Page 89 - Northville Township

Planning Authority

The State of Michigan outlines the purposes and requirements for a master plan that is to be used when considering the
future of a community. Article III, Preparation and Adoption of Master Plan, of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Act
33 of 2008, states:

“A master plan shall address land use and infrastructure issues and may project 20 years or more into the future. A
master plan shall include maps, plats, charts, and descriptive, explanatory, and other related matter and shall show the
planning commission’s recommendations for the physical development of the planning jurisdiction.”
The Michigan Planning Enabling Act also states:

“The general purpose of a master plan is to guide and accomplish, in the planning jurisdiction and its environs,
development that satisfies all of the following criteria:

– Is coordinated, adjusted, harmonious, efficient, and economical.
– Considers the character of the planning jursidiction and its suitability for particular uses.
– Will, in accordance with present and future needs, best promote public health, safety, morals, order, convenience,
prosperity, and general welfare.
– Includes, among other things, promotion of or adequate provision for one or more of the following:
▪ A system of transportation to lessen congestion on streets and provide for safe and efficient movement of people and goods
by motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and other legal users;
▪ Safety from fire and other dangers;
▪ Light and air;
▪ Healthful and convenient distribution of population;
▪ Good civic design and arrangement and wise and efficient expenditure of public funds;
▪ Public utilities such as sewage disposal and water supply, and other public improvements;
▪ Recreation;
▪ The use of resources in accordance with their character and adaptability.” 1
The Planning Enabling Act also sets up the Master Plan for approval by the Planning Commission once completed.

1 Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Act 33 of 2008, Article III

Approved August 17, 2023 85