Agriculture: agribusiness; exclusion of commercial weddings or similar events in agricultural zones; prohibit. Amends 2006 PA 110 (MCL 125.3101 - 125.3702) by adding sec. 204b.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 9 co-sponsors

Prohibits local zoning bans on using barns on agricultural land as wedding venues; preserves ability to regulate noise, traffic, hours, and related impacts (effective 90 days).

referred to Committee on Government Operations

#agriculture:agribusiness

Purpose

HB 4680 would prohibit local zoning ordinances from banning the use of barns or other facilities on land zoned for agricultural purposes as commercial venues for weddings or similar events. The bill is aimed at protecting agritourism and farm-based event businesses by preventing outright local prohibitions while preserving local governments’ ability to regulate impacts.

Key provision (text of new section)

The bill would add section 204b to the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (2006 PA 110), providing in substance:

“A zoning ordinance adopted under this act must not prohibit the use of a barn or other facilities located on land zoned for agricultural purposes as a commercial venue for weddings or similar events. This section does not prohibit the regulation of noise, advertising, traffic, hours of operation, or other conditions that may accompany the use of the facilities or land under this section.”

The act would take effect 90 days after enactment.

What the bill would change

Prohibits local zoning ordinances from completely banning barns/structures on agricultural-zoned land from operating as commercial wedding or similar event venues.

Preserves municipal authority to adopt and enforce regulations addressing effects of those activities (e.g., noise limits, advertising restrictions, traffic management, hours of operation, and other conditions).

Who would be affected

Farmers and agricultural landowners who might use barns or farm facilities as income-producing event venues (weddings, receptions, ceremonies, similar gatherings).

Local governments and zoning authorities, whose ability to enact outright bans on such uses would be limited; they would retain regulatory authority over nuisance and public-safety-related conditions.

Neighbors and communities near agricultural properties, who may experience increased traffic, noise, or other impacts and would rely on local regulations and enforcement.

Businesses providing event services (caterers, rental companies, etc.) that operate at farm venues.

Potential impacts and considerations

Encourages agritourism and diversification of farm income by removing zoning-based prohibitions on event venues.

May increase demand for regulatory permitting, inspections, and local enforcement to address off-site impacts.

Could create local disputes over nuisance issues; local governments retain tools (noise ordinances, hours, traffic plans) to mitigate impacts but cannot ban the use outright.

Effect depends on how permissive or restrictive local implementing regulations become.

Legislative status and procedural history

Originally introduced May 25, 2023 (Rep. Matt Bierlein) and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

The file shows multiple reproductions and committee referrals across 2023–2025, including references to Committees on Government Operations, Licensing & Administrative Procedures, and Judiciary.

Sponsors listed in different filings include Rep. Matt Bierlein (2023) and Rep. Jason Woolford (2025).

Enactment would be effective 90 days after the bill becomes law.

Note: The provided legislative record contains multiple versions and referrals across sessions; for the current status and exact text in effect, consult the Michigan Legislature website or the House clerk’s office for the latest version and committee assignment.

Bill