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. The bill also clarifies that counties and townships cannot regulate the drilling and operation of oil and gas wells, and it establishes criteria for challenging zoning decisions related to the extraction of natural resources. The criteria require the challenger to demonstrate the presence of valuable natural resources and the absence of very serious consequences from extraction. Additionally, the bill outlines factors to be considered when determining the potential consequences of resource extraction, such as the impact on existing land uses, property values, and public safety. It allows local governments to regulate aspects of mining operations, such as hours of operation and noise levels, as long as these regulations are reasonable. Furthermore, it stipulates 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 Senate Bill No. 1018.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 125.3205