The goal of this ordinance is to specify procedures of and materials for proposed development projects. It also provides guidelines to identify, evaluate, protect, and mitigate six types of sensitive environmental areas... Read More

The goal of this ordinance is to specify procedures of and materials for proposed development projects. It also provides guidelines to identify, evaluate, protect, and mitigate six types of sensitive environmental areas... Read More

The goal of this ordinance, in conjunction with Ann Arbor’s Required Open Space Ordinance is to require wetland setbacks, which are not designated under the state wetlands law... Read More

The County of Marquette added a chapter to its Comprehensive Plan entitled Local Food Supply as a way to expand the local economy through increased local food production and to enhance the health of residents through better access to affordable, healthy foods. Some of the policies enacted via this Local Food Supply Plan include amending the zoning code to allow for small scale agricultural uses in residential zones, establishing community gardens, developing educational opportunities to teach the importance of local food production, supporting .. Read More

Ann Arbor, Michigan adopted Solar Ann Arbor, a functional plan that includes an energy profile for the City and recommends creating municipal solar financial incentives streamlining the solar permitting process, integrating solar energy systems into municipal infrastructure and culture, adopting solar access laws and robust building energy codes, creating a solar outreach campaign, and supporting solar workforce development and green jobs... Read More

Grand Rapids, Michigan has created legislation to improve existing bike paths and install new bike paths that accommodate recreational trips as well as trips to work, shopping and school. The goal of this legislation is to meet the City’s plan to make 10% of all regional travel made on bicycle. Limiting dependency on cars has manifold benefits: serves those without the capacity to drive (senior and minors); reduces congestion and time spent commuting; reduced land consumption through roadways and parking; tax re-allocation from roadways; improv.. Read More

The goal of this ordinance, in conjunction with Ann Arbor’s Natural Feature Open Space Ordinance, is to require wetland setbacks, which are not permitted under the state wetlands law... Read More

This is a model conservation easement that demonstrates the necessary elements of a conservation easement. Particular sections are specific to Michigan, but the general format may be followed in other states. .. Read More

The city code of Grand Rapids, Michigan provides for several different types of mixed-use districts under the overarching category known as mixed-use commercial zone districts. Grand Rapids is located on the Grand River, about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan, and the city has a population of approximately 193,627 people. In 2007, the city adopted a master planning process called “Green Grand Rapids,” and created a new zoning ordinance that incorporated tenets of Transit Oriented Development, LEED criteria and Smart Growth principles. Unde.. Read More

Ferndale, Michigan permits solar energy systems in all of its zoning districts as an accessory structure, subject to a number of requirements. These requirements include that the systems meet all other applicable construction codes; the design of the system must conform to applicable industry standards; and that the systems be screened per the discretion of the community development department. Solar energy systems, according to a sub-section within Ferndale’s Zoning Chapter, also have to meet the height and setback requirements of the zoning d.. Read More

Under its section on Alternative Energy within its Code of Ordinances, Grand Rapids, Michigan incorporated a subsection on solar energy. According to that sub-section, solar energy systems are permitted as an accessory use in all districts. “In Residential Zone Districts, solar energy systems may be installed on the roof of a primary or accessory structure.” The subsection goes on to list placement regulations as well as the factors the Planning Director will have to consider for an Administrative Departure to allow for solar panels on the fron.. Read More

Grand Rapids, Michigan has created legislation to improve existing bike paths and install new bike paths that accommodate recreational trips as well as trips to work, shopping and school. The goal of this legislation is to meet the City’s plan to make 10% of all regional travel made on bicycle. Limiting dependency on cars has manifold benefits: serves those without the capacity to drive (senior and minors); reduces congestion and time spent commuting; reduced land consumption through roadways and parking; tax re-allocation from roadways; improv.. Read More

Casco Township passed Ordinance #30-83 to add provisions addressing small, medium, and large solar energy systems in its zoning ordinance. The ordinance defines small solar energy systems as single residential or small business-scale solar energy conversion systems consisting of roof panels, ground-mounted solar arrays, or other solar energy fixtures, and associated control or conversion electronics, occupying no more than one-half acre of land and that produce utility power primarily to onsite users or customers. Medium solar energy systems ar.. Read More