Snyder signs bill protecting sand dunes, rights of homeowners

-

LANSING, MI – August 8, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Rick Snyder today signed legislation clarifying the criteria for landowners building homes in privately held areas of Michigan’s lakeshore dunes.

Senate Bill 1130, sponsored by Sen. Arlan Meekhof, resolves deficiencies in current law that put Michigan at risk in lawsuits. The governor worked with the bill sponsor to ensure Michigan’s dunes are protected for the benefit of present and future generations.

The measure broadens the rights of property owners to allow construction of driveways to access their homes, and allows permitting of structures on the lakeward face of a dune in very limited circumstances. Language was included to ensure that those impacted by a proposed use can request a public hearing.

Two-thirds of Michigan’s critical dunes are in public ownership, which limits the potential impact of the bill to only a small percentage of Michigan’s 275,000 acres of dunes.

“Michigan’s sand dunes are environmental treasures that must be protected,” Snyder said. “At the same time, the state must recognize private property rights and our responsibility to correct laws that put us at risk for potentially dozens of multimillion dollar lawsuits. This legislation represents a difficult compromise for everyone impacted by this issue, and I commend the efforts of everyone involved who worked to find a fair solution.”

The bill is now Public Act 297 of 2012.

Visit www.legislature.mi.gov for more information on the bill.

SHARE
Avatar

Michigan RealEstateRama is an Internet based Real Estate News and Press Release distributor chanel of RealEstateRama for Michigan Real Estate publishing community.

RealEstateRama staff editor manage to selection and verify the real estate news for State of Michigan.

Contact:

Previous articleState of Michigan Schedules Auctions for Tax-Foreclosed Properties
Next articleForeclosure Prevention seminar available for homeowners