Michigan Senate Bill SB0337

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/11/23
• Refer: 5/11/23
• Report Pass: 9/13/23
• Refer: 9/13/23
• Report Pass: 9/19/23
• Engrossed: 9/26/23
• Refer: 9/26/23
• Report Pass: 10/25/23
• Enrolled: 11/9/23
• Chaptered: 12/29/23
• Passed: 12/29/23

Caption

Land use: other; certified survey map requirements; modify. Amends secs. 1, 2 & 3 of 1970 PA 132 (MCL 54.211 et seq.).

Impact

The primary impact of SB 337 is on the procedural aspects of land division under Michigan law. By specifying the requirements that certified survey maps must meet, the bill aims to enhance the integrity of land records and make the survey process more transparent and reliable. This is expected to benefit both landowners and governmental authorities by reducing disputes related to land boundaries and ensuring that property descriptions are clear and precise. Moreover, the bill retains certain exemptions, thereby not imposing new requirements on previously surveyed land that has not changed.

Summary

Senate Bill 337 aims to amend the existing 1970 Public Act 132 concerning the requirements for filing surveys related to land divisions in Michigan. The bill emphasizes the need for a certified survey map prepared by a licensed professional surveyor, establishing more stringent regulations on how surveys need to be recorded and what they should contain. This includes detailed specifications for monumenting, marking corners, and including information about boundaries in relation to highways and lakes. The intent is to ensure accuracy and consistency in land surveying and to streamline the documentation process associated with property transactions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 337 appears to be largely positive among surveyors and land professionals, who see the bill as a necessary step towards improving the standards within their industry. The emphasis on certification by professional surveyors is viewed as a move that enhances accountability and professionalism. However, there may be concerns regarding the administrative burdens it could create for individuals managing property divisions, particularly smaller landowners who may find the formal requirements challenging.

Contention

Some potential points of contention may arise around the implementation of these stricter requirements and how they affect property transactions. Critics might argue that the additional regulations could slow down the process of land division and might increase costs associated with hiring licensed professionals for surveys. Moreover, there may be discussions about how these standards could be uniformly applied across various counties, ensuring that all parties have equal access to the resources needed to comply with the new requirements.