The bill amends the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act by updating Section 205 to include new regulations and clarifications regarding zoning ordinances. Notably, it adds the "data center community benefit act" to the list of acts that zoning ordinances must comply with. Additionally, the language regarding the extraction of valuable natural resources has been modified to clarify that natural resources "are" considered valuable if they can generate revenue and profit, rather than "shall be." The bill also specifies that a person challenging a zoning decision must demonstrate the presence of valuable natural resources and the absence of serious consequences from their extraction.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the factors to be considered when determining if serious consequences would arise from mining activities, including impacts on existing land uses, property values, and public safety. It 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 establishes 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. 1050.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 125.3205