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Barry County board adopts resolution opposing state zoning preemption
Summary
The board unanimously approved Resolution 26‑18 opposing proposed state legislation that would preempt local zoning decisions, citing concerns about infrastructure, septic and water capacity, and the loss of local planning authority.
The Barry County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously June 23 to adopt Resolution 26‑18 opposing proposed state preemption of local zoning authority included in a 'housing readiness' package.
The resolution, drafted after earlier discussion with county planning staff, will be forwarded to the governor, local state legislators and committee chairs. Commissioners said the measure preserves local control over land use decisions — including setbacks, septic and well considerations — and protects investments in local master plans and township planning.
Bill Mattson, a member of the City of Hastings planning commission, had urged the board during public comment to adopt the resolution, saying statewide mandates that require duplexes or smaller lot sizes by right would ignore local infrastructure and site constraints. "Taking local control away from county zoning units and putting it in the hands of Lansing is not the right way to do it," Mattson said.
Several commissioners emphasized that while housing shortages are a statewide issue, a one‑size‑fits‑all approach could cause unintended consequences in rural and lakefront communities. The board instructed staff to sign and send the resolution to state officials promptly.
The vote was unanimous among commissioners present.
