HOUSE BILL No. 6135


     May 28, 2002, Introduced by Reps. Kolb, Bovin, Basham, Jacobs, Lockwood, Gieleghem, Lipsey, Zelenko, Reeves, Daniels and
Lemmons and referred to the Committee on Land Use and Environment.


        A bill to create an office of smart growth and prescribe its

   powers and duties.

               THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

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             Sec. 1.  As used in this act, "smart growth" means develop-

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        ment patterns that promote healthy communities, make efficient

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        use of land, and accommodate and effectively serve future popula-

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        tion growth through all of the following methods:

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             (a) Promoting mixed land uses.

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             (b) Utilizing compact building designs.

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             (c) Creating a range of housing opportunities and choices.

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             (d) Creating pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.

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             (e) Fostering distinctive, attractive communities with a

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        strong sense of place.

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             (f) Preserving open space, farmland, natural beauty, and

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        critical environmental areas.


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             (g) Directing development towards and strengthening existing

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        communities.

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             (h) Providing a variety of transportation choices.

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             (i) Making development decisions predictable, fair, and

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        cost-effective.

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             (j) Encouraging communities and interested parties to col-

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        laborate in determining development designs.

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             Sec. 2.  The office of smart growth is created in the

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        department of consumer and industry services.

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             Sec. 3.  The office of smart growth shall do all of the

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        following:

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             (a) Act as a clearinghouse for model zoning ordinances and

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        other zoning policy initiatives that promote smart growth.

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             (b) Offer technical assistance about smart growth to local

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        officials and bodies, planners, and other interested persons.

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             (c) Assist state departments or agencies to coordinate state

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        programs that affect land use and to administer such programs in

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        a manner that promotes smart growth.





















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