Simple Explanation of HB-4095 (Michigan Zoning Enabling Act Amendments)

This bill changes a law in Michigan that deals with local zoning rules. Zoning is how cities, townships, and counties decide the best ways land can be used, like for farms, homes, businesses, or parks.

The bill mainly updates the definitions of terms used in the zoning law to make things clearer and more up to date. Here are some key terms explained in simple language:

• Agricultural land: Mostly natural land used to grow plants and raise animals that people use, like farms growing crops, fruits, vegetables, raising dairy cows, poultry, flowers, Christmas trees, and more.
• Airport: An airport that is officially licensed by Michigan's transportation department.
• Airport approach and layout plans: Official plans showing how airports are designed and where airplanes approach for landing, which local zoning must consider.
• Airport zoning regulations: Special rules to keep areas around airports safe from harmful developments.
• Conservation easement: An agreement to protect land from being heavily developed to preserve nature.
• Development rights: The permission or ability to build or develop a piece of land to the fullest allowed size and purpose.
• Family or group child care home: A private home where the owner takes care of children as a business.
• Greenway: A connected area of protected open space, like trails or wildlife paths, linking parks or natural sites for enjoyment and conservation.
• Improvements: Necessary features added to a project like roads, lighting, sidewalks, drainage, or utilities, to protect nature and community health and safety.
• Intensity of development: How big, tall, dense, or busy a development is (like building height or how many buildings on a lot).
• Local unit of government: This means cities, townships, villages, or counties – basically the local governments that make zoning rules.
• Site plan: The detailed drawings and documents that show how a new building or project will fit with local rules.
• State licensed residential facility: A home or facility licensed by the state to provide care for a small number of people living there, like adult foster care.
• Undeveloped state: Land that mostly stays natural, open, scenic, or used for farming or parks—not heavily built up. This includes areas like trails or picnic spots, but not golf courses.
• Zoning commission: The group in the local government responsible for setting and reviewing zoning rules.

When does this take effect? It starts 90 days after it officially becomes a law.

In short, this bill updates the zoning law by clarifying important words and definitions. This helps local governments make better decisions about how land can be used and protected for farming, development, conservation, and public safety.