Local governments could seek removal of restrictions on vacant retail sites

A city, village, or township would be allowed to ask the county circuit court to remove private rules limiting or requiring particular property uses. The commercial property must be within the local government's boundaries and zoned for retail use. Property in an industrial zone is excluded. A building or structure on the property must have been vacant for at least two years. The local government must hold at least one public hearing about removing the restriction. The property must meet the definition of blighted property in the Michigan law cited by the bill.

The court would have to order the restriction removed from property records if it finds the restriction exists and all eligibility conditions are met. Removal would apply to the property described in the lawsuit and its deed or other property document. The local government and property owner must be parties to the case. The county could join the case on the side seeking removal if the property is within its boundaries. The county office that records property documents would be entitled to the recording fees set by the cited Michigan law.