Planning & Zoning for Solar Energy Systems: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments, 2025 Edition
DOWNLOADMay 16, 2025 - Tyler Augst, Harmony Fierke-Gmazel, M. Charles Gould, Bradley Neumann, and Mary Reilly, Michigan State University Extension; Sarah Mills, Madeleine Krol, and Olivia Stoetzer, University of Michigan Graham Sustainability Institute
Print
EmailThis free guide is intended to help communities across Michigan understand the siting of solar energy systems relative to local planning policies, zoning regulations, and state law. Originally released in 2021, the guide has been revised to incorporate new state legislation, including PA 233 of 2023, and evolving best practices in solar development. For additional resources related to PA 233 implementation, 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 The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Renewable Energy Academy.
Authors include:
- Tyler Augst, Educator, Michigan State University Extension, Government and Community Vitality (augsttyl@msu.edu)
- Harmony Fierke-Gmazel, AICP, Outreach Specialist, Michigan State University School of Planning, Design and Construction (gmazelh@msu.edu)
- M. Charles Gould, Educator, Michigan State University Extension, Bioenergy (gouldm@msu.edu)
- Madeleine Krol, Clean Energy Land Use Specialist, Center for EmPowering Communities, Graham Sustainability Institute, University of Michigan (krol@umich.edu)
- Sarah Mills, PhD, Director, Center for EmPowering Communities, Graham Sustainability Institute, University of Michigan; Associate Professor, Urban and Regional Planning, Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning, University of Michigan (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)
- Olivia Stoetzer, Research Area Specialist, Center for EmPowering Communities, Graham Sustainability Institute, University of Michigan (ostoetz@umich.edu)
