Michigan House Bill HB6188

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/26/24
• Refer: 11/26/24

Caption

Land use: zoning and growth management; pilot project for a development rights market program; create. Creates land transfer act.

Impact

Should HB 6188 be enacted, it will significantly modify land use regulations in participating local jurisdictions by formally establishing a market for development rights. This aims to create a more flexible yet regulated approach to urban planning, with local governments empowered to make key decisions about land use while still protecting community interests in agricultural land. The bill necessitates that participating townships adopt an ordinance specifying the parameters of the development rights market, which will include public benefits such as the preservation of open space and natural resources.

Summary

House Bill 6188, known as the 'Development Rights Market Act,' proposes a pilot project aimed at the sale and purchase of certain development rights associated with land use. The bill's primary purpose is to enable local governments to manage and finance the transfer of development rights from areas designated as 'sending zones'—where development should be limited—to 'receiving zones,' where higher-intensity development can occur. This process seeks to help balance the pressure of development on agricultural and open spaces while allowing for controlled growth in designated areas.

Contention

The bill has been met with both support and concern. Proponents argue that it provides innovative tools for municipalities to manage growth in light of increasing development pressures while safeguarding agricultural lands. However, critics might express apprehension that such a scheme could lead to potential exploitation by developers and that financial resources needed to support these initiatives might not align with community needs. Concerns regarding how equitable access to these development rights will be regulated are also likely to arise, with the effectiveness of local governance being a critical subject of debate.