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Farmington Hills council adopts resolution opposing state zoning preemption bills
Summary
The Farmington Hills City Council unanimously approved a resolution opposing a package of Michigan House bills that councilmembers said would strip local zoning authority, citing infrastructure and compatibility concerns and urging state lawmakers and the governor to reject preemption proposals.
Farmington Hills — The City Council voted unanimously April 13 to adopt a resolution opposing a package of Michigan House bills described in the agenda as 5529–5532 and 5581–5585, which council members said would significantly curtail local municipal zoning authority.
Councilmember Aldrid introduced the resolution, saying the bills — commonly referred to as zoning preemption measures — would "water down" municipal zoning powers and undermine local land‑use planning. Aldrid said the Michigan Municipal League and SEMCOG have urged opposition and that alternative, voluntary proposals are under consideration in Lansing.
A resident who spoke during public comment asked whether the bills would transfer zoning authority away from municipalities; the city attorney responded that the resolution opposes legislation that would remove zoning powers from local councils. Several council members argued the state bills do not adequately account for local infrastructure capacity, such as sewer and drainage, and could force denser development incompatible with existing single‑family neighborhoods.
Councilmember Nol said the package "doesn't take into consideration whether our infrastructure can handle it," while another councilmember noted many residents moved to Farmington Hills specifically for single‑family lots and green space.
The resolution will be sent to the governor and the city's state legislative delegation and was prompted by constituent concerns and letters from municipal organizations. The resolution also references alternative bills (identified in the meeting packet as 5660 and 5661) described by council members as a "carrot" approach that encourages, rather than mandates, certain housing changes.
The council voted by roll call to adopt the resolution; Mayor Rich and all councilmembers present voted yes. No formal legal action beyond the resolution was taken.
What happens next: The city clerk will transmit the adopted resolution to state officials and to organizations identified in the resolution. Councilmembers said they expect additional local advocacy in Lansing on the issue.
