Livable Communities

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Time of sale septic inspections can protect water quality: Part 1

Published on January 16, 2026
Counties and townships can protect surface and groundwater by adopting time of sale septic inspection ordinances.
Time of sale septic inspections can protect water quality: Part 2

Published on January 16, 2026
Counties and townships can protect surface and groundwater by adopting time of sale septic inspection ordinances.
Caution: Zoning moratorium ahead

Published on December 15, 2025
Michigan local governments should proceed carefully when considering temporarily suspending property owners’ rights to develop or build until adequate regulations can be developed and adopted.
What is and is not a charrette (and why it matters)

Published on November 26, 2025
The National Charrette Institute clarifies what is and is not a charrette, and explains why this distinction matters.
A zoning plan is a required part of master plans in Michigan

Published on November 13, 2025
Michigan statutes related to planning and zoning clarify the requirement for communities with an adopted zoning ordinance to also have an adopted “zoning plan.”