Zoning

Donna Shields, Zoning Administrator

(906)450-1182

PO Box 33
Au Train MI 49806-0033

Zoning is governmental regulation of the use of land with primary goals to ensure the compatibility of land uses and prevent nuisances, protect natural resources, and protect property values.

Zoning implements a community’s master plan through the zoning ordinance, which divides the community into various districts or zones, and specifies the land uses, such as residential, commercial or industrial, that are authorized by right, permitted with conditions or prohibited within each zone.

Typical zoning regulations address the physical development of the township through such elements as land use, building height, bulk, lot area, setbacks, parking, signs and density.

Both general law and charter townships may adopt zoning ordinances, pursuant to zoning enabling statute.

Zoning Administrator Job Description

Zoning Compliance Permits

The Township’s Zoning Ordinance is administered by the Township Zoning Administrator. A Zoning Compliance Permit is required for any land use change. Please visit and review the “Steps for Land Development” prior to submitting any application (for ZCP or CUP) for review by the Zoning Administrator.

Building permits are issued by the Alger County Building Code Administrator, located at 100 Court Street in Munising. A zoning compliance permit from the Township is required to receive a building permit from Alger County. For more information please contact the Alger County Building Code Administrator at (906) 387-2727.

You may need additional permits from the LMAS District Health Department – Environmental Health Division Alger County, E9526 Prospect Street, Munising, MI 49862, ph: (906) 387-2297

Zoning Administrator Reports

2024-2025

News / Notices

**NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
September 25, 2025 at 6:00PM**

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

Proposed Amendment to the Au Train Township Zoning Ordinance – The purpose of the zoning ordinance amendment is to insert a new Article as “Article XIII – Enforcement and Violations” providing for the enforcement of the Au Train Township Zoning Ordinance. After receiving comments, the Planning Commission may review and discuss any comments received and recommend action to the Township Board.

Cory & Kristy Cota are requesting a Conditional Use Permit for a private kennel
located at: N4421 16 Mile Lake Rd, Munising, MI, 49862 Parcel ID# 001-212-001-00
Zoning District: Lakeshore/River 2

Links to a draft of the proposed amendment for Article XIII: Click Here –https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZO-Amendment-DRAFT-09252025-Enforcement.pdf , along with The Au Train Township Zoning map and ordinance text are available online at: www.autraintownship.gov (Forms/Documents – Zoning)

Written comments regarding the public hearings will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the hearing. For questions, contact D Shields, Au Train Township Zoning Administrator at (906) 450-1182 or autrainzoning@gmail.com – or mailed to PO Box 33, Au Train, MI 49806

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

**PER GFL – THIS MUST STOP OR OUR COLLECTION PICKUP IS AT RISK FOR THE ENTIRE TOWNSHIP!!**

DO NOT DISPOSE OF IN CARTS OR DUMPSTERS…..

Refrigerators

Freezers

Liquids of any kind

Batteries!!! (Several have been left in the Old Plank Road Dumpster and next to Carts)

Large construction items that will get stuck in the dumpster

Steel/metal should be brought to the landfill to be recycled (no cost)

ALSO,

Everything must be in the cart and the lid closed or your entire cart will not be picked up. If you have more than one – they must be placed 3′ apart.

If you have any questions, please contact GFL at the Wood Island Landfill (906)387-2646.

**MORATORIUM ON SHORT TERM RENTAL CUP APPLICATIONS** – EXTENDED UNTIL THE UPDATES ARE APPROVED AND EFFECTIVE.

The Au Train Township Board has continued the moratorium on accepting applications for a Short Term Rental Conditional Use Permit as the Planning Commission continues necessary updates and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.

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