Zoning

Donna Shields, Zoning Administrator

(906)450-1182

PO Box 33
Au Train MI  49806-0033

autrainzoning@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

Zoning Administrator  Job Description

Zoning Compliance Permits

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

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

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

Zoning Administrator Reports

2024-2025

News / Notices

**NO NOVEMBER 2025 ELECTION**

I have been getting phone calls and emails!! Please note there is not a November 2025 Election for Au Train Township.   Thank you! 

Mary Walther Johnson, Clerk

**PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY**

The Au Train Township Board is looking for one resident who is interested in serving on the Planning Commission.  Please send letter of interest to Au Train Township PC Opening, PO Box 33, Au Train MI 49806 or email Clerk Johnson at marywaltherjohnson@charter.net.  Any questions, please contact Supervisor Tom Balmes at (906)892-8279.  The Board will consider any and all applicants at it’s October 13th Regular Board Meeting.  

**NOTICE OF MEETING**

A Special Meeting of the Au Train Township Board is scheduled for October 2, 2025 at 6PM with members of the Planning Commission to continue review of the Zoning Ordinance Amendments as they relate to Short Term Rentals.

Au Train Township Community Building, N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806.

**NOTICE OF MEETING**

A Work Session of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 6PM. Continued review and work on the necessary amendments to the Zoning Ordinance is the purpose of the meeting.

CUPPAD continues to assist the commission on this process.

Au Train Township Community Building
N7569 Spruce Street
Au Train MI 49806

**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**