Planning and Zoning

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

Township boards, planning commissions, zoning boards, and zoning boards of appeals make important decisions to guide the growth and development of their communities.

Michigan has 83 counties, 534 cities and villages, and 1,242 townships, all of which have the option to adopt planning and zoning. The state is also divided into 14 regional planning areas. Each region has its own advisory planning commission that offers local governments technical assistance with their planning and zoning needs. There is no state-level planning or zoning oversight.

State laws authorize Michigan townships to provide planning and zoning services in their communities. The majority of townships have a zoning ordinance and/or a master plan, and those that do not may have planning and zoning provided through their county governments.