Eaton County planning commission urges county not to repeal land development code after public hearing

The Eaton County Planning Commission voted Oct. 28 to recommend to the Eaton County Board of Commissioners that the Eaton County Land Development Code not be repealed, following a public hearing in which township supervisors, conservation officials and residents urged the county to retain the existing countywide zoning framework or, at minimum, delay any repeal to allow townships time to prepare.

Commission Chairman Jim Ma opened the hearing and said the county was considering repeal because some townships are pursuing independent zoning and the county must create a new approach. “We have to repeal this ordinance,” Ma said, but he also suggested allowing time for townships to prepare and proposed a July 1 target as part of the county’s planning timeline.

Why it matters: Public commenters said county zoning provides a single, professional point of contact that enforces driveway and road-safety requirements, sets haul-route and financial-security conditions for gravel pits, protects wetlands and farmland, and reduces conflicts among neighbors. Many township supervisors urged the commission to preserve the county code or to provide at least six months to one year of continued county services so townships can recruit and train board members and adopt ordinances if required.

“Planning is not a…