Zoning

Donna Shields, Zoning Administrator

(906)450-1182

PO Box 33
Au Train MI  49806-0033

autrainzoning@gmail.com

Zoning is governmental regulation of the use of land with primary goals to ensure the compatibility of land uses and prevent nuisances, protect natural resources, and protect property values.

Zoning implements a community’s master plan through the zoning ordinance, which divides the community into various districts or zones, and specifies the land uses, such as residential, commercial or industrial, that are authorized by right, permitted with conditions or prohibited within each zone.

Typical zoning regulations address the physical development of the township through such elements as land use, building height, bulk, lot area, setbacks, parking, signs and density.

Both general law and charter townships may adopt zoning ordinances, pursuant to zoning enabling statute.

Zoning Administrator  Job Description

Zoning Compliance Permits

The Township’s Zoning Ordinance is administered by the Township Zoning Administrator. A Zoning Compliance Permit is required for any land use change.   Please visit and review the “Steps for Land Development” prior to submitting any application (for ZCP or CUP) for review by the Zoning Administrator.  

Building permits are issued by the Alger County Building Code Administrator, located at 100 Court Street in Munising. A zoning compliance permit from the Township is required to receive a building permit from Alger County. For more information please contact the Alger County Building Code Administrator at (906) 387-2727.

You may need additional permits from the LMAS District Health Department – Environmental Health Division Alger County, E9526 Prospect Street, Munising, MI 49862, ph: (906) 387-2297

Zoning Administrator Reports

2025-2026

News / Notices

**Proposed Budget for 2026/2027 Fiscal Year**

The Proposed Budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year has been posted for review.  This Budget will be presented at the March 9th Regular Board Meeting “Public Hearing” for consideration. 

You can find it here:
https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Combined-Files-PROPOSED-BUDGET-ALL-FUNDS-2026-2027.pdf

**Township Event Calendar**

Make sure you check the Township calendar for a list of events this month! 

**TextMyGov**

Updated texting notification service is live.  Click below for more information or to subscribe. 

https://www.autraintownship.gov/textmygov/

**2026 Township Board Meeting Dates**

The Au Train Township Board will meet on the second Monday of each month for 2026, at 6:00 PM (unless noted otherwise), at the Au Train Township Hall/Community Building, N7569 Spruce St., Au Train MI 49806.

Regular Board Meetings:

  • January 12th 
  • February 9th 
  • March 9th 
  • April 13th 
  • May 11th 
  • June 8th 
  • July 13th
  • August 10th 
  • September 14th 
  • October 12th 
  • November 9th 
  • December 14th

Special Meetings 

February 16th @5:30 pm – Budget Workshop Meeting

Public Hearings

March 9th – Budget Public Hearing as part of the Regular Township Board Meeting**

Additional Special Meetings may be called, as needed, and will be posted accordingly.

**The Property Tax Millage Rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.”

The Proposed Budget will be available for review on the Au Train Township website, www.autraintownship.gov at least 8 days prior to the meeting date.

Any person requiring assistance to attend the meetings in person, should contract the Au Train Township Clerk at (906)892-8265, so that necessary arrangements can be made in advance.

**NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION**

Thursday March 19, 2026 at 6:00PM

The Au Train Planning Commission will hold a special meeting at the Au Train Township Hall, located at N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806, Alger County, Michigan on Thursday March 19, 2026 at 6:00pm. The purpose of this meeting will be to work on further edits to the Au Train Township Zoning Ordinance.

In addition, Josh Kirshman, property owner will provide information on a possible PUD Project on Perch Lake Road and necessary steps that would be required to amend the Zoning Ordinance to address PUD Developments.

For any questions, or to arrange special accommodations to attend, please contact D Shields, Au Train Township Zoning Administrator at least 48 hours in advance at (906) 450-1182 or autrainzoning@gmail.com.

**NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION**

Tuesday March 31, 2026 at 6:00PM

The Au Train Planning Commission will hold a special meeting at the Au Train Township Hall, located at N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806, Alger County, Michigan on Tuesday March 31, 2026 at 6:00pm. The purpose of this meeting will be to work on further edits to the Au Train Township Zoning Ordinance.

For any questions, or to arrange special accommodations to attend, please contact D Shields, Au Train Township Zoning Administrator at least 48 hours in advance at (906) 450-1182 or autrainzoning@gmail.com.

 
**Check out the CALENDAR for upcoming Township meetings and events**