Zoning
11 storiesAdditional recurring context includes municipal zoning, land use regulation, and permitted land uses.
Zeeland solar farm proposal sparks debate over farmland and local control
A $300 million solar project planned for Zeeland and Jamestown townships could power 34,000 homes but faces pushback from residents and a township lawsuit as Michigan shifts approval authority to the state.
Lawsuit Over Denied Youth Center Permit Splits Leland Township
Youth for Christ's lawsuit against Leland Township over a denied permit for a youth center has stirred debate among residents, many of whom support the township's zoning decision and question the group's approach.
Federal Lawsuit Accuses Leland Township of Religious Discrimination Over Youth for Christ Permit
A federal lawsuit claims Leland Township in Michigan discriminated against a Christian youth group by denying a permit for a downtown clubhouse. The dispute raises questions about zoning rules and constitutional rights.
Oak Park Halts New Short Term Rental Licenses for Six Months
Oak Park has stopped issuing new short term rental licenses through February 2027 while city officials review safety rules and gather resident feedback after a fatal shooting at a rental property
Dozens of U.S. Cities Enact Data Center Moratoriums and Bans
At least 76 local governments across the U.S. have moved to restrict or ban new data centers, with most efforts succeeding. The trend is driven by concerns over electricity, water use, and community impact, according to new tracking data.
Lowndes County Residents Press for Data Center Transparency
More than 150 residents gathered at the Hayneville courthouse to demand answers from county officials about the proposed 800-acre Project Red Clay data center, which has requested enough power for one million homes and raised concerns over local oversight
Michigan Officials Face Recall Efforts Over Data Center Projects
Local leaders across Michigan say they have little authority to block new data centers, as residents frustrated by recent approvals struggle to get recall votes on the ballot. Only one recall will proceed this November despite dozens of attempts.
Cities Use AI to Cut Housing Permit Delays and Speed Up Reviews
Cities across the U.S. are adopting artificial intelligence to reduce housing permit backlogs, with new federal funding supporting automated systems aimed at eliminating costly application errors and shortening approval times.
Loudoun County May End Fast-Track Data Center Approvals
Loudoun County supervisors are proposing to require public hearings and board votes for more than 20 pending data center applications that were previously exempt from new zoning rules, potentially changing the approval process as soon as September 1
Data Center Industry Faces Growing Pushback in North Carolina
A wave of new data center proposals in North Carolina is meeting increased public resistance, as residents and local governments question industry claims and demand greater transparency about energy use, tax breaks, and community impact
Cities Turn to AI for Services, Raising Questions About Oversight
Local governments across the U.S. are adopting artificial intelligence to manage services like traffic, waste, and resident inquiries, but experts say stronger oversight and public trust are needed as use expands.