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

News / Notices

**Michigan Secretary of State Mobile Office**

January 21, 2026

Michigan Secretary of State Mobile Office
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

The Michigan Secretary of State Office will once again be holding a mobile office event at the Au Train Township Hall/Community Building.
 
You can take care of any necessary business – License Renewal/Application, Vehicle Registration, Register to Vote and more. No appointment is necessary!
Save yourself a trip to either Munising/Marquette.
 
If you have any questions, contact Clerk Mary Johnson or call (906) 361-2373
 

Au Train Township Hall/Community Building
N7569 Spruce St
Au Train MI 49806

**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 MEETING**

The Planning Commission will hold a Meeting on Thursday, January 15th at 6:30 pm.  This is their Annual Organizational Meeting and will continue with a work session for ongoing review of the Zoning Ordinance, noting necessary updates.  Regular Meeting dates for 2026 will also being established.

Au Train Township Hall/Community Building, N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806

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