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 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

2024-2025

News / Notices

**NOTICE OF 63-DAY COMMENT PERIOD ON PROPOSED AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN**

The Au Train Township Board has authorized the distribution and public comment period on its proposed Master Plan pursuant to the Michigan Planning Enabling Act. The public comment period will be open April 21 to July 1, 2025. After this period, the Au Train Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to accept additional comments on the proposed Master Plan.
Copies of the proposed Master Plan may be viewed at the Au Train Township Hall by appointment. Digital copies of the plan may be viewed at www.autraintownship.gov and www.cuppad.org.
Written comments, questions and requests for accommodation may be sent to:
Au Train Township Planning Commission Attn: Donna Shields, Zoning Administrator
In writing: PO Box 33, Au Train, MI 49806 or by email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DRAFT-Master-Plan-04072025.pdf

**MEETING NOTICE**

The Au Train Township Board will hold a Special Joint Meeting on Monday, May 5th at 7:00 PM with the Planning Commission to discuss Short Term Rentals, Zoning Amendments for boundary corrections on Ridge Road and upcoming Zoning Ordinance Amendments with the assistance of CUPPAD. This meeting, as noted, will have a start time of 7:00 pm to accommodate full attendance of members.

The Au Train Township Board will be the recording Board for the official minutes of this Joint Meeting.

The meeting will be held at the Au Train Township Hall, N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806 (906)892-8265

This notice is posted in compliance with Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended, the Open Meetings Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons requesting assistance in attending in person should contact Mary Walther Johnson, Au Train Township Clerk at marywaltherjohnson@charter.net or call (906)892-8265.

**UPCOMING – SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY**

The Township will be offering a Spring Clean up at the GFL Wood Island Landfill on Saturday June 7th from 8:30 am to 11:30 am. More details to follow. Mark your calendars!

**NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION**

Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held by the Au Train Township Planning Commission on: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 6:00PM at the Au Train Township Hall, located at N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806, Alger County, Michigan, to receive public comment on the following:

· Wyatt Seaberg is requesting a Conditional Use Permit for Accessory use – (12×60 addition to existing shop) located at: N7840 Ridge Rd, Munising, MI 49862 – Parcel ID# 001-325-020-00
Town Development

· Duane Newton is requesting a Conditional Use Permit for a Short-term rental located at:
N7566 Spruce, Au Train, MI, 49806 – Parcel ID# 001-362-009-00
Town Development

The Au Train Township Zoning map and ordinance text are available online at www.autraintownship.gov
Written comments regarding the public hearing will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the hearing. For questions, contact D Shields, Au Train Township Zoning Administrator at (906) 450-1182 or autrainzoning@gmail.com.

This notice is posted in compliance with Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended, the Open Meetings Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

**IMPORTANT GARBAGE PICKUP INFORMATION**

Per GFL (Adam – Wood Island Landfill 01/16/2025) – ALL GARBAGE CARTS NEED TO BE PLACED FOR PICKUP by 6:00 am!

With new drivers, route changes, weather delays – they are hoping to get back on schedule. Our contract calls for pickup to begin as early as 6:00 am.

Previous times should no longer be taken into consideration.

If you have questions contact GFL direct at (906)387-2646 or Supervisor, Tom Balmes at (906)892-8279.

Thank you!

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