From Annexation to Zoning and everything in between, Foster Swift attorneys have the knowledge and experience to effectively and efficiently advise clients in community, administrative and courtroom settings to achieve a successful outcome. Through the years, municipalities and individuals have retained Foster Swift to provide counsel on a wide array of zoning and land use matters, including:
- Drafting and review of master plans, zoning ordinances and amendments, wetlands regulations; growth management measures; land division ordinances; subdivision regulations; and site condominium ordinances.
- Providing counsel regarding compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations applicable to municipalities.
- Overseeing board, planning and ZBA meetings including counsel on Open Meetings and Freedom of Information Act issues.
- Addressing annexation, condemnation and eminent domain matters.
We also work closely with our clients to review specific proposed land developments, especially where the possibility of litigation is more likely. We have extensive experience in the litigation of land use disputes at both the trial and appellate court levels, many of which have been published.
Publications & Alerts
- Carbon Sequestration Wells: A New Land Use to Consider in Zoning Ordinances, Foster Swift Municipal Law News, September 19, 2023
- The Next Controversial Land Use: Utility-Scale Battery Facilities, Foster Swift Municipal Law News, September 18, 2023
- 2023 Legal and Regulatory Developments for Agribusinesses, Foster Swift Agricultural Law News, August 30, 2023
- What are the Different Types of Easements?, Finance Real Estate & Bankruptcy News, June 28, 2023
- Michigan Court of Appeals Holds Drone Surveillance a Search Under Fourth Amendment, Foster Swift Municipal Law News, November 18, 2021
- Solar Leases: Ten Things That Every Landowner Should Keep in Mind, Foster Swift Agricultural Law News, September 20, 2021
Events
- Innovative Approaches to Wind and Solar, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM), June 7, 2023
- Is a Social District Right for Your Township?, Michigan Townships Association Annual Conference, April 27, 2022
- What to Do with a Marijuana Initiative Referendum, Michigan Townships Association Annual Conference, April 27, 2022
- Best Practices for Townships for Complying with ADA & Fair Housing Act, Michigan Townships Association Annual Conference, April 26, 2022
- Small Box Discount Retailers & Big Dollar Zoning Issues, Michigan Townships Association Annual Conference, April 26, 2022
- Understanding Solar Energy Lease Agreements, Michigan Farm Bureau and MSUE, March 14, 2018
- Legal Essentials for Municipal Officials, January 18, 2017
News
- Municipal Attorney Courtney Gabbara Agrusa Joins Foster Swift, Detroit Legal News, August 21, 2023
- Real Estate Attorney Roragen Joins Lansing Firm, Ingham County Legal News, July 10, 2023
- Foster Swift Attorneys Named 2023 Best Lawyers in America©, Best Lawyers in America, August 18, 2022
- Dickinson Receives GRBA 3 in 10 Award, July 21, 2020
- Foster Swift Participates at the 2020 MTA Conference, Foster Swift Municipal Law News, February 16, 2020
- Collins and Smith Named to SBM Ag Law Council, Foster Swift Agricultural Law News, October 4, 2019
- Foster Swift Presents at 2019 MTA Conference, February 8, 2019