Opinion ID: 2210065
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Township Zoning Authority

Text: The Legislature, through the TRZA, has granted significant authority to townships bearing on their right to regulate the use and development of boating and recreational facilities such as the one at issue. The TRZA broadly vests authority in townships to regulate land development to meet the needs of the state's citizens for ... recreation ... and other uses of land.... MCL 125.271(1); MSA 5.2963(1)(1). The TRZA further provides that zoning ordinances shall be based on a plan designed to, among other things, conserve natural resources. MCL 125.273; MSA 5.2963(3). [7] Indeed, the status and force of this zoning authority is enhanced by our state constitution. Const 1963, art 7, § 34 provides that statutory provisions relating to townships shall be liberally construed in their favor. In addition to the broad grant of regulatory authority contained in the TRZA, we also believe the township planning act (TPA), M.C.L. § 125.321 etseq. ; MSA 5.2963(101), to be particularly relevant in this case involving waterfront development. The TPA provides that a basic zoning plan shall show the planning commission's recommendations for the development of the township and include certain subjects pertinent to the future development of the township, including the general location, character, and extent of, among other things, waterways and water front developments. MCL 125.327(2)(b); MSA 5.2963(107)(2)(b). These statutory provisions reveal that the TRZA and the TPA provide townships with extensive authority to regulate the use and development of land within their borders, including waterfront property. Moreover, this Court in Dearden declined to adopt a rule that state agencies have inherent immunity from local zoning ordinances. Dearden, supra at 261, 269 N.W.2d 139. Thus, we conclude that it is incumbent upon the DNR to establish a clear legislative intent to exempt the DNR's activities from the Burt Township zoning ordinance. [8]