

The court may also order further proceedings by the ZBA if it finds the record is inadequate for its review. The circuit court may affirm, reverse or modify the ZBA’s decision. In reviewing whether a ZBA decision represents the reasonable exercise of discretion, the court will always check to see that the ZBA followed the standards applicable to the type of decision. In other words, the ZBA’s decision cannot be based on unsupported facts or speculation. The court will look in the record for acceptable evidence that reasonably establishes the material facts. The circuit court gives deference to the ZBA’s finding of facts if found to be procedurally proper. (4) Represents the reasonable exercise of discretion granted by law to the zoning board of appeals. (3) Is supported by competent, material, and substantial evidence on the record and (1) Complies with the constitution and laws of the state Under MCL 125.3606(1), the circuit court reviews the ZBA decision to ensure it meets the following requirements: The municipality’s clerk must file the record with the court within 28 days of the claim of appeal being served.

New evidence cannot be considered on appeal. The circuit court’s review is limited to the record already made before the ZBA, which only takes in the application and material submitted to the ZBA, the minutes of all proceedings, and any determination of the ZBA. If a ZBA does not do so and meets infrequently, an appeal could be filed long after the ZBA believes that an issue has been resolved. It is good practice for a ZBA to promptly issue signed, written decisions to start the clock ticking on the appeal deadline.

#REVIEWS OF ICIRCUIT HOW TO#
(For more information on appeals initially heard by the ZBA, see the Michigan State University Extension article, How to handle appeals of administrative decisions.) These matters include zoning permits, special land uses, site plans, and enforcement actions. The circuit court is also the next stop for appeal of a ZBA’s own quasi-judicial review of decisions made by the zoning administrator, planning commission, or legislative body (when acting in an administrative capacity). This right of review is also found in the Michigan Constitution, which states that “all final decisions, findings, rulings and orders of any administrative officer or agency existing under the constitution or by law, which are judicial or quasi-judicial and affect private rights or licenses, shall be subject to direct review by the courts.”Īny decision made by a ZBA is subject to review by the circuit court on appeal, such as zoning ordinance and map interpretations and variances granted or denied. Under MCL 125.3606(1), any party aggrieved by a ZBA decision may appeal to the circuit court for the county in which the property is located. Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act provides for judicial review of the decisions made by a municipal zoning board of appeals (ZBA).
