NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT (EXCERPT)
Act 451 of 1994
Part 361
FARMLAND AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION


324.36101 Definitions.

Sec. 36101.

    As used in this part:
    (a) "Agricultural conservation easement" means a conveyance, by a written instrument, in which, subject to permitted uses, the owner relinquishes to the public in perpetuity his or her development rights and makes a covenant running with the land not to undertake development.
    (b) "Agricultural use" means the production of plants and animals useful to humans, including forages and sod crops; grains, feed crops, and field crops; dairy and dairy products; poultry and poultry products; livestock, including breeding and grazing of cattle, swine, captive cervidae, and similar animals; berries; herbs; flowers; seeds; grasses; nursery stock; fruits; vegetables; maple syrup production; Christmas trees; and other similar uses and activities. Agricultural use includes use in a federal acreage set-aside program or a federal conservation reserve program. Agricultural use does not include the management and harvesting of a woodlot.
    (c) "Conservation district board" means that term as defined in section 9301.
    (d) "Development" means an activity that materially alters or affects the existing conditions or use of any land.
    (e) "Development rights" means an interest in land that includes the right to construct a building or structure, to improve land for development, to divide a parcel for development, or to extract minerals incidental to a permitted use or as set forth in an instrument recorded under this part.
    (f) "Development rights agreement" or "agreement" means a restrictive covenant, evidenced by an instrument in which the owner and this state, for a term of years, agree to jointly hold the right to undertake development of the land, and that contains a covenant running with the land, for a term of years, not to undertake development, subject to permitted uses.
    (g) "Development rights easement" or "easement" means a grant, by an instrument, in which the owner relinquishes to the public in perpetuity or for a term of years the right to undertake development of the land, and that contains a covenant running with the land, not to undertake development, subject to permitted uses.
    (h) "Farmland" means 1 or more of the following:
    (i) A farm of 40 or more acres in 1 ownership, with 51% or more of the land area devoted to an agricultural use.
    (ii) A farm of 5 acres or more but less than 40 acres, in 1 ownership, with 51% or more of the land area devoted to an agricultural use, and that has produced a gross annual income from agriculture of $200.00 per year or more per acre of cleared and tillable land. A farm described in this subparagraph enrolled in a federal acreage set-aside program or a federal conservation reserve program is considered to have produced a gross annual income from agriculture of $200.00 per year or more per acre of cleared and tillable land.
    (iii) A farm designated by the department of agriculture and rural development as a specialty farm in 1 ownership that has produced a gross annual income from an agricultural use of $2,000.00 or more. Specialty farm includes, but is not limited to, the following:
    (A) A greenhouse.
    (B) A farm used for equine breeding and grazing; the breeding and grazing of cervidae, pheasants, and other game animals; bees and bee products; mushrooms; aquaculture; or other similar uses and activities.
    (iv) Parcels of land in 1 ownership that are not contiguous but that constitute an integral part of a farming operation being conducted on land otherwise qualifying as farmland.
    (i) "Fund" means the agricultural preservation fund created in section 36202.
    (j) "Local governing body" means 1 of the following:
    (i) With respect to farmland or open space land that is located in a city or village, the legislative body of the city or village.
    (ii) With respect to farmland or open space land that is not located in a city or village but that is located in a township having a zoning ordinance in effect as provided by law, the township board of the township.
    (iii) With respect to farmland or open space land that is not described in subparagraph (i) or (ii), the county board of commissioners.
    (k) "Open space land" means 1 of the following:
    (i) Land that is 1 or more of the following:
    (A) An undeveloped site included in a national registry of historic places or designated as a historic site pursuant to state or federal law.
    (B) Riverfront property subject to designation under part 305, to the extent that full legal descriptions may be declared open space under the meaning of this part, if the undeveloped parcel or government lot parcel or portions of the undeveloped parcel or government lot parcel as assessed and owned are affected by part 305 and lie within 1/4 mile of the river.
    (C) Undeveloped land designated as an environmental area under part 323, including unregulated portions of that land.
    (ii) Any other area that is approved by the local governing body and is 1 of the following:
    (A) An area the preservation of which in its present condition would conserve natural or scenic resources, such as soils, wetlands, and beaches; enhance recreation opportunities; or preserve a historic site.
    (B) Idle potential farmland of not less than 40 acres that is substantially undeveloped and because of its soil, terrain, and location is capable of being devoted to agricultural uses as identified by the department of agriculture and rural development.
    (l) "Owner" means a person having a freehold estate in land coupled with possession and enjoyment. If land is subject to a land contract, owner means the vendee in agreement with the vendor. This subdivision does not apply to section 36104e.
    (m) "Permitted use" means any use expressly authorized within a development rights agreement, development rights easement, or agriculture conservation easement that is consistent with the farming operation or that does not alter the open space character of the land, as applicable. The state land use agency shall determine whether a use, other than a use under section 36104c or 36104e, is a permitted use pursuant to section 36104a.
    (n) "Person" includes an individual, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, or association, or 2 or more persons having a joint or common interest in land.
    (o) "Planning commission" means a planning commission created under the Michigan planning enabling act, 2008 PA 33, MCL 125.3801 to 125.3885.
    (p) "Prohibited use" means a use that is not consistent with an agricultural use for farmland subject to a development rights agreement or is not consistent with the open space character of the land for lands subject to a development rights easement.
    (q) "Property taxes" means general ad valorem taxes levied after January 1, 1974, on lands and structures in this state, including collection fees, but not including special assessments, penalties, or interest.
    (r) "Regional planning commission" means a regional planning commission created pursuant to 1945 PA 281, MCL 125.11 to 125.25.
    (s) "Regional planning district" means a planning and development region as established by Executive Directive No. 1968-1, as amended, whose organizational structure is approved by the regional council.
    (t) "State income tax act" means the income tax act of 1967, 1967 PA 281, MCL 206.1 to 206.847, and in effect during the particular year of the reference to the act.
    (u) "State land use agency" means the department of agriculture and rural development.
    (v) "Substantially undeveloped" means any parcel or area of land essentially unimproved except for a dwelling, building, structure, road, or other improvement that is incidental to agricultural and open space uses.
    (w) "Unique or critical land area" means agricultural or open space land identified by the land use agency as an area that should be preserved.
    
    


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 2000, Act 262, Imd. Eff. June 29, 2000 ;-- Am. 2008, Act 336, Imd. Eff. Dec. 23, 2008 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 265, Eff. Sept. 26, 2016 ;-- Am. 2023, Act 230, Eff. Feb. 13, 2024
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36102 Development rights agreement or easement; execution authorized; provisions.

Sec. 36102.

    (1) The state land use agency may execute a development rights agreement or easement on behalf of the state.
    (2) The provisions of a development rights agreement or easement shall be consistent with the purposes of this part and shall not permit an action which will materially impair the character of the land involved.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36103 Development rights agreement or easement; effect of execution and acceptance; term; limitation; disposition; prior lien, lease, or interest not superseded; lien of state or local governing body; subordination.

Sec. 36103.

    (1) The execution and acceptance of a development rights agreement or easement by the state or local governing body and the owner dedicates to the public the development rights in the land for the term specified in the instrument. A development rights agreement or easement shall be for an initial term of not less than 10 years. A development rights agreement or easement entered into after June 5, 1996 shall not be for a term of more than 90 years.
    (2) The state or local governing body shall not sell, transfer, convey, relinquish, vacate, or otherwise dispose of a development rights agreement or easement except with the agreement of the owner as provided in sections 36111, 36111a, 36112, and 36113.
    (3) An agreement or easement does not supersede any prior lien, lease, or interest that is properly recorded with the county register of deeds.
    (4) A lien created under this part in favor of the state or a local governing body is subordinate to a lien of a mortgage that is recorded in the office of the register of deeds before the recording of the lien of the state or local governing body.
    (5) The state shall subordinate its interest in a recorded agreement under section 36104 or an easement under section 36105 or 36106 to a subsequently recorded mortgage lien, lease, or interest if both of the following conditions are met:
    (a) The parcel meets the requirements set forth under section 36111(2)(a) for parcels containing existing structures.
    (b) The landowner requesting the subordination is an individual essential to the operation of the farm as defined in section 36110(5).


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 2003, Act 36, Imd. Eff. July 3, 2003
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36104 Application for farmland development rights agreement; form; contents; notice; review, comment, and recommendations; approval or rejection; appeal; preparation, contents, execution, and recordation of agreement; annual listing of current agreements; application effective for current tax year; reapplication; tax exemption.

Sec. 36104.

    (1) An owner of land desiring a farmland development rights agreement may apply by filing an application with the local governing body having jurisdiction under this part. The owner shall apply on a form prescribed by the state land use agency. The application shall contain information reasonably necessary to properly classify the land as farmland. This information shall include a land survey or a legal description of the land and a map showing the significant natural features and all structures and physical improvements located on the land.
    (2) Upon receipt of the application, the local governing body shall notify the county planning commission or the regional planning commission and the soil conservation district agency. If the county has jurisdiction, it shall also notify the township board of the township in which the land is situated.
    (3) An agency or local governing body receiving notice has 30 days to review, comment, and make recommendations to the local governing body with which the application is filed. These reviewing agencies do not have an approval or rejection power over the application.
    (4) After considering the comments and recommendations of the reviewing agencies and local governing bodies, the local governing body holding the application shall approve or reject the application within 45 days after the application is received, unless that period is extended by agreement of the parties involved. The local governing body's approval or rejection of the application shall be based upon, and consistent with, rules promulgated under section 36116.
    (5) If an application for a farmland development rights agreement is approved by the local governing body having jurisdiction, the local governing body shall forward a copy, along with the comments and recommendations of the reviewing bodies, to the state land use agency. The application shall contain a statement from the assessing officer where the property is located specifying the current fair market value of the land and structures in compliance with the agricultural section of the Michigan state tax commission assessor manual. If action is not taken by the local governing body within the time prescribed or agreed upon, the applicant may proceed as provided in subsection (6) as if the application was rejected.
    (6) If the application for a farmland development rights agreement is rejected by the local governing body, the local governing body shall return the application to the applicant with a written statement regarding the reasons for rejection. Within 30 days after receipt of the rejected application, the applicant may appeal the rejection by submitting the application to the state land use agency.
    (7) The state land use agency, within 60 days after a farmland development rights agreement application is received under subsection (5) or (6), shall approve or reject the application. The state land use agency may reject an application for a farmland development rights agreement that has been approved by a local governing body only if the proposed agreement would be inconsistent with section 36101(f). If the application is approved by the state land use agency, the state land use agency shall prepare a farmland development rights agreement that includes all of the following provisions:
    (a) A structure shall not be built on the land except for use consistent with farm operations, which includes a residence for an individual essential to the operation of the farm under section 36111(2)(b), or lines for utility transmission or distribution purposes or with the approval of the local governing body and the state land use agency.
    (b) Land improvements shall not be made except for use consistent with farm operations or with the approval of the local governing body and the state land use agency.
    (c) Any interest in the land shall not be sold except a scenic, access, or utility easement that does not substantially hinder farm operations.
    (d) Public access is not permitted on the land unless agreed to by the owner.
    (e) Any other condition and restriction on the land as agreed to by the parties that is considered necessary to preserve the land or appropriate portions of it as farmland.
    (8) Upon approval of an application by the state, the state land use agency shall execute the farmland development rights agreement on behalf of the state and shall forward the agreement to the applicant for execution. After the applicant executes the farmland development rights agreement, the applicant shall have the executed farmland development rights agreement recorded by the register of deeds in the county in which the property is located. The applicant shall provide a copy of the recorded farmland development rights agreement to the state land use agency.
    (9) The state land use agency shall annually provide a listing of current farmland development rights agreements to county equalization offices where the land is located and to the approving local governing body.
    (10) An application that is approved by the local governing body by November 1 shall take effect for the current tax year.
    (11) If an application for a farmland development rights agreement is rejected by the state land use agency, the state land use agency shall notify the affected local governing body, all reviewing agencies concerned, and the applicant with a written statement containing the reasons for rejection. An applicant receiving a rejection from the state land use agency may appeal the rejection pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328.
    (12) An applicant may reapply for a farmland development rights agreement following a 1-year waiting period.
    (13) The value of the jointly owned development rights as expressed in a farmland development rights agreement is not exempt from ad valorem taxation and shall be assessed to the owner of the land as part of the value of that land.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 265, Eff. Sept. 26, 2016
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36104a Permitted use; criteria; exception.

Sec. 36104a.

    (1) In determining whether a use is a permitted use, the state land use agency shall consider the following criteria:
    (a) Whether the use adversely affects the productivity of farmland or adversely affects the character of open space land.
    (b) Whether the use materially alters or negatively affects the existing conditions or use of the land.
    (c) Whether the use substantially alters the agricultural use of farmland subject to a development rights agreement or substantially alters the natural character of open space land subject to an open space easement.
    (d) Whether the use results in a material alteration of an existing structure to a nonagricultural use.
    (e) Whether the use conforms with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
    (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a use authorized under section 36104c or 36104e.
    
    


History: Add. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 2023, Act 230, Eff. Feb. 13, 2024
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36104c Farming operations; permitted uses.

Sec. 36104c.

    Storage, retail or wholesale marketing, or processing of agricultural products is a permitted use in a farming operation if more than 50% of the stored, processed, or merchandised products are produced by the farm operator for at least 3 of the immediately preceding 5 years.
    
    


History: Add. 2023, Act 230, Eff. Feb. 13, 2024
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36104e Solar facility; permitted use; development rights agreement; tax credit; definitions.

Sec. 36104e.

    (1) As used in this section:
    (a) "Amended development rights agreement" means a development rights agreement that includes the conditions required to allow a solar facility to be installed and operated on all or a portion of the land subject to the agreement.
    (b) "Deferment period" means the period of time beginning when construction of the solar facility commences and ending when the solar facility is completely removed.
    (c) "Electric provider" means either of the following:
    (i) An electric provider as defined in section 5 of the clean and renewable energy and energy waste reduction act, 2008 PA 295, MCL 460.1005.
    (ii) A merchant plant as defined in section 10g of 1939 PA 3, MCL 460.10g.
    (d) "Landowner" means a person that meets both of the following requirements:
    (i) Has a freehold estate in land coupled with possession and enjoyment or, if land is subject to a land contract, is the vendee.
    (ii) Has signed a development rights agreement with the state land use agency, and, if the land is subject to a land contract, the vendor.
    (e) "NRCS" means the United States Department of Agricultural Natural Resource Conservation Service.
    (f) "Solar agreement" means an agreement entered into by the landowner and the solar facility owner or operator to authorize the installation and operation of a solar facility on all or a portion of the land and that contains all conditions specifically identified in this section as the responsibility of the solar facility owner or operator.
    (g) "Solar facility" means a facility, owned by an electric provider, for the generation of electricity using solar photovoltaic cells.
    (h) "Solar facility site" means the land subject to a solar agreement.
    (2) A solar facility is a permitted use under a development rights agreement if all of the following conditions are met:
    (a) Before the solar facility became a permitted use, the land was subject to a development rights agreement.
    (b) The land subject to the development rights agreement was divided under section 36110(4), if only a portion of the land was to be subject to a solar agreement.
    (c) After any split required by subdivision (b), the landowner and state land use agency amend the resulting development rights agreement applicable to the solar facility site.
    (d) The amended development rights agreement applicable to the proposed solar facility site extends the existing development rights agreement beyond the original termination date for an amount of time equal to the length of the deferment period. However, the deferment period shall not exceed 90 years minus the remaining term of the development rights agreement. A landowner may enter into a subsequent amended development rights agreement to provide for an additional deferment period.
    (e) At least 60 days have elapsed since the development rights agreement was recorded.
    (f) The solar facility site is designed, planted, and maintained with groundcover that achieves a score of at least 76 on the Michigan Pollinator Habitat Planning Scorecard for Solar Sites developed by the Michigan State University Department of Entomology or is designed, planted, and maintained in compliance with NRCS Cover Standard 327.
    (g) A bond or irrevocable letter of credit payable to this state is maintained during the deferment period as financial assurance for the decommissioning of the solar facility and the return of the land to agricultural use. The amount of the financial surety shall be calculated by a licensed professional engineer. Every 3 years, or as the department considers necessary, the amount of the bond or irrevocable letter of credit shall be adjusted as necessary to ensure that the financial assurance is sufficient for the purposes of this subdivision.
    (h) The solar facility site is designed, established, and maintained in a manner that ensures the land can be returned to agricultural use at the end of the deferment period.
    (i) The land is returned to normal agricultural operations and use by the first growing season following the end of the deferment period.
    (3) Under the solar agreement, the electric provider may assume responsibility for compliance with subsection (2)(f), (g), or (h). Under the solar agreement, the electric provider shall assume responsibility for maintenance of any agricultural drain, as defined in section 30103 or 30305, that is privately owned and necessary for exemption from regulation under part 301 or 303, respectively.
    (4) When the deferment period ends, the solar facility is no longer a permitted use.
    (5) The landowner shall not claim a tax credit under section 36109 during the deferment period. If a landowner relinquishes the development rights agreement under sections 36111 and 36111a at any time during the deferment period, the past 7 years of tax credits are payable. The past 7 years of tax credits are calculated from the time the amended development rights agreement is recorded and shall be held until the land is returned to agricultural production at the end of the deferment period.
    


History: Add. 2023, Act 230, Eff. Feb. 13, 2024
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36105 Open space land; application for open space development rights easement; approval or rejection; provisions; tax exemption.

Sec. 36105.

    (1) If an owner of open space land desires an open space development rights easement, and the land is subject to section 36101(j)(i), the procedures for filing an application provided by the state land use agency shall follow as provided in section 36104, except section 36104(7) and (12) do not apply to an open space development rights easement.
    (2) The state land use agency, within 60 days after the open space development rights easement application is received, shall approve or reject the application. If the application is approved by the state land use agency, the state land use agency shall prepare an open space development rights easement that includes the following provisions:
    (a) A structure shall not be built on the land without the approval of the state land use agency.
    (b) Improvement to the land shall not be made without the approval of the state land use agency.
    (c) An interest in the land shall not be sold, except for a scenic, access, or utility easement that does not substantially hinder the character of the open space land.
    (d) Access to the open space land may be provided if access is agreed to by the owner and if access will not jeopardize the conditions of the land.
    (e) Any other condition or restriction on the land as agreed to by the parties that is considered necessary to preserve the land or appropriate portions of it as open space land.
    (3) Upon receipt of the application, the state land use agency shall notify the state tax commission. Upon notification, the state tax commission shall within 60 days make an on-site appraisal of the land in compliance with the Michigan state tax commission assessors manual. The application shall contain a statement specifying the current fair market value of the land and the current fair market value of the development rights. The state land use agency shall submit to the legislature each application for an open space development rights easement and an analysis of its cost to the state. The application shall be approved in both houses by a resolution concurred in by a majority of the members elected and serving in each house. The amount of the cost shall be returned to the local governing body if lost revenues are indicated. A copy of the approved application and the open space development rights easement shall be forwarded by the state land use agency to the applicant for execution and to the local assessing office where the land is situated.
    (4) If an application for an open space development rights easement is rejected under subsection (2), the applicant may reapply for an open space development rights easement beginning 1 year after the rejection.
    (5) The development rights held by the state as expressed in an open space development rights easement under this section are exempt from ad valorem taxation.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 75, Imd. Eff. Mar. 15, 2002
Compiler's Notes: In subsection (1), the reference to “section 36101(j)(i)” evidently should be to “section 36101(k)(i)” as the result of Act 265 of 2016.
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36106 Open space land; application for open space development rights easement; form; contents; notice; review, comments, and recommendations; approval or rejection; preparation and contents of easement; appraisal; statement of fair market value; execution and recordation of easement; forwarding copies of easement; appeal; legislative approval; costs; reapplication; tax exemption.

Sec. 36106.

    (1) An owner of open space land desiring an open space development rights easement whose land is subject to section 36101(j)(ii) may apply by filing an application with the local governing body. The application shall be made on a form prescribed by the state land use agency. The application shall contain information reasonably necessary to properly identify the land as open space. This information shall include a land survey or a legal description of the land and a map showing the significant natural features and all structures and physical improvements located on the land.
    (2) Upon receipt of an application, the local governing body shall notify the county planning commission, the regional planning commission, and the soil conservation district agency. If the local governing body is the county board of commissioners, the county board shall also notify the township board of the township in which the land is situated. If the land is within 3 miles of the boundary of a city or within 1 mile of the boundary of a village, the local governing body shall notify the governing body of the city or village.
    (3) An entity receiving notice under subsection (2) has 30 days to review, comment, and make recommendations to the local governing body with which the application was filed.
    (4) The local governing body shall approve or reject the application after considering the comments and recommendations of the reviewing entities and within 45 days after the application was received by the local governing body, unless that period is extended by agreement of the parties involved. The local governing body's approval or rejection of the application shall be based upon, and consistent with, rules promulgated by the state land use agency under section 36116. If the local governing body does not act within the time prescribed or agreed upon, the applicant may proceed as provided in subsection (9) as if the application was rejected.
    (5) If the application is approved by the local governing body, the local governing body shall prepare the easement. If the application is approved by the state land use agency on appeal, the state land use agency shall prepare the easement. An easement prepared under this section shall contain all of the following provisions:
    (a) A structure shall not be built on the land without the approval of the local governing body.
    (b) An improvement to the land shall not be made without the approval of the local governing body.
    (c) An interest in the land shall not be sold, except for a scenic, access, or utility easement that does not substantially hinder the character of the open space land.
    (d) Public access to the open space land may be provided if agreed upon by the owner and if access will not jeopardize the conditions of the land.
    (e) Any other condition or restriction on the land as agreed to by both parties that is considered necessary to preserve the land or appropriate portions of it as open space land.
    (6) Upon receipt of the application, the local governing body shall direct either the local assessing officer or an independent certified assessor to make an on-site appraisal of the land within 30 days in compliance with the Michigan state tax commission assessors manual. The approved application shall contain a statement specifying the current fair market value of the land and the current fair market value of the development rights, if any. A copy of the approved application and the development rights easement shall be forwarded to the applicant for his or her execution.
    (7) If the owner of the land executes the approved easement, it shall be returned to the local governing body for its execution. The local governing body shall record the development rights easement with the register of deeds of the county. A copy of the approved easement shall be forwarded to the local assessing office and to the state land use agency for their information.
    (8) The decision of the local governing body may be appealed to the state land use agency, pursuant to subsection (9).
    (9) If an application for an open space development rights easement is rejected by the local governing body, the local governing body shall notify the applicant and all reviewing entities with a written statement of the reasons for rejection. Within 30 days after receipt of the rejected application, the applicant may appeal the rejection to the state land use agency. The state land use agency shall have 60 days to approve or reject the application. The state land use agency shall submit to the legislature each approved application for an open space development rights easement and an analysis of its cost. The application shall be approved in both houses by a resolution concurred in by a majority of the members elected and serving in each house. The amount of the cost shall be returned to the local governing body where lost revenues are indicated. A copy of the approved application and an appropriate easement shall be forwarded by the state land use agency to the applicant for execution and to the local governing body where the land is situated.
    (10) If an application for an open space development rights easement is rejected under subsection (4), the applicant may reapply for an open space development rights easement beginning 1 year after the final rejection.
    (11) The development rights held by the local governing body as expressed in an open space development rights easement are exempt from ad valorem taxation.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 75, Imd. Eff. Mar. 15, 2002
Compiler's Notes: In subsection (1), the reference to “section 36101(j)(ii)” evidently should be to “section 36101(k)(ii)” as the result of Act 265 of 2016.
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36107 Notice of owners' intentions regarding extension or expiration of agreement or easement; notice of lien.

Sec. 36107.

    (1) All participants owning land contained under a development rights agreement or easement shall notify, on a form provided by the state land use agency for informational purposes only, the state or the local governing body holding the development rights, 6 months before the natural termination date of the development rights agreement or easement, of the owners' intentions regarding whether the agreement or easement should be extended or allowed to expire.
    (2) The state land use agency shall notify the landowner via first-class mail at least 7 years before the expiration of a development rights agreement or easement that a lien may be placed at the time of expiration on the enrolled land in accordance with section 36111(8) if the landowner does not extend the agreement or easement and shall indicate to the landowner the option of not claiming credits during all or a portion of the next 7 years.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36108 Special assessments.

Sec. 36108.

    (1) A city, village, township, county, or other governmental agency shall not impose special assessments for sanitary sewers, water, lights, or nonfarm drainage on land for which a development rights agreement or easement has been recorded, except for years before 1995 as to a dwelling or a nonfarm structure located on the land, unless the assessments were imposed before the recording of the development rights agreement or easement.
    (2) Land covered by this exemption shall be denied use of an improvement created by the special assessment until it has paid that portion of the special assessment directly attributable to the actual use of the improvement created by the special assessment.
    (3) Upon termination of a development rights agreement or easement that has been exempt from a special assessment under this section, a city, village, township, county, or other governmental agency may impose the previously exempted special assessment. However, the amount of that special assessment shall not exceed the amount the special assessment would have been at the initial time of exemption, and shall not be subject to interest or penalty.
    (4) If a dwelling or a nonfarm structure located on land covered by a development rights agreement or easement is required under the public health code, Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, being sections 333.1101 to 333.25211 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, to connect to an improvement created by a special assessment, the owner of that dwelling or nonfarm structure shall pay only that portion of the special assessment directly attributable to the actual use of the improvement created by the special assessment.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36109 Credit against state income tax or former state single business tax act or Michigan business tax act.

Sec. 36109.

    (1) An owner of farmland and related buildings subject to 1 or more development rights agreements under section 36104 or agricultural conservation easements or purchases of development rights under section 36111b or 36206 who is required or eligible to file a return as an individual or a claimant under the state income tax act may claim a credit against state income tax liability for the amount by which the property taxes on the land and structures used in the farming operation, including the homestead, restricted by the development rights agreements, agricultural conservation easements, or purchases of development rights exceed 3.5% of the household income as defined in section 508 of the income tax act of 1967, 1967 PA 281, MCL 206.508, excluding a deduction if taken under section 613 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 613. For the purposes of this section, all of the following apply:
    (a) A partner in a partnership is considered an owner of farmland and related buildings owned by the partnership and covered by a development rights agreement, agricultural conservation easement, or purchase of development rights. A partner is considered to pay a proportion of the property taxes on that property equal to the partner's share of ownership of capital or distributive share of ordinary income as reported by the partnership to the Internal Revenue Service or, if the partnership is not required to report that information to the Internal Revenue Service, as provided in the partnership agreement or, if there is no written partnership agreement, a statement signed by all the partners. A partner claiming a credit under this section based upon the partnership agreement or a statement shall file a copy of the agreement or statement with his or her income tax return. If the agreement or statement is not filed, the department of treasury shall deny the credit. All partners in a partnership claiming the credit allowed under this section shall compute the credit using the same basis for the apportionment of the property taxes.
    (b) A shareholder of a corporation that has filed a proper election under subchapter S of chapter 1 of subtitle A of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 1361 to 1379, is considered an owner of farmland and related buildings covered by a development rights agreement that are owned by the corporation. A shareholder is considered to pay a proportion of the property taxes on that property equal to the shareholder's percentage of stock ownership for the tax year as reported by the corporation to the Internal Revenue Service. Except as provided in subsection (8), this subdivision applies to tax years beginning after 1987.
    (c) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, an individual in possession of property for life under a life estate with remainder to another person or holding property under a life lease is considered the owner of that property if it is farmland and related buildings covered by a development rights agreement. Beginning January 1, 1986, if an individual in possession of property for life under a life estate with remainder to another person or holding property under a life lease enters into a written agreement with the person holding the remainder interest in that land and the written agreement apportions the property taxes in the same manner as revenue and expenses, the life lease or life estate holder and the person holding the remainder interest may claim the credit under this act as it is apportioned to them under the written agreement upon filing a copy of the written agreement with the return.
    (d) If a trust holds farmland and related buildings covered by a development rights agreement and an individual is treated under subpart E of subchapter J of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 671 to 679, as the owner of that portion of the trust that includes the farmland and related buildings, that individual is considered the owner of that property.
    (e) An individual who is the sole beneficiary of a trust that is the result of the death of that individual's spouse is considered the owner of farmland and related buildings covered by a development rights agreement and held by the trust if the trust conforms to all of the following:
    (i) One hundred percent of the trust income is distributed to the beneficiary in the tax year in which the trust receives the income.
    (ii) The trust terms do not provide that any portion of the trust is to be paid, set aside, or otherwise used in a manner that would qualify for the deduction allowed by section 642(c) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 642.
    (f) A member in a limited liability company is considered an owner of farmland and related buildings covered by a development rights agreement that are owned by the limited liability company. A member is considered to pay a proportion of the property taxes on that property equal to the member's share of ownership or distributive share of ordinary income as reported by the limited liability company to the Internal Revenue Service.
    (2) An owner of farmland and related buildings subject to 1 or more development rights agreements under section 36104 or agricultural conservation easements or purchases of development rights under section 36111b or 36206 to whom subsection (1) does not apply may claim a credit under the former single business tax act, 1975 PA 228, or the Michigan business tax act, 2007 PA 36, MCL 208.1101 to 208.1601, for the amount by which the property taxes on the land and structures used in farming operations restricted by the development rights agreements, agricultural conservation easements, or purchases of development rights exceed 3.5% of the adjusted business income of the owner as defined in section 36 of the former single business tax act, 1975 PA 228, or the business income tax base of the owner as defined in section 201 of the Michigan business tax act, 2007 PA 36, MCL 208.1201, plus compensation to shareholders not included in adjusted business income or the business income tax base, excluding any deductions if taken under section 613 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 613. When calculating adjusted business income for tax years beginning before 1987, federal taxable income shall not be less than zero for the purposes of this subsection only. A participant is not eligible to claim a credit and refund against the former single business tax act, 1975 PA 228, or the Michigan business tax act, 2007 PA 36, MCL 208.1101 to 208.1601, unless the participant demonstrates that the participant's agricultural gross receipts of the farming operation exceed 5 times the property taxes on the land for each of 3 out of the 5 tax years immediately preceding the year in which the credit is claimed. This eligibility requirement does not apply to those participants who executed farmland development rights agreements under this part before January 1, 1978. A participant may compare, during the contract period, the average of the most recent 3 years of agricultural gross receipts to property taxes in the first year that the participant entered the program under the present contract in calculating the gross receipts qualification. Once an election is made by the participant to compute the benefit in this manner, all future calculations shall be made in the same manner.
    (3) If the farmland and related buildings covered by a development rights agreement under section 36104 or an agricultural conservation easement or purchase of development rights under section 36111b or 36206 are owned by more than 1 owner, each owner is allowed to claim a credit under this section based upon that owner's share of the property tax payable on the farmland and related buildings. The department of treasury shall consider the property tax equally apportioned among the owners unless a written agreement signed by all the owners is filed with the return, which agreement apportions the property taxes in the same manner as all other items of revenue and expense. If the property taxes are considered equally apportioned, a husband and wife shall be considered 1 owner, and a person with respect to whom a deduction under section 151 of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 151, is allowable to another owner of the property shall not be considered an owner.
    (4) A beneficiary of an estate or trust to which subsection (1) does not apply is entitled to the same percentage of the credit provided in this section as that person's percentage of all other distributions by the estate or trust.
    (5) If the allowable amount of the credit claimed exceeds the state income tax or the state business tax otherwise due for the tax year or if there is no state income tax or the state business tax due for the tax year, the amount of the claim not used as an offset against the state income tax or the state business tax, after examination and review, shall be approved for payment to the claimant pursuant to 1941 PA 122, MCL 205.1 to 205.31. The total credit allowable under this part and chapter 9 of the income tax act of 1967, 1967 PA 281, MCL 206.501 to 206.532, or the former single business tax act, 1975 PA 228, or the Michigan business tax act, 2007 PA 36, MCL 208.1101 to 208.1601, shall not exceed the total property tax due and payable by the claimant in that year. The amount the credit exceeds the property tax due and payable shall be deducted from the credit claimed under this part.
    (6) For purposes of audit, review, determination, appeals, hearings, notices, assessments, and administration relating to the credit program provided by this section, the state income tax act, the former single business tax act, 1975 PA 228, or the Michigan business tax act, 2007 PA 36, MCL 208.1101 to 208.1601, applies according to which tax the credit is claimed against. If an individual is allowed to claim a credit under subsection (1) based upon property owned or held by a partnership, S corporation, or trust, the department of treasury may require that the individual furnish it with a copy of a tax return, or portion of a tax return, and supporting schedules that the partnership, S corporation, or trust files under the internal revenue code.
    (7) The department of treasury shall account separately for payments under this part and not combine them with other credit programs. A payment made to a claimant for a credit claimed under this part shall be issued by 1 or more warrants made out to the county treasurer in each county in which the claimant's property is located and the claimant, unless the claimant specifies on the return that a copy of the receipt showing payment of the property taxes that became a lien in the year for which the credit is claimed, or that became a lien in the year before the year for which the credit is claimed, is attached to the income tax or business tax return filed by the claimant. If the claimant specifies that a copy of the receipt is attached to the return, the payment shall be made directly to the claimant. A warrant made out to a claimant and a county treasurer shall be used first to pay delinquent property taxes, interest, penalties, and fees on property restricted by the development rights agreement. If the warrant exceeds the amount of delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and fees, the county treasurer shall remit the excess to the claimant. If a claimant falsely specifies that the receipt showing payment of the property taxes is attached to the return and if the property taxes on the land subject to that development rights agreement were not paid before the return was filed, all future payments to that claimant of credits claimed under this act attributable to that development rights agreement may be made payable to the county treasurer of the county in which the property subject to the development rights agreement is located and to that claimant.
    (8) For property taxes levied after 1987, a person that was an S corporation and had entered into a development rights agreement before January 1, 1989, and paid property taxes on that property, may claim the credit allowed by this section as an owner eligible under subsection (2). A subchapter S corporation claiming a credit as permitted by this subsection for taxes levied in 1988 through 1990 shall claim the credit by filing an amended return under the former single business tax act, 1975 PA 228. If a subchapter S corporation files an amended return as permitted by this subsection and if a shareholder of the subchapter S corporation claimed a credit under subsection (1)(b) for the same property taxes, the shareholder shall file an amended return under the state income tax act. A subchapter S corporation is not entitled to a credit under this subsection until all of its shareholders file the amended returns required by this subsection. The department of treasury shall first apply a credit due to a subchapter S corporation under this subsection to repay credits claimed under this section by the subchapter S corporation's shareholders for property taxes levied in 1988 through 1990 and shall refund any remaining credit to the S corporation. Interest or penalty is not due or payable on an income tax liability resulting from an amended return required by this subsection. A subchapter S corporation electing to claim a credit as an owner eligible under subsection (2) shall not claim a credit under subsection (1) for property taxes levied after 1987.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 2000, Act 421, Eff. Mar. 28, 2001 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 75, Imd. Eff. Mar. 15, 2002 ;-- Am. 2007, Act 174, Imd. Eff. Dec. 21, 2007 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 265, Eff. Sept. 26, 2016
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36110 Sale of land; notice; death or disability of owner; division into smaller parcels of land; "individual essential to the operation of a farm" defined; fee prohibited.

Sec. 36110.

    (1) Land subject to a development rights agreement or easement may be sold without penalty under sections 36111, 36112, and 36113, if the use of the land by the successor in title complies with the provisions contained in the development rights agreement or easement. The seller shall notify the governmental authority having jurisdiction over the development rights of the change in ownership.
    (2) If the owner of land subject to a development rights agreement or easement dies or becomes totally and permanently disabled or when an individual essential to the operation of the farm dies or becomes totally and permanently disabled, the land may be relinquished from the program under this part and is subject to a lien pursuant to sections 36111(11), 36112(7), and 36113(7). A request for relinquishment under this section shall be made within 3 years from the date of death or disability. A request for relinquishment under this subsection shall be made only by the owner in case of a disability or, in case of death, the person who becomes the owner through survivorship or inheritance.
    (3) If an owner of land subject to a development rights agreement becomes totally and permanently disabled or dies, land containing structures that were present before the recording of the development rights agreement may be relinquished from the agreement, upon request of the disabled agreement holder or upon request of the person who becomes an owner through survivorship or inheritance, and upon approval of the local governing body and the state land use agency. Not more than 2 acres may be relinquished under this subsection unless additional land area is needed to encompass all of the buildings located on the parcel, in which case not more than 5 acres may be relinquished. If the parcel proposed to be relinquished is less in area than the minimum parcel size required by local zoning, the parcel may not be relinquished unless a variance is obtained from the local zoning board of appeals to allow for the smaller parcel size. The portion of the farmland relinquished from the development rights agreement under this subsection is subject to a lien pursuant to section 36111(11).
    (4) The land described in a development rights agreement may be divided into smaller parcels of land and continued under the same terms and conditions as the original development rights agreement. The smaller parcels created by the division must meet the minimum requirements for being enrolled under this act or be 40 acres or more in size. Farmland may be divided once under this subsection without fee by the state land use agency. The state land use agency may charge a reasonable fee not greater than the state land use agency's actual cost of dividing the agreement for all subsequent divisions of that farmland. When a division of a development rights agreement is made under this subsection and is executed and recorded, the state land use agency shall notify the applicant, the local governing body and its assessing office, all reviewing agencies, and the department of treasury.
    (5) As used in this section, "individual essential to the operation of the farm" means a co-owner, partner, shareholder, farm manager, or family member, who, to a material extent, cultivates, operates, or manages farmland under this part. An individual is considered involved to a material extent if that individual does 1 or more of the following:
    (a) Has a financial interest equal to or greater than 1/2 the cost of producing the crops, livestock, or products and inspects and advises and consults with the owner on production activities.
    (b) Works 1,040 hours or more annually in activities connected with production of the farming operation.
    (6) The state land use agency shall not charge a fee to process a change of ownership under subsection (1) or a division under subsection (4).


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 265, Eff. Sept. 26, 2016
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36111 Expiration, renewal, relinquishment, or termination of development rights agreement.

Sec. 36111.

    (1) A development rights agreement expires at the expiration of the term of the agreement unless renewed with the consent of the owner of the land. If the owner of the land has complied with the requirements of this part regarding development rights agreements, the owner is entitled to automatic renewal of the agreement upon written request of the owner. A development rights agreement may be renewed for a term of not less than 7 years. If a development rights agreement is renewed, the state land use agency shall send a copy of the renewal contract to the local governing body.
    (2) A development rights agreement or a portion of the farmland covered by a development rights agreement may be relinquished as provided in this section and section 36111a. Farmland may be relinquished by this state before a termination date contained in the instrument under either of the following circumstances:
    (a) If approved by the local governing body and the state land use agency, land containing structures that were present before the recording of the development rights agreement may be relinquished from the agreement. Not more than 2 acres may be relinquished under this subdivision unless additional land area is needed to encompass all of the buildings located on the parcel, in which case not more than 5 acres may be relinquished. If the size of the parcel proposed to be relinquished is less than that required by local zoning, the parcel shall not be relinquished unless a variance is obtained from the local zoning board of appeals to allow for the smaller parcel size.
    (b) If approved by the local governing body and the state land use agency, land may be relinquished from the agreement for the construction of a residence by an individual essential to the operation of the farm as defined in section 36110(5). Not more than 2 acres may be relinquished under this subdivision. If the size of the parcel proposed to be relinquished is less than that required by local zoning, the parcel shall not be relinquished unless a variance is obtained from the local zoning board of appeals to allow for the smaller parcel size.
    (3) Until April 1, 1997, if an owner who entered into or renewed a development rights agreement before April 15, 1994 makes a request, in writing, to the state land use agency, to terminate that development rights agreement with respect to all or a portion of the farmland covered by the agreement, the state land use agency shall approve the request and relinquish that farmland from the development rights agreement. If farmland is relinquished under this subsection, the state land use agency shall notify the local governing body of the local unit of government in which the land is located of the relinquishment.
    (4) If the request for relinquishment of the development rights agreement is approved, the state land use agency shall prepare an instrument, subject to subsections (5) to (8), and shall forward the original relinquishment instrument to the applicant. The applicant shall have the relinquishment instrument recorded by the register of deeds in the county in which the property is located. The applicant shall provide a copy of the recorded relinquishment instrument to the department.
    (5) If a development rights agreement or a portion of a development rights agreement is to be relinquished pursuant to subsection (2) or section 36111a, the state land use agency shall record a lien against the property formerly subject to the development rights agreement for the total amount of the allocated tax credit of the last 7 years, including the year of termination, received by an owner under section 36109 and attributable to the property formerly subject to the development rights agreement, plus interest at the rate of 6% per annum simple interest from the time the credit was received until the lien is placed on the property.
    (6) If the property being relinquished from the development rights agreement is less than all of the property subject to that development rights agreement, the allocated tax credit for the development rights agreement shall be multiplied by the property's share of the taxable value of the agreement. As used in this subsection:
    (a) "The allocated tax credit" means the amount obtained by multiplying the owner's total farmland preservation credit claimed in that year on all agreements by the quotient of the ad valorem property tax levied in that year on property subject to the development rights agreement that included the property being relinquished from the agreement divided by the total property taxes levied on property subject to any development rights agreement and used in determining the farmland preservation credit in that year.
    (b) "The property's share of the taxable value of the agreement" means the quotient of the taxable value of the property being relinquished from the agreement divided by the total taxable value of property subject to the development rights agreement that included the property being relinquished from the agreement. For years before 1995, taxable value means assessed value.
    (7) Thirty days before the recording of a lien under this section, the state land use agency shall notify the owner of the farmland subject to the development rights agreement of the amount of the lien, including interest, if any. If the lien amount is paid before 30 days after the owner is notified, the lien shall not be recorded. The lien may be paid and discharged at any time and is payable to the state by the owner of record when the land or any portion of it is sold by the owner of record, or if the land is converted to a use prohibited by the former development rights agreement. The lien shall be discharged upon renewal or reentry in a development rights agreement, except that a subsequent lien shall not be less than the lien discharged. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, from July 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011, a lien under this section recorded before January 1, 2011 may be paid at 85% of the face value of the lien. From October 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012, a lien under this section recorded before January 1, 2011 may be paid at 90% of the face value of the lien.
    (8) Upon the termination of all or a portion of the development rights agreement under subsection (3) or, subject to subsection (14), the termination of a development rights agreement under subsection (1), the state land use agency shall prepare and record a lien, if any, against the property formerly subject to the development rights agreement for the total amount of the allocated tax credit of the last 7 years, including the year of termination, received by the owner under section 36109, attributable to the property formerly subject to the development rights agreement. The lien shall be without interest or penalty and is payable as provided in subsection (7). However, if the development rights agreement was approved or rejected by the local governing body under section 36104 on or after July 1, 2012 and is terminated under subsection (1), the amount of the lien shall include interest at the current monthly interest rate of 1 percentage point above the adjusted prime rate per annum from the time the lien is recorded until it is paid. The adjusted prime rate shall be determined as provided in section 23 of 1941 PA 122, MCL 205.23.
    (9) The state land use agency shall notify the department of treasury of the termination of a development rights agreement.
    (10) The unappropriated proceeds from lien payments made under this part shall be forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit in the agricultural preservation fund created in section 36202.
    (11) Upon the relinquishment of all of the farmland under section 36110(2) or a portion of the farmland under section 36110(3), the state land use agency shall prepare and record a lien against the property formerly subject to a development rights agreement in an amount calculated as follows:
    (a) Establishing a term of years by multiplying 7 by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of years the farmland was under the development rights agreement, including any extensions, and the denominator of which is the number representing the term of years of that agreement, including any extensions.
    (b) The lien amount equals the total amount of the allocated tax credit claimed attributable to that development rights agreement in the immediately preceding term of years as determined in subdivision (a).
    (12) When a lien is paid under this section, the state land use agency shall prepare and record a discharge of lien with the register of deeds in the county in which the land is located. The discharge of lien shall specifically state that the lien has been paid in full, that the lien is discharged, that the development rights agreement and accompanying contract are terminated, and that the state has no further interest in the land under that agreement.
    (13) A farmland development rights agreement is automatically relinquished when the farmland becomes subject to an agricultural conservation easement or purchase of development rights under section 36111b or 36206.
    (14) If, upon expiration of the term of a farmland development rights agreement, the farmland becomes subject to an agricultural conservation easement or purchase of development rights under section 36111b or 36206 or if a farmland development rights agreement is automatically relinquished under subsection (13), the farmland is not subject to a lien under this section.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1995, Act 173, Imd. Eff. Oct. 9, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 567, Imd. Eff. Jan. 16, 1997 ;-- Am. 2000, Act 262, Imd. Eff. June 29, 2000 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 75, Imd. Eff. Mar. 15, 2002 ;-- Am. 2011, Act 79, Imd. Eff. July 12, 2011 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 265, Eff. Sept. 26, 2016
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36111a Relinquishment of development rights agreement; conditions; “economic viability” defined.

Sec. 36111a.

    (1) Upon request from a landowner and a local governing body, the state land use agency shall relinquish farmland from the development rights agreement if 1 or both of the following occur:
    (a) The local governing body determines 1 or more of the following:
    (i) That, because of the quality of the farmland, agricultural production cannot be made economically viable with generally accepted agricultural and management practices.
    (ii) That surrounding conditions impose physical obstacles to the agricultural operation or prohibit essential agricultural practices.
    (iii) That significant natural physical changes in the farmland have occurred that are generally irreversible and permanently limit the productivity of the farmland.
    (iv) That a court order restricts the use of the farmland so that agricultural production cannot be made economically viable.
    (b) The local governing body determines that the relinquishment is in the public interest and that the farmland to be relinquished meets 1 or more of the following conditions:
    (i) The farmland is to be owned, operated, and maintained by a public body for a public use.
    (ii) The farmland had been zoned for the immediately preceding 3 years for a commercial or industrial use.
    (iii) The farmland is zoned for commercial or industrial use and the relinquishment of the farmland will be mitigated by 1 of the following means:
    (A) For every 1 acre of farmland to be relinquished, an agricultural conservation easement will be acquired over 2 acres of farmland of comparable or better quality located within the same local unit of government where the farmland to be relinquished is located. The agricultural conservation easement shall be held by the local unit of government where the farmland to be relinquished is located or, if the local governing body declines to hold the agricultural conservation easement, by the state land use agency.
    (B) If an agricultural conservation easement cannot be acquired as provided under sub-subparagraph (A), there will be deposited into the state agricultural preservation fund created in section 36202 an amount equal to twice the value of the development rights to the farmland being relinquished, as determined by a certified appraisal.
    (iv) The farmland is to be owned, operated, and maintained by an organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 501, and the relinquishment will be beneficial to the local community.
    (2) In determining public interest under subsection (1)(b), the governing body shall consider all of the following:
    (a) The long-term effect of the relinquishment upon the preservation and enhancement of agriculture in the surrounding area, including any nonfarm encroachment upon other agricultural operations in the surrounding area.
    (b) Any other reasonable and prudent site alternatives to the farmland to be relinquished.
    (c) Any infrastructure changes and costs to the local governmental unit that will result from the development of the farmland to be relinquished.
    (3) If a landowner's relinquishment application under this section is denied by the local governing body, the landowner may appeal that denial to the state land use agency. In determining whether to grant the appeal and approve the relinquishment, the state land use agency shall follow the criteria established in subsection (1)(a) or follow the criteria in subsection (1)(b) and consider the factors described in subsection (2).
    (4) The state land use agency shall review an application approved by the local governing body to verify that the criteria provided in subsection (1)(a) were met or the criteria in subsection (1)(b) were met and the factors in subsection (2) were considered. If the local governing body did not render a determination in accordance with this subsection, the state land use agency shall not relinquish the farmland from the development rights agreement.
    (5) A local governing body may elect to waive its right to make a relinquishment determination under subsection (1)(a) or (b) by providing written notice of that election to the state land use agency. The written notice shall grant the state land use agency sole authority to grant or deny the application as provided in this section.
    (6) A decision by the state land use agency to grant or deny an application for relinquishment under this section that adversely affects a land owner or a local governing body is subject to a contested case hearing as provided under this act and the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328.
    (7) As used in this section, "economic viability" means that the cash flow returning to the farming operation is positive. The local governing body or state land use agency shall evaluate an application for relinquishment, and determine the economic viability of the affected farming operation, by doing all of the following:
    (a) Estimating crop, livestock, or product value of the farmland using locally accepted production methods and local United States department of agriculture yield capabilities for the specific soil types and average price for crop, livestock, or product over the past 5 years.
    (b) Adding average yearly property tax credits afforded by the development rights agreement over the immediately preceding 5-year period.
    (c) Subtracting estimated expenses directly attributed to the production of the crop, livestock, or product, including, but not limited to, seed, fertilizer, insecticide, building and machinery repair, drying, trucking, and property taxes.
    (d) Subtracting the estimated cost of the operator's labor and management time at rates established by the United States department of agriculture for "all labor", Great Lakes area, as published in the United States department of agriculture labor reports.
    (e) Subtracting typical capital replacement cost per acre of nonland assets using a useful life depreciation rate for comparable farming operations.


History: Add. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 75, Imd. Eff. Mar. 15, 2002
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36111b Development rights or acquisition of agricultural conservation easements; application; selection criteria and scoring system; notification; points; determination of development rights value; approval by director; installment purchase plan; provisions for protection of farmland; termination of easements; value development rights in event of condemnation.

Sec. 36111b.

    (1) An application submitted under section 36111(10) for purchase of development rights or acquisition of agricultural conservation easements shall be evaluated and ranked according to selection criteria and a scoring system approved by the commission of agriculture. In developing a point system for selecting the parcels for purchase of development rights or the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements, the department of agriculture shall seek the assistance of the department of natural resources, Michigan state university, the United States department of agriculture-natural resources conservation service, and other appropriate professional and industry organizations. The selection criteria shall give consideration to the quality and physical characteristics of the parcel as well as surrounding land uses and threat of development.
    (2) The department of agriculture shall prepare a notification to those individuals whose farmland development rights agreements are expiring in the year of application or expiring 1 year after the year of application. The notice shall be completed not less than 90 days before an application deadline set by the department of agriculture and shall include written information and details regarding the program. Applications for the purchase of development rights or the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements shall be submitted to the department of agriculture by the owner of that land and must include written support by the local governing body.
    (3) In developing a scoring system, points shall be given to farmland that meets 1 or more of the following criteria, with subdivision (a) given priority over subdivisions (b) to (e):
    (a) Productive capacity of farmland suited for the production of feed, food, and fiber, including, but not limited to, prime or unique farmland or farmland of local importance, as defined by the United States department of agriculture-natural resources conservation service.
    (b) Lands that are enrolled under this act.
    (c) Prime agricultural lands that are faced with development pressure that will permanently alter the ability for that land to be used for productive agricultural activity.
    (d) Parcels that would complement and are part of a documented, long-range effort or plan for land preservation by the local governing body.
    (e) Parcels with available matching funds from the local governing body, private organizations, or other sources.
    (4) For purposes of subsections (7) and (8), the value of development rights in the purchase of development rights or the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements shall be determined by subtracting the current fair market value of the property without the development rights from the current fair market value of the property with all development rights.
    (5) The director of the department of agriculture shall approve individual parcels for the purchase of development rights or the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements based upon the adopted selection criteria and scoring process. The commission of agriculture shall approve a method to establish the price to be paid for the purchase of development rights or the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements, such as via appraisal, bidding, or a formula-based process and shall establish the maximum price to be paid on a per purchase basis from the lien fund. The director of the department of agriculture, after negotiations with the landowner, shall approve the price to be paid for purchase of development rights or the acquisition of the agricultural conservation easements. Proper releases from mortgage holders and lienholders must be obtained and executed to ensure that all development rights are purchased free and clear of all encumbrances.
    (6) The department may purchase the agricultural conservation easement through an installment purchase agreement under terms negotiated by the department.
    (7) An agricultural conservation easement shall include appropriate provisions for the protection of the farmland and other unique and critical benefits. An agricultural conservation easement may be terminated if the land, as determined by the commission of agriculture, meets 1 or more of the criteria described in section 36111a(1)(a) to (d). An agricultural conservation easement or portion of an agricultural conservation easement shall not be terminated unless approved by the local governing body and the commission of natural resources and the commission of agriculture. If an agricultural conservation easement is terminated, the current fair market value of the development rights, at the time of termination, shall be paid to the state land use agency. Any payment received by the state land use agency under this part shall be used to acquire agricultural conservation easements on additional farmland under section 36111(10).
    (8) Whenever a public entity, authority, or political subdivision exercises the power of eminent domain and condemns land enrolled under this act, the value of the land shall include the value of development rights covered by development rights agreements or agricultural conservation easements. If the development rights have been purchased or agricultural conservation easements have been acquired under section 36111(10), the value of the development rights at the time of condemnation shall be paid to the state land use agency and any payment received by the state land use agency shall be used to acquire agricultural conservation easements on additional land under section 36111(10).


History: Add. 1996, Act 233, Imd. Eff. June 5, 1996 ;-- Am. 2000, Act 262, Imd. Eff. June 29, 2000
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36112 Relinquishment of open space development rights easement pursuant to MCL 324.36105.

Sec. 36112.

    (1) An open space development rights easement pursuant to section 36105 shall be relinquished by the state at the expiration of the term of the easement unless renewed with the consent of the owner of the land. If the owner of the land has complied with the requirements of this part regarding open space development rights easements, the owner is entitled to automatic renewal of the agreement upon written request of the landowner.
    (2) An open space development rights easement may be relinquished by the state prior to a termination date contained in the instrument as follows:
    (a) At any time the state determines that the development of the land is in the public interest and in agreement with the owner of the land.
    (b) The owner of the land may submit an application to the local governing body where the original application for an open space development rights easement was submitted requesting that the development rights easement be relinquished. The application shall be made on a form prescribed by the state land use agency. The request for relinquishment shall be processed and shall be subject to the provisions as provided in sections 36104 and 36105 for review and approval.
    (3) If the request for relinquishment of the development rights easement is approved, the state land use agency shall prepare an instrument providing for the relinquishment of the open space development rights easement, subject to subsections (4), (5), (6), and (7), and shall record it with the register of deeds of the county in which the land is situated.
    (4) At the time a development rights easement is to be relinquished pursuant to subsection (2)(b), the state land use agency shall cause to be prepared and recorded a lien against the property formerly subject to the development rights easement for the total amount of the ad valorem taxes not paid on the development rights during the period it was held by the state, if any. The lien shall provide that interest at the rate of 6% per annum compounded shall be added to the ad valorem taxes not paid from the time the exemption was received until it is paid.
    (5) The lien shall become payable to the state by the owner of record at the time the land or any portion of it is sold by the owner of record, or if the land is converted to a use prohibited by the former open space development rights easement.
    (6) Upon the termination of the open space development rights easement pursuant to subsection (2)(a), the development rights revert back to the owner without penalty or interest.
    (7) Upon the natural termination of the open space development rights easement pursuant to subsection (1), the state land use agency shall cause to be prepared and recorded a lien against the property formerly subject to the open space development rights easement. The amount of the lien shall be the total amount of the last 7 years ad valorem taxes not paid on the development rights during the period it was held by the state, if any. The lien shall be without penalty or interest and shall be payable subject to subsection (5).
    (8) A copy of the renewal or relinquishment of an open space development rights easement shall be sent to the local governing body's assessing office.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36113 Relinquishment of open space development rights easement pursuant to MCL 324.36106.

Sec. 36113.

    (1) An open space development rights easement pursuant to section 36106 shall be relinquished by the local governing body at the expiration of the term of the easement unless renewed with the consent of the owner of the land if the owner of the land has complied with the requirements of this part regarding open space development rights easements, the owner shall be entitled to automatic renewal of the agreement upon written request of the landowner.
    (2) An open space development rights easement may be relinquished by the local governing body prior to a termination date contained in the instrument as follows:
    (a) At any time the local governing body determines that the development of the land is in the public interest and in agreement with the owner of the land.
    (b) The owner of the land may submit an application to the local governing body having jurisdiction requesting that the development rights easement be relinquished. The application shall be made on a form prescribed by the state land use agency. The request for relinquishment shall be processed and shall be subject to the provisions as provided in section 36106 for review and approval.
    (3) If the request for relinquishment of the open space development rights easement is approved, the local governing body shall prepare an instrument providing for the relinquishment of the open space development rights easement, subject to subsections (4), (5), (6), and (7), and shall record it with the register of deeds of the county in which the land is situated.
    (4) At the time an open space development rights easement is to be relinquished pursuant to subsection (2)(b), the local governing body shall cause to have prepared and recorded a lien against the property formerly subject to the open space development rights easement. The amount of the lien shall be the total amount of the ad valorem taxes not paid on the development rights during the period it was held by the local governing body, if any. The lien shall provide that interest at the rate of 6% per annum compounded shall be added to the ad valorem taxes exemption from the time granted until the lien is paid.
    (5) The lien shall become payable to the local governing body by the owner of record at the time the land or any portion of it is sold by the owner of record, or if the land is converted to a use prohibited by the former open space development rights easement.
    (6) Upon the termination of the open space development rights easement pursuant to subsection (2)(a), the development rights revert back to the owner without penalty or interest and the development rights easement upon the land expire.
    (7) Upon the natural termination of the open space development rights easement pursuant to subsection (1), the local governing body shall cause to be prepared and recorded a lien against the property formerly subject to the open space development rights easement. The amount of the lien shall be the total amount of the last 7 years ad valorem taxes not paid on the development rights during the period it was held by the local governing body, if any. The lien shall be without penalty or interest and will be payable subject to subsection (5).
    (8) A copy of the renewal or relinquishment of an open space development rights easement shall be sent to the local assessing office.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36114 Injunction; penalty.

Sec. 36114.

     If the owner or a successor in title of the land upon which a development rights agreement or easement has been recorded pursuant to this part changes the use of the land to a prohibited use or knowingly sells the land for a use other than those permitted in the development rights agreement or easement without first pursuing the provisions in sections 36110(2), 36111, 36112, and 36113, or receiving permission of the state land use agency, he or she may be enjoined by the state acting through the attorney general, or by the local governing body acting through its attorney, and is subject to a civil penalty for actual damages, which in no case shall exceed double the value of the land as established at the time the application for the development rights agreement or easement was approved.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36115 Exchange of information.

Sec. 36115.

     All departments and agencies of state government shall cooperate with the state land use agency in the exchange of information concerning projects and activities that might jeopardize the preservation of land contemplated by this part. The state land use agency shall periodically advise the departments and agencies of state government of the location and description of land upon which there exists development rights agreements or easements and the departments and agencies shall harmonize their planning and projects consistent with the purposes of this part.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36116 Rules.

Sec. 36116.

     The state land use agency may promulgate rules for the administration of this part.


History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA





324.36117 Repealed. 2016, Act 265, Eff. Sept. 26, 2016.


Compiler's Notes: The repealed section pertained to report and recommendation for preservation of certain lands.
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: Farmland and Open Space
Popular Name: NREPA



Rendered 8/15/2025 5:52 AM
Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 5 of 2025
Courtesy of legislature.mi.gov