Residents press township on signage, short‑term‑rental permits and zoning enforcement

Several residents used public comment during the Nov. 18 Millington Township Board meeting to press officials for clearer zoning enforcement and to raise questions about how special land‑use permits are implemented.

Paul Dudley asked whether signs around Murphy Lake will be addressed. Zoning Administrator T. Daenzer said there is no specific township ordinance for those signs and that the permissive ordinance approach means items not specifically allowed are prohibited; the Zoning Administrator noted some warning notices have been drafted but the board directed holding off sending notices to Village residents pending coordination with the Village zoning administrator.

Sherry Morris said additional requirements appeared on the township’s first special land‑use permit issued Oct. 17, 2024 that were not discussed during the ordinance amendment process; she said Planning Commission revisions intended to remove those added requirements but some remained on the revised permit. The Supervisor said he had spoken with the Planning Commission chair and that the commission will revisit the permit language.

Residents and board members also raised concerns about political campaign signs on state highways. Mike Scarborough said under Michigan law signs on state roads and U.S. highways are the responsibility of MDOT and are permitted for 10 days following the election; Tom Keinath and Wilfred Alvord cited vulgar signs on M‑15 outside the village limits and the board agreed to delay sending warning notices related to political sign violations until it obtains clarification.

The board accepted the Zoning Administrator’s report on permits, special land‑use permits, and warning notices and directed staff to coordinate with the Village before sending notices to Village residents. The Planning Commission will revisit the specific permit language where residents identified unapproved additions.