Opinion ID: 2210065
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The DNR's Proposed Boat Launch

Text: In order to determine whether the DNR's boat launch is exempt from Burt Township's zoning ordinance, we must, as required by Dearden, examine the texts of the Township Rural Zoning Act (TRZA), [4] which provides Burt Township with authority to regulate land use and development, and the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), [5] which governs the DNR's activities here. [6]
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]
As the Court of Appeals noted, the DNR relies upon three NREPA provisions in support of its claim of immunity. The first is § 503, which provides in relevant part: The department shall protect and conserve the natural resources of this state [and] provide and develop facilities for outdoor recreation.... The department has the power and jurisdiction over the management, control, and disposition of all land under the public domain, except for those lands under the public domain that are managed by other state agencies to carry out their assigned duties and responsibilities. On behalf of the people of the state, the department may accept gifts and grants of land and other property and may buy, sell, exchange, or condemn land and other property, for any of the purposes contemplated by this part. [MCL 324.503(1); MSA 13A.503(1).] Section 78105 further provides that the DNR shall have the following powers and duties: (a) To acquire, construct, and maintain harbors, channels, and facilities for vessels in the navigable waters lying within the boundaries of the state of Michigan. (b) To acquire, by purchase, lease, gift, or condemnation the lands, rights of way, and easements necessary for harbors and channels....