A major evolution of land use is the use of more farmland for clean energy production via commercial wind and solar installations. Many Michigan townships have had to update their master plans and zoning ordinances as a result.

In this introduction to planning and zoning for renewable energy, Dr. Sarah Mills, senior project manager at the U-M Graham Sustainability Institute, talks about why municipalities should plan (or re-plan) for renewable energy, basic principles for planning and zoning for renewable energy, and resources to help with the process. The presentation is designed to help communities understand local impacts of clean energy development in Michigan and determine whether and how these energy systems fit within their land use goals.