Township Boards and Commissions

A township board may establish two types of bodies: statutory and advisory.

Statutory boards and commissions are public bodies either required or authorized by law.

For example, the Township Planning Act, (MCL 125.321, et seq.), authorizes a township to create a planning commission. The Act then goes on to describe the membership, authorities and rules for a township planning commission. If a township creates a planning commission under the Township Planning Act, it must follow the procedures outlined by the Act. The planning commission must also comply with the Act (and other statutes) in all its functions.

If a township enacts a zoning ordinance, it is required to establish a zoning board of appeals under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, (MCL 125.3601, et seq.).

The procedures for appointing statutory township boards and commissions are outlined by their authorizing statutes, and they fall into two categories:

In the first category are boards and commissions appointed by the township board. Boards of review (MCL 211.28), zoning commissions (MCL 125.3301), and zoning boards of appeals (MCL 125.3601) are examples.

In the second category, the supervisor has the exclusive right to appoint or reappoint (make the motion to nominate) the members. The township board then must vote to confirm the supervisor's nomination. Planning commissions (MCL 125.321) and downtown development authorities (MCL 125.1654) are examples of this second category.

Advisory committees are not mandated or authorized by specific statutes. A township board may choose to appoint advisory committees to collect information, make recommendations and participate in township programs. Advisory committees are just that—advisory—and they have no authority of their own. They can only do what the board has authorized them to do.

For more information on township boards, commissions and advisory committees, visit the links below:

Township Boards and Commissions: An Overview (.pdf)
Michigan Township News, July 2001

Ethics in Local Government Web page (State of Michigan Attorney General's Office)

Includes model ethics forms, a sample ethics ordinance, and Open Meetings Act and parliamentary procedures policies.