Baltimore Township voters narrowly rejected a proposal to establish a township planning commission, defeating the measure by just 22 votes. The final tally was 426 no votes to 404 yes votes, leaving the township without its own planning body and its zoning work still handled through the county.
The outcome means Baltimore Township will not create its own planning commission, according to Hastings Banner. Had it passed, the proposal would have required the township board of trustees to adopt an ordinance establishing a planning commission and to repeal any existing ordinance that conflicted with it, per the same report. Township Clerk Jana Bishop described the measure as allowing a return of more local control over planning and zoning issues.
The question only reached voters because of a petition drive earlier this year. The township board received a petition supporting the initiative with 82 signatures, well above the 73 signatures needed to place the issue on the fall ballot, the report notes. Trustees then approved the ballot language unanimously on July 14, clearing the way for the measure to go before voters this week.
Why Zoning Currently Runs Through the County
Baltimore Township currently contracts with Barry County for planning and zoning services rather than running its own commission. Township Clerk Jana Bishop said the township had previously had its own planning commission. She also said Baltimore Township had been with Barry County for quite a while.
The vote itself was handled under the county's broader election apparatus. Barry County's Elections Office coordinates and administers federal, state and local elections countywide.
What State Law Allows
Under Michigan law, townships that have not moved to create their own planning commission can be prompted to do so through a citizen petition. If a township board does not initiate adoption of an ordinance creating a planning commission, residents may file a petition with the township clerk asking the board to adopt one. The petition must meet the subsection (2) threshold—at least 8% of the total vote for governor at the last qualifying general election—and the statute describes how the question is submitted to electors.
With the measure defeated by a narrow margin, Baltimore Township's planning and zoning decisions will continue to run through its existing arrangement with Barry County for the time being.
