Planning Commission

Transitioning to the new Michigan Planning Enabling Act
MTA resources for a smooth transition  

Procedures to Adopt or Amend a Master Plan (.pdf) NEW VERSION--Revised February 2009 for Michigan Planning Enabling Act!

Most local governments establish planning commissions to oversee the development (or updating) of the master plan and later, the zoning ordinance.

Once established, the planning commission conducts public hearings and advises the township board on planning and zoning issues.

Authorizing Statute:
Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Public Act 33 of 2008, MCL 125.3801, et seq.

Sample Planning Commission Bylaws for MPEA Compliance (Word file)

Sample Planning Commission Bylaws for MPEA Compliance (.pdf)
NEW October 2008: Includes updated conflict of interest provisions to comply with Michigan Planning Enabling Act, effective September 1, 2008.

MTA Model Planning Commission Ordinances

Sample A: Sample Ordinance to Confirm the Establishment of a Planning Commission with Zoning Authority

An ordinance to confirm the establishment of an EXISTING planning commission established by resolution or ordinance adopted before September 1, 2008, or to designate zoning authority to a planning commission that existed prior to September 1, 2008. (Applies to planning commissions created under the former Township Planning Act or Municipal Planning Act.)

Sample B: Sample Ordinance to Establish a New Planning Commission and Transfer Zoning Authority

An ordinance to establish a NEW planning commission and transfer zoning authority from an EXISTING zoning board or zoning commission.

Sample C: Sample Ordinance to Establish a New Planning Commission with Zoning Authority

An ordinance to establish a NEW planning commission in a township that has NO pre-existing planning commission, zoning board, or zoning commission. 

Authorities and Responsibilities:

The township board may designate the powers of a zoning board to a planning commission, including making recommendations as to a zoning plan, districts and ordinance, and, per the township's ordinance, approving special land uses, planned unit developments and site plans.

Established By:
The township board of any township may create, by ordinance, a township planning commission with power to make, adopt, extend, add to or otherwise amend, and to carry out plans for the unincorporated portions of the township as provided in this act. Click here for sample planning commission ordinances.

Membership:
5, 7 or 9 members, who must be representative of important segments of the community, such as the economic, governmental, educational, and social development of the local unit of government, in accordance with the major interests as they exist in the local unit of government, such as agriculture, natural resources, recreation, education, public health, government, transportation, industry, and commerce. The membership must also be representative of the entire geography of the local unit of government to the extent practicable.

Members of a planning commission must be qualified electors of the township, except one planning commission member may be individual who is not a qualified elector. (To be a qualified elector, a person must be 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and have lived in the township at least 30 days. Property ownership is NOT required).

One member of the township board shall be an ex officio member of the planning commission.

All members of the planning commission shall be appointed by the township supervisor with the approval of the township board, for a term of 3 years, with the exception of the ex officio member, whose term expires with his or her term on the township board.

Compensation to Members:
Members of the planning commission may be compensated for their services as provided by the township board.

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