Michigan's Right to Farm Act (MCL 286.474) preempts local zoning that conflicts with Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices on protected farms.
MCL 286.474(6) provides that local units of government shall not enact, maintain, or enforce ordinances, regulations, or resolutions that conflict in any manner with the Right to Farm Act or GAAMPs developed under it. This preemption affects zoning rules attempting to ban farm operations, restrict farm structures, or set tighter setbacks than GAAMPs allow. However, the 2014 Site Selection GAAMP exempted primarily residential areas from livestock siting protections, returning some local zoning authority over urban livestock. Courts continue to interpret the boundary between protected farms and zoning.
Inconsistent local zoning is unenforceable against compliant farms; non-compliant operations remain subject to local rules.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towe...
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new co...
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisa...
See how Ann Arbor's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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