Township Zoning

Zoning is governmental regulation of the use of land with primary goals to ensure the compatibility of land uses and prevent nuisances, protect natural resources, and protect property values. Zoning implements a community’s master plan through the zoning ordinance, which divides the community into various districts or zones, and specifies the land uses, such as residential, commercial or industrial, that are authorized by right, permitted with conditions or prohibited within each zone.

Both general law and charter townships may adopt zoning ordinances, pursuant to zoning enabling statute.

Until July 1, 2006, the provisions of the Township Zoning Act, Public Act 184 of 1943 (MCL 125.271, et seq) applied.

On July 1, 2006, the new Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Public Act 110 of 2006 (MCL 125.3101, et seq), repealed the Township Zoning Act and became the zoning enabling statute for township zoning.

The 2006 Michigan Zoning Enabling Act Packet for General Law Townships (.pdf) includes updated zoning ordinance checklists.

The 2006 Michigan Zoning Enabling Act Packet for Charter Townships (.pdf) includes updated zoning ordinance checklists.

Zoning Ordinance Referendum Timeline Chart (.pdf)

Zoning Ordinance Open Space Preservation Provisions (.pdf)

The zoning ordinance contains land development regulations and establishes land development districts. The zoning ordinance is adopted to protect the public health, safety and general welfare. Typical zoning regulations address the physical development of the township through such elements as land use, building height, bulk, lot area, setbacks, parking, signs and density.

Joint Municipal Planning Act, Public Act 226 of 2003, MCL 125.131, et seq.

Authorizes joint planning and joint zoning, including joint zoning ordinances

More Township Zoning Resources