The bill amends the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, specifically section 206, to clarify the definitions and regulations surrounding residential uses of property, particularly concerning child care homes. It establishes that certain facilities, such as state-licensed residential facilities and qualified residential treatment programs for 10 or fewer individuals, are permitted uses in all residential zones without needing special use permits. However, adult foster care facilities for individuals released from correctional institutions are excluded from this provision. Additionally, it specifies that family child care homes are permitted in all residential zones, while group child care homes must adhere to specific standards and obtain special use permits if they meet certain criteria, including distance from other similar facilities.

The bill also introduces several changes to the requirements for group child care homes, such as the necessity for appropriate fencing, maintaining property appearance consistent with the neighborhood, and operational hour limitations. It replaces the term "shall" with "must" in several instances to emphasize compliance, and it clarifies that local governments can inspect these homes for zoning compliance. Furthermore, it ensures that existing licensed or registered child care homes that operated before March 30, 1989, are exempt from these new requirements. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of House Bill No. 5729.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 125.3206