New state law will require more detailed housing analysis in future master plans, planning director says
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Charlevoix County Planning Director Kiersten Stark told the commission that Public Act 153 of 2024 amends the Michigan Planning Enabling Act and will require master plans to analyze local housing supply and demand, broaden housing types considered, and ensure planning commission membership represents housing interests.
Kiersten Stark, Charlevoix County Planning Director, told the Planning Commission on Jan. 9 that Public Act 153 of 2024 (P.A. 153) amends the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (P.A. 33 of 2008) and will take effect in March 2025. Stark said the changes require master plans to account for a range of housing types, costs and ages; to include an assessment of existing and forecasted housing demand; and to include strategies and policies for addressing identified needs.
Stark said most local master plans already reference housing but "not to the extent required by this new legislation," and that the statute will apply the next time the county updates its Future Land Use Plan and when township or city plans are reviewed. Commissioners discussed whether a township updating its master plan after the law takes effect must comply; Stark confirmed Chandler Township would be required to meet the new standards if its update occurs after the law’s effective date.
Commissioners raised implementation questions. Anna McGlashen asked whether the new requirements would represent a significant change for communities; Stark replied yes, emphasizing that plans will need a more in-depth study of current housing availability and needs and explicit strategies where needs are unmet. Pam Grassmick suggested inviting Zach Sompels, the Charlevoix County Housing Ready Program Coordinator, to give an informational update to the commission; Stark said she will arrange that presentation at an upcoming meeting.
The Commission took no formal vote on policy changes at this meeting; the discussion was recorded for future work on the County’s planning documents and for staff review of township plan submissions under the new statutory framework.
The County’s review and any local plan amendments will follow the timeline and procedural requirements set by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act and related guidance; staff signaled that the commission will consider how to incorporate the new statutory requirements into the County Future Land Use Plan update process.