Zoning Boards of Appeals (“ZBAs”) interpret zoning ordinances and maps, hear appeals of administrative orders and decisions, and consider variances from strict application of a zoning ordinance. In January and February of 2020, three unpublished Michigan Court of Appeals opinions were issued which offer guidance to ZBA members as they undertake their statutory duties.

On May 28, 2020, the Michigan Tax Tribunal issued a long-awaited decision in the Menard v City of Escanaba case impacting property tax valuations for big box stores.

Last year, the Michigan Court of Appeals decided Reaume v Township of Spring Lake, a case concerning the application of the Township’s zoning ordinance to short-term rentals (“STRs”).� A key issue in the case was the interpretation of the definition of a “single family dwelling,” which in turn incorporated the definition of the term “family.”

As Michigan continues to reopen its economy, Executive Order 2020-114 (the “Order”) was issued to update safeguards to protect workers across the State.

On April 5, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020–38, extending deadlines for responses to Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) requests. The principal effects of EO 2020-38 were (a) to increase the time for the initial response to a FOIA request from five business days to 10 business days, and (b) to allow FOIA coordinators to extend the time for response by written notice for as long as “the public body deems necessary,” up to June 4, 2020.