The pristine landscapes of Traverse City and Northern Michigan are among the state’s most treasured resources. The region’s natural beauty, from its crystal-clear lakes to lush forests, not only supports a diverse ecosystem but also contributes to the area’s appeal as a top destination for residents and tourists alike. Preserving this beauty requires a collective…
Category: Land Use
The Dingeman & Dancer Blog consists of articles, news, and press releases written and edited by the attorneys and legal professionals at our firm, providing updates on both recent legal developments and established advice and guidance. Choose from the various topics listed in the sidebar menu to narrow in on a particular focus.
Whether you’re planning to build or purchase a home or commercial property, or just want to use your property differently than you have in the past, zoning should be considered as early in the process as possible. Zoning ordinances change frequently, so it is important to make sure you’re up to date with the most…
Michigan Property Line Encroachment Laws: What They Mean for You Good fences make good neighbors…so long as that fence isn’t violating your property line! Property line encroachment is serious; after all, your property is yours and yours alone. Learn about your rights as a property owner and the proper way to address issues of encroachment…
On July 17, 2018, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued a major medical marijuana decision in DeRuiter v Township of Byron, holding that Michigan municipalities cannot restrict the location of lawful activities—such as the growing or providing of medical marijuana—under the 2008 voter initiated Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (“MMMA”) to residential areas only. The Court…
In Rentschler v Township of Melrose, No. 33633, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a homeowner who claimed he was entitled to a homestead exemption on property that he rented for more than 14 days in a year. Michigan’s Principal Residence Exemption (PRE), also referred to as the “homestead” exemption, exempts a principal…
Author: George E. Powell Election season is upon us, and consequently, the heavily debated Proposal 3 will finally be up for vote. Unless you have missed the litany of yard-signage and continuous local media coverage, you would surely know that there is a contentious battle being waged over an amendment to Traverse City’s Charter. The amendment…
We often get questions from clients who either want to cut down trees that are on the border of their property line with their neighbor or who at least want to remove several branches that are encroaching on their property from a tree on their neighbor’s property. So, you might ask, what’s the answer? This…
Author: Daniel J. Dingeman The ability to remove trees in connection with land development is limited by various types of woodlands regulation. In the development context, this regulation focuses on not only on the restrictions on tree removal, but also on controlling soil erosion and sedimentation. The latter focus, which will not be discussed in any…
Author: George E. Powell The snow has (finally) melted. Northern Michigan residents can now dig through closets for their sandals, beach towels and swim trunks. Seasonal changes bring more than wardrobe changes, however—the warm months escort in droves of construction and land development projects. Such projects are not always as clean and tidy as they appear from…
Property owners and construction clients often come to us for advice after already starting a building or development project because the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has informed them that their activities have impacted a wetland. Unfortunately, it is often too late at this point to avoid serious consequences. While there are certain procedures available that…