This bill amends Michigan zoning laws to allow cities to deny zoning permits to individuals who owe fines or court costs from administrative hearings. However, it creates an exemption for specific entities, including government housing agencies, financial institutions, and licensed mortgage servicers, preventing these groups from being blocked due to such delinquencies. The legislation also ensures that a permit cannot be denied if the applicant is trying to fix the specific blight issue that originally caused the unpaid fine. This change aims to prevent financial penalties from hindering the ability of regulated lenders and housing authorities to process necessary zoning requests.
This bill expands the authority of local governments to regulate land development on property owned by the University of Michigan. Specifically, it updates state law to allow municipalities to apply zoning rules to university land acquired on or after January 1, 2027. The legislation enables local units of government to control the location, size, and use of university buildings and structures to align with community needs for housing, industry, and public services. By extending existing zoning powers to future university acquisitions, the bill ensures that campus expansion can be managed alongside local planning goals.
This bill proposes a change to the state constitution to require the University of Michigan to follow local zoning laws and ordinances for any land it acquires on or after January 1, 2027. Currently, the university operates with significant autonomy over its property, but this amendment would shift that authority to local governments for future land purchases. The rule applies specifically to the Regents of the University of Michigan and does not affect other state universities like Michigan State or Wayne State. If passed by voters, the change would ensure that new university campuses align with the planning rules of the cities or counties where they are built.
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Zoning
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Local Government
This bill prevents local zoning laws from stopping owners from connecting their accessory dwelling units to the same sewer system as their main home. It applies specifically to secondary living spaces that are owned by the same person and located on the same property as the primary residence. By adding a new section to the state's zoning enabling act, the legislation ensures municipalities cannot restrict this utility connection under these conditions. The change aims to simplify infrastructure setup for homeowners who build or rent out additional units on their land.
This bill amends Michigan's zoning enabling act to prevent local governments from completely banning short-term rentals if there is a demonstrated need for them in the area. It specifically prohibits municipalities from adopting or enforcing rules that would totally prohibit short-term rentals, unless no suitable location exists within the local unit or the use is unlawful. The legislation defines "short-term rental" by referencing the existing short-term rental act and ties its effectiveness to the passage of a companion bill.
This bill proposes a tax credit for Michigan homeowners who build or contract to build an accessory dwelling unit, such as a detached structure or converted garage, on their property. Starting in the 2026 tax year, eligible taxpayers can claim a credit equal to 20% of the construction costs, provided they submit reasonable proof of expenses to the tax department. If the credit amount is larger than the taxpayer's current tax liability, the unused portion can be carried forward to future years rather than being refunded. The legislation defines an accessory dwelling unit as a secondary living space on the same property as the main home and sets the credit effective date for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
This bill creates the MI Home Program Act to increase housing supply and affordability in Michigan by establishing new state funds and programs for grants, loans, and assistance. It defines specific categories of eligible applicants and developers, including local governments, nonprofits, and individuals, while allowing qualified zoning changes that reduce parking requirements, permit smaller homes, and encourage denser development near transit. The legislation empowers the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to administer these programs and distribute money to support the construction, rehabilitation, and rental of residential properties for income-qualified households.
HB 5581 sets a 500-square-foot minimum size requirement for new homes in Michigan, preventing local governments from imposing larger minimums through zoning ordinances. This directly affects homeowners, developers, and local municipalities that create zoning rules for residential construction. The bill amends Michigan’s zoning law by adding Section 205e, which explicitly prohibits zoning ordinances from requiring dwelling sizes greater than 500 square feet. It does not change other zoning regulations like land use types, building heights, or lot coverage. The bill is currently pending in the House Government Operations Committee.
HB 5531 requires local governments in Michigan to make a decision on site plan approvals within 60 days. It limits when officials can request additional studies or documents after initial approval, allowing such requests only for material changes, safety concerns, or to ensure compliance with existing standards - preventing new requirements unrelated to the project. This affects developers seeking land use approvals and local officials reviewing applications. The bill clarifies that extra studies cannot be used to delay projects or revisit issues already approved.
HB 5532 revises protest petition requirements for cities or villages amending zoning ordinances. For most changes, a protest petition must be signed by owners of at least 20% of the affected land area (or 20% within 300 feet of the boundary), but if the amendment increases dwelling units, it requires signatures from owners of at least 60% of the affected land area. The bill specifies detailed petition formatting, including land ownership verification by the clerk and warnings about false signatures, with penalties for fraud. This directly affects local governments proposing zoning changes and landowners who may protest such changes.
