Category: Municipal Law

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.

Beware of Distracted Drivers: Michigan Lawmakers Push to Limit the Use of Electronic Devices

By Ashley Wahl Pursuant to MCL 257.602b, Michigan drivers are prohibited from reading, typing, or sending texts while driving.[1] However, MCL 257.602b does not prohibit the use of smart devices for emailing or using social media.[2] This is problematic because smart devices (i.e., smart phones and tablets) give drivers the ability to not only text…

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Lansing Provisioning Center Prevails in Zoning Dispute

On March 19, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s order granting an injunction against the City of Lansing in a zoning dispute with a group operating a local provisioning center. The plaintiff, Gamut Group, owned and operated an unlicensed provisioning center in Lansing since 2011. In October of 2017, the city passed…

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The Crosswalk Conundrum: Who Has the Right-of-Way?

As temperatures increase so does foot traffic throughout the State. While a boom in local tourism is great for Michigan’s economy, it also means more vehicles on already busy streets. This poses an increased hazard for pedestrians as drivers often ignore pedestrians at crosswalks. Notably, pedestrian versus vehicle accidents are a serious issue in Michigan….

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Municipal Zoning Laws Unlawfully Restrict Medical Marijuana Use

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…

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