Eaton County votes to repeal land development code, extends deadline to June 30 to finish master plan

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 17 to repeal the county Land Development Code and amended the measure to push the effective repeal date to June 30, 2026 to allow additional time for master-plan work.

Commissioner Barber introduced the repeal, originally slated to take effect May 31, 2026. Planning consultant Jason Ball told staff he needed more time to finish required updates. Controller staff and commissioners outlined funding available to cover staff and consultant time, including a Michigan State Housing & Development Authority (MSHDA) grant and a county master-plan fund with roughly $73,000 on hand.

Opponents cautioned that repeated extensions undercut the county’s credibility with townships and residents, while supporters argued the short extension would prevent rushed, legally vulnerable planning outcomes. After debate, the board approved the amendment to move the effective date to June 30 and then approved the repeal as amended.

The controller’s office said the extension’s costs would be covered primarily by MSHDA grant funding and planning revenue the county projects from permit activity; if necessary, a separate county master-plan line item could be used. Staff also said any remaining master-plan fund balance would be available at the board’s discretion after the work is complete.

Township supervisors and planning officials were in the audience and will receive notice of the new effective date and next steps, staff said. Controller Claudine Williams said she will email township representatives and publish the decision with the June 30 effective date.