As a well-established agricultural community, Blissfield Township had not yet experienced significant development pressure. They handled development issues through their zoning ordinance when an issue arose. However, the pace of construction in neighboring places encouraged them to revisit this approach, and with the assistance of Carlisle/ Wortman, created their first Master Plan. This plan describes the community’s current conditions, and as a result of public meetings and input, articulates its vision for the future.

The Township then went on to revamp its zoning ordinance, the major tool a community has to implement the goals and policies of its Master Plan. The new ordinance addresses many issues faced by an agricultural community, including regulation of animals within the context of the Right to Farm Act, extractive operations, and utility and private-scale wind energy conversion systems for example. Because both the Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance meet all the requirements of the current planning and zoning legislation, the Township now has up-to-date tools at its disposal to address development proposals well into the future.

Contact Doug Lewan for more information. pdf