Zoning

Donna Shields, Zoning Administrator

(906)450-1182

PO Box 33
Au Train MI 49806-0033

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 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

**November 3, 2026 General Election**

Absent Voter ballots will be going in the mail starting Monday, September 28th. If you are on the Permanent Ballot List it will be mailed to your registered address automatically. You don’t need to file again. If you will be leaving the area in the next couple of weeks you need to provide the Clerk with your alternate address. The USPS cannot forward Election Mail!!

You can call (906)892-8265 and leave a message or email: marywaltherjohnson@charter.net to provide address updates, request an application or check on the status of your mailing. You can also find additional information by visiting: http://www.michigan.gov/vote

*Garbage Pickup Reminders*

We have extended our contract with GFL with the renewal of the Garbage Fund Millage. Our local contact is the Wood Island Landfill Facility. E10081 State Highway M28 Wetmore, MI 49895 (906)387-2646 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Residents/Taxpayers are allowed 2 garbage carts weekly. NO ADDITONAL GARBAGE WILL BE PICKED UP BY ADDING ANOTHER CART OR PLACING THINGS OUTSIDE THE CART. There will be no exceptions!! To replace or purchase a cart you are responsible for the cost and need to reach out to GFL Direct. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Supervisor Balmes at (906)892-8279.

**Au Train Forest Lake Dam – Emergency Order Correspondence – State of MI – EGLE**

https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Au-Train-Dam-Emergency-Order-SOM.pdf

**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.

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