Hess v. West Bloomfield Township

This case presents an opportunity for us to determine whether a township has the authority to regulate docking of boats pursuant to the Township Rural Zoning Act (trza). MCL 125.271 et seq.; MSA 5.2963(1) et seq. Contrary to the opinion of the Court of Appeals in Fox & Associates, Inc v Hayes Twp, 162 Mich App 647; 413 NW2d 465 (1987), we find that the trza does in fact vest townships with such authority, and reverse the decision of the trial court, and remand this case for further proceedings consistent with our decision.

i. factual background

On August 30, 1977, Pine Bluff Estates…