Inside 208

A major legislative effort to upend community-led decision-making will be before the House Government Operations Committee next Thursday (May 14). The Committee will be taking testimony on House Bill 5529-5532 and 5581-5585.

The bill package, championed by Representative Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) and Representative Joe Aragona (R-Clinton Township), would significantly restrict local authority by preempting local decision-making on key zoning issues, including duplexes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), minimum setbacks, lot sizes, and dwelling unit sizes.

Your legislator needs to hear directly from you with a clear message that this legislation cannot pass. Reach out with the following message:

1. Oppose House Bills 5529-5532 and 5581-5585.
2. As local government, we stand united in our effort to protect local decision-making and to reject efforts that would preempt local governance in favor of sweeping state mandates.
3. Real housing solutions require collaboration, flexibility, and trust in the people and institutions closest to the work, not policies that erode local voices.

Additionally, if you haven’t already, add your signature and join our effort to protect local decision-making. Local government leaders, both elected and non-elected, within every Michigan community are encouraged to submit.

Join us in opposition! 

Sign Letter of Opposition 

Summary of the Legislative Bill Package

• HB 5529 (Grant) Land Division Act Lot Size: Prohibits local ordinances from requiring a minimum parcel or lot size greater than 1,500 square feet for detached single-family residence where the subdivision is accessible and will be served by public water and sewer
• HB 5530 (Wortz) Lot Size: Prohibits a minimum parcel size greater than 1,500 square feet for detached single-family residence where the parcel is accessible and will be served by public water and sewer.
• HB 5531 (Neeley) Study Requirements: Allows local units of government to require reasonably necessary studies in reviewing a site plan application. Limits circumstances of when additional information can be required for the same application after initial approval. Creates a 60-day decision shot clock after receipt of a site plan for a local unit of government.
• HB 5532 (Aragona) Protest Petitions: Expands the qualifying petition area to 300 ft and sets a 60 percent signature threshold.
• HB 5581 (Kunse) Dwelling Size: Prohibits a minimum area requirement greater than 500 square feet for a dwelling.
• HB 5582 (Grant) Parking Requirements: Mandates parking requirements at no more than one space per dwelling unit for multifamily residential use of property. Allows mobile homes in any residential zone.
  • “Mobile home” means a structure that is transportable in one or more sections, built on a chassis, and designed to be used as a dwelling, with or without a permanent foundation, when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained in the structure.
• HB 5583 (Longjohn) Setback Requirements: Mandates setback requirements at 15 feet or less from the front property line and five feet from the side or rear for dwellings or outbuildings if the local unit of government is located in whole or part within a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) or is located adjacent to an MSA area.
• HB 5584 (Andrews) Duplex by Right: Creates a statewide definition of “duplex.” Mandates duplexes are a permitted use in any district where single family residences are allowed and not subject to any procedures different from a single-family residence.
• HB 5585 (Meerman) Accessory Dwelling Units: Creates a statewide definition of “accessory dwelling unit” (ADU).  Mandates ADUs are permitted by right in residential zoning districts and not subject to a public hearing. ADUs are prohibited from density calculations, additional parking requirements, and owner occupancy requirements. Allows mobile homes in any residential zone.

Supporters of preemption often point to declining permits, rising home prices, and regulatory costs as justification for statewide mandates. While these pressures are real, they are driven by broader economic forces, including the housing crash, rising labor and material costs, high interest rates, and complex market dynamics that go far beyond local zoning. Sweeping mandates oversimplify the problem and ignore the unique needs and circumstances of Michigan’s diverse communities.  

Additional Talking Points: Preemption Talking Points

Thank you for taking the time to advocate for your community by voicing your opposition. Your engagement will lead to our success. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jen Rigterink at [email protected] or John LaMacchia at [email protected].