Bill > HB5532

This bill amends Michigan's zoning laws to revise the requirements for protest petitions filed against proposed amendments to city or village zoning ordinances. Previously, a protest petition required a 2/3 vote for approval of the amendment, and this bill clarifies that such a petition must be submitted before final legislative action. The bill significantly increases the signature threshold for a protest petition, generally requiring signatures from owners of at least 20% of the affected land or land within 300 feet of the proposed change, up from 100 feet. Crucially, if the zoning amendment increases the number of allowed dwelling units, the signature requirement jumps to 60% of the affected land or land within 300 feet. The bill also introduces detailed requirements for the content and circulation of protest petitions, including specific warnings about misrepresentation and penalties for violations, such as signing more than once or falsely claiming land ownership, which are classified as misdemeanors. Publicly owned land is now excluded from the land area calculations for these petitions.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-5532