Community & Land Use Planning

  Master Plans

Do you need to update or completely revamp your community's master plan?

Beginning September 1, 2008, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act changed several aspects of the Master Plan content and process, combining County, Township, and Municipal Planning Acts into one, all-encompasing Act.  It is recommened that a new master plan be prepared and adopted if 10 or more years have elapsed since the adoption of your existing plan.  A new master plan should also be adopted if: 1.) there have been changes in the way your local unit of government is developing, or 2.) there is a change in thinking as to the basic strategy in using the plan for future land use and development in the community.

The EUPRPDC staff can help you develop a new plan or update your existing plan at a very reasonable cost.  We can also help with any community surveys you may need to do for the Master Plan.

  Recreation Plans

Does your community want to create or improve recreational opportunites?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment grant programs can help you do so.  The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Trust Fund (MNRTF) provide assistance to local units of government, schools, and tribal entities to purchase or develop land for recretaion opportunities.  In order to apply for these grants, you must have an approved 5-year Recreation Plan on file with the DNRE.  A recreation plan provides the direction to which a local unit of government plans to go in regards to parks and recreation in the community.

We can assist you in developing a Recreation Plan, from providing general guidance and input, to creating colorful and informative maps to include in your plan.  Grant applications are due in March/April every year, so the sooner a plan is approved the better.

DNRE Trust Fund - 2010 Recreation Plan & Grant Application Packet