Columbia Township, Unionville Michigan

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PROPOSED 4 TO 1 PARCEL ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

PLEASE BE NOTIFIED that the Columbia Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Columbia Township Library, 6456 Center St., Unionville, MI 48767.

The purpose of this public hearing is to consider a proposed 4-to-1 Parcel Requirement Zoning Ordinance Amendment for the Township of Columbia. Copies of the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment may be obtained from the Township Clerk by calling 989-550-2174 or by email at clerk@columbiatownshipmi.com

All interested persons are encouraged to attend this public hearing. Any opinions on the proposed amendment may be presented at the public hearing or submitted in writing to the Township Clerk at the above address prior to the hearing.

NOW HIRING: ZONING ADMINISTRATOR

Help shape the future of our community—apply today!

👉 Click here for details and application information

2026 Garbage Pick Up Dates

Public Hearing May 7, 2026 7:00 PM

Should we Change the Zoning ordinance rule of 4 to 1 in our Zoning Ordinance?

Our Existing 4:1 zoning ordinance in a Rural Farmland community:

🌾 1. Protect Farmland

The biggest goal is to keep land available for agriculture. Without restrictions, farmland can get chopped into small residential lots, making it hard or impossible to farm efficiently.

🏡 2. Prevent Overdevelopment

A 4:1 rule slows down how quickly land can be turned into subdivisions. This helps maintain the rural character—wide open spaces, fewer houses, less congestion.

🚜 3. Support Local Farmers

Farming needs large, continuous areas. Zoning like this reduces conflicts between farmers and new residents (like complaints about noise, smells, or machinery).

💧 4. Protect Natural Resources

Less dense development helps protect:

Groundwater and wells
Soil quality
Wildlife habitats
Floodplains

🧭 5. Long-Term Planning

It gives the community control over future growth, making sure development happens in a planned way instead of random sprawl.

Burn Permits click here:

ACW Unionville Fire Department Burn Permits

Items That Cannot Be Burned

The burning of the following materials is strictly prohibited:

Chemically treated lumber and painted or synthetic building materials, which contain hazardous compounds that release toxic emissions when burned.
Household trash or waste from a family dwelling, except for untreated paper.
Any trash or material containing plastic, rubber, foam, textiles, electronics, chemicals, hazardous materials, or chemically treated wood, as burning these items releases toxic substances that pose a danger to human health, public safety, and the environment.

More information can be found, Open Burning Regulations in Michigan