Authorizing Statute:
Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Public Act 110 of 2006, MCL 125.3101, et seq.

(See the 2006 Michigan Zoning Enabling Act information packet for general law or charter townships for more information on the ZEA, which replaced the Township Zoning Act on July 1, 2006.)

Authorities and Responsibilities:
Shall adopt and file with the township board recommendations as to the zoning plan, districts and ordinance, and, per the township's ordinance, approve special land uses, planned unit developments, and site plans.

The duties of a zoning commission may be designated to a township planning commission. (Note that all zoning boards or zoning commissions must become a planning commission with zoning authority by July 1, 2011.)

Established By:
Township board resolution. Required in any township that has a zoning ordinance, until July 1, 2011.

Membership:
Five to 11 members appointed by the township board to staggered three-year terms. Members shall be selected upon the basis of their respective qualifications and fitness to serve as members of a zoning commission.

One township board member may be a member of the zoning commission. An employee of the township board shall not serve as a member or an employee of the zoning commission.

Compensation to Members:
Members may receive such compensation as fixed by the township board and may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses actually incurred in the discharge of their duties.

OMA/FOIA Status:
Public body subject to Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act.