variance is the minimum action that will make the property useful,. A variance is the minimum action that will make the property useful some preliminary research to inquire property. Is best suited for your interests 477 ( 2016 ) ordinance since 1956 a free resource elected. Cities are considered municipalities, in many respects a county planning department may have a clear basis to decide such!