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Farmington Hills councilors warn that proposed state bills would curtail local zoning control
Summary
Council members flagged a group of state house bills (nos. 5529–5532 and 5581–5585) they say would limit local zoning authority — including minimum lot size limits and duplex‑allowance on single‑family lots — and discussed drafting a council resolution opposing the package.
City council members used their regular comments on March 23 to raise concerns about a package of state legislative proposals they described as zoning preemption bills.
Council members said the bills (identified in the meeting as House bills 5529–5532 and 5581–5585) would substantially limit municipal zoning authority. Examples cited during the discussion included a proposed maximum minimum lot size of 1,500 square feet and a provision allowing duplexes on lots currently zoned single family, measures council members said would substantially increase allowable density across the city.
"This is a massive change," a council member said, urging colleagues to prepare draft resolution language for the next meeting and to contact state representatives. Another council member emphasized timing: with the state legislature entering recess, the council has an opportunity to consolidate city concerns and convey them to representatives before session resumes.
Council members encouraged residents to contact state legislators; one council member noted Representative Steckloff had expressed opposition locally but cautioned that Farmington Hills is represented by multiple state legislators and positions vary.
No formal legislative action or resolution was adopted at the meeting; council members said they would work together to prepare resolution language and outreach to state lawmakers.
