City of Madison Heights v. Manto

In this case we consider the continuation of a nonconforming use. Specifically, the property is a trailer park in the city of Madison Heights. Under the zoning ordinances of the city the area in which the trailer park is located is classified as resi-, dential 1-family dwelling. The defendants’ use, it is agreed, is nonconforming.

The controversy arises over the sewage disposal for the park. No public sewers being available, the park has for years relied upon a septic tank, tile field system. The park had experienced problems with sewage disposal and general drainage since 1951.

Shortly after…