Our Feed

We are involved in our communities, our profession, and our clients' associations and activities.

The township has an individual that serves on the Planning Commission and on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Can the individual vote on both boards on the same issue?

The Township has an individual that serves on the Planning Commission and on the Zoning Board of Appeals. When a project comes before both, can the individual vote on both boards on the same issue or should they recuse themselves for one or the other? Is it a conflict of interest?

The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3101 et seq.) clearly instructs that when a member of the Township’s Planning Commission also sits on the Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals that person “shall not participate in a public hearing on or vote on the same matter that the member voted on as a member of . . . the planning commission.” MCL 125.3601(13). Therefore, no, that person cannot vote on issues as a member of the planning commission and as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The statute does provide, however, that “the member may consider and vote on other unrelated matters involving the same property.” Id.

Recent Articles & Announcements

  1. What notice requirements apply t...

    There are various statutes that allow townships to fund improvements (e.g., road projects, fire protection services, among others) by specia...

    Read More
  2. 2024 United States Supreme Court...

    The United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision on March 15, 2024, in Lindke v Freed, ___US___, 2024 U.S. LEXIS 1214 (2024). Thi...

    Read More
  3. Understanding Approvals with Con...

    In this month’s E-Letter we will discuss land use approvals with conditions, including the basics, when imposing conditions on land use ap...

    Read More
Talk to an Attorney
Request a Consultation

At Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, we’ve been helping municipalities, franchised businesses, employers, and more with their legal needs since 2008. We’d love to learn how we can help you, too.