Cover image of the Planning & Zoning for Solar Energy Systems document.

Planning & Zoning for Solar Energy Systems: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments

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January 16, 2025 - Wayne Beyea<beyea@msu.edu>, Harmony Fierke-Gmazel<gmazelh@msu.edu>, M. Charles Gould<gouldm@msu.edu>, Bradley Neuman<neuman36@msu.edu>n and Mary Reilly<reillym8@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension; Sarah Mills, University of Michigan Graham Sustainability Institute

This resource was developed prior to the passage of PA 233 of 2023, effective November 29, 2024. This law significantly changed the process for siting and permitting utility scale energy projects in Michigan. For more up to date resources on this topic, including an annotated excerpt of this guide detailing changes resulting from PA 233 of 2023, please visit University of Michigan’s Center for EmPowering Communities.  For additional resources to navigate local or state siting options of large-scale renewable energy facilities, go to EGLE’s Renewable Energy Academy.

Authors include:

  • Wayne Beyea, JD, AICP, Senior Specialist, Michigan State University School of Planning, Design and Construction (beyea@msu.edu)
  • Harmony Fierke-Gmazel, AICP, Educator, Michigan State University Extension, Government and Community Vitality (gmazelh@msu.edu)
  • M. Charles Gould, Educator, Michigan State University Extension, Bioenergy (gouldm@msu.edu)
  • Sarah Mills, PhD, Senior Project Manager, University of Michigan, Graham Sustainability Institute (sbmills@umich.edu)
  • Bradley Neumann, AICP, Senior Educator, Michigan State University Extension, Government and Community Vitality (neuman36@msu.edu)
  • Mary Reilly, AICP, Educator, Michigan State University Extension, Government and Community Vitality (reillym8@msu.edu)

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  • msu extension,
  • planning,
  • renewable energy planning,
  • zoning

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