Do you want to get more involved in zoning decisions? Read these flyers from the MSU Extension

Ever felt lost in a planning commission meeting? You're not alone...

Zoning processes can seem like a tangled web of jargon and bureaucracy, leaving many scratching their heads. But fear not! Educators at the Michigan State University Extension wrote these informative fact sheets which help bridge the gap between citizens and zoning regulations. 

"How to Participate in the Zoning Process for Special Use Permits (including administrative PUD)" - Kurt Schindler

This flyer provides tips and suggestions for effective public participation in a zoning decision, such as a special use permit (SUP) or Planned Unit Development (PUD). Your participation in a public hearing is an important element of the decision-making process.

With just a little prior knowledge of zoning and zoning decisions, you can increase your effectiveness in providing verbal and written comments. This flyer will help you prepare for a planning commission hearing or meeting on a special use permit or PUD application.

"How to Participate in the Zoning Process for Zoning Amendments (including legislative PUD)" - Kurt Schindler, Tyler Augst, and Mary Reilly

This flyer is to help you to be effective in making your views known on a proposed zoning amendment or rezoning. Zoning amendments are proposals to change the text of the zoning ordinance, change the zoning map, or both. Amendments to the zoning map are sometimes referred to as rezonings but are still an amendment to the zoning ordinance. Often public notice is provided by the local unit of government for proposed amendments and provides the time and location of the public hearing where the amendment will be considered.

These notices will be in a newspaper of general circulation and in some cases, sent to all owners of real property within 300 feet of the subject property. Notices may also be available on a local unit of government’s website. Some ordinance text amendments do not require notice to everyone within 300 feet. You can provide comments on the amendment to your appointed and elected officials. This flyer is to help you prepare for a hearing or meeting on the proposed amendment at your planning commission, and city or village council or township or county board.

If these fact sheets leave any gaps in you understanding, please feel free to contact the office.  We're always willing to help!