Planning Commission

Under the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (MPEA), Public Act 33 of 2008 (MCL 125.3801), a township may establish a planning commission and adopt a master plan to ensure that development within the township is:

• Coordinated, harmonious, efficient, and economical
• Respectful of the township’s character and existing land uses
• Supportive of public health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare

Membership

• A planning commission may consist of five, seven, or nine members
• Members are appointed by the Township Supervisor with approval from a majority of the elected Township Board
• Members serve staggered three-year terms
• Members must be electors (residents), though one member may be a non-elector (such as a property owner, business owner, or representative of a significant interest in the township)

Meetings

• The planning commission is required to meet at least four times per year
• A quorum must be present in order to conduct business

Responsibilities

The Planning Commission is responsible for:

• Developing and recommending a master plan for the township’s future development, guiding zoning ordinance amendments
• Preparing for long-term planning, typically covering 20 years or more
• Working with professional planners and the township attorney when drafting or updating the master plan

Project Review

Before a street, park, open space, public building, or other structure can be authorized or constructed within the township’s master plan area, the location, character, and extent of the project must be submitted to the Planning Commission for review and approval by the Township Board or other body with jurisdiction.