Housing (Property Development)

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.

Michigan Senate Bill 971, known as the Residential Homeownership Accessibility Act, restricts out-of-state investors from buying or owning more than ten single-family homes in the state. The law requires these investors to register with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority before purchasing property and prohibits them from acquiring additional homes once they reach the ten-home limit. Penalties for violations include fines of up to $100,000 per illegal purchase or year of non-compliance, and affected investors are barred from renting the properties until they reduce their holdings below the limit. The bill specifically targets corporations, hedge funds, and private equity firms not domiciled in Michigan while exempting local governments, nonprofit organizations, and employers renting homes to staff.

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.

HB 4341 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966. It adds a new section that restricts eligibility for services, grants, or participation in programs under the act. Unless otherwise provided by federal law, individuals must be either a United States citizen or a "qualified alien" to receive these benefits. The bill defines "qualified alien" by referencing an existing federal statute (8 USC 1641).