The bill amends the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act by updating Section 205 to include new regulations regarding zoning ordinances. Notably, it adds the data center regulation act to the list of acts that zoning ordinances must comply with. Additionally, it clarifies that counties and townships cannot regulate the drilling, completion, or operation of oil or gas wells, nor can they issue permits for these activities. The bill also establishes criteria for challenging zoning decisions related to the extraction of valuable natural resources, requiring challengers to demonstrate the presence of such resources and the absence of serious consequences from their extraction. Furthermore, the bill outlines factors to be considered when determining whether serious consequences would arise from mining activities, including the relationship of extraction to existing land uses and the impact on property values and public safety. It also emphasizes that local governments retain the authority to regulate aspects of mining operations, such as hours of operation and noise levels, as long as these regulations are reasonable. Lastly, it states that renewable energy projects with special land use approval after January 1, 2021, will be considered prior nonconforming uses, protecting them from revocation or modification under certain conditions. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of related legislation.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 125.3205