Housing (Land Use)

SB 985 amends Michigan's zoning enabling act to temporarily prevent local governments from adopting or enforcing new residential zoning regulations for a two-year period. This restriction applies only to rules governing land development for residential use and does not affect other types of zoning or existing ordinances. The bill is designed to pause changes in residential zoning rules while allowing local units of government to continue managing other land uses and addressing non-residential issues.

HB 5529 modifies Michigan's Land Division Act to set clearer standards for subdividing land. It requires that new residential parcels (with public water/sewer) must be at least 1,500 square feet, limits parcel depth to four times its width (with exceptions for topography), and mandates tax verification for divisions. The bill also adds disclosure requirements for property sales, including whether the right to further divide the land is transferred. These changes directly affect property owners seeking to subdivide land, developers, and local municipalities reviewing subdivision applications.