Michigan Energy Files · Reference
Glossary
Plain definitions of the terms used across the Michigan Energy Files. Where a statute or a mirrored record defines a term, its exact words are quoted with a citation. Where none does, the definition is marked as general.
How to read an entry. A line marked “From the record” restates a statute, court record or other mirrored document, and its exact words are in the block below it. A line marked “General definition, not from a record” is this site's own plain explanation of a common term. “Seen on” lists pages of this site that use the term.
AC and DC megawatts #ac-dc
Also: MWac, MWdc
General definition, not from a record.
Two ways of stating the size of the same solar project. Solar panels produce direct current (DC). Inverters convert it to alternating current (AC), the form of electricity the grid carries. A figure in MWdc counts the panels' output. A figure in MWac counts what the facility can deliver after conversion. The two numbers for one project are different, so check which one is being used.
From the record.
The commission's filing instructions say nameplate capacity under PA 233 is measured in alternating current, and define an inverter as a device to convert direct current power to alternating current power.MPSC instructions, Sec. 2(a)(2)MPSC instructions, Attachment D, Sec. D3.1
The record says (2 quotations)
Nameplate capacities, measured in alternating current (AC), meet the following criteria:
“Inverter” means a device to convert direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power. It is a component of Solar Energy and Energy Storage facilities.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 1.
Affected local unit #affected-local-unit
Also: ALU
From the record.
A county, township, city or village in which all or part of a proposed energy facility will be located.Sec. 221(a)Sec. 221(n)
From the record.
The Court of Appeals held that the definition includes all such local units of government, not only those that have zoning jurisdiction.Court of Appeals, p. 12
The record says (3 quotations)
“Affected local unit” means a unit of local government in which all or part of a proposed energy facility will be located.
“Local unit of government” or “local unit” means a county, township, city, or village.
The statutory definition of ALU is plain and unambiguous: it includes all local units of government where a proposed energy facility will be located. It does not refer to only those local units of government that have zoning jurisdiction;
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 8.
Amicus brief #amicus-brief
Also: friend-of-the-court brief
General definition, not from a record.
A written argument filed in a court case by a person or group that is not one of the parties. “Amicus curiae” is Latin for “friend of the court”.
From the record.
In the Michigan Supreme Court case on PA 233, the court granted motions to file such briefs on September 9, 2026.Supreme Court order, p. 1Supreme Court order, p. 2
The record says (2 quotations)
September 9, 2026
On order of the Chief Justice, the motion of Michigan Farm Bureau and the joint motion of Acceleration Solar, LLC; Washtenaw Solar Energy LLC; Otisville PV I, LLC; Rouget Road Solar Farm, LLC; Headland Solar, LLC; Birch Valley Solar, LLC; Walker Road Solar Farm, LLC; and Silver Maple PV, LLC to file briefs amici curiae are GRANTED. The amici briefs submitted August 31, 2026, and September 3, 2026, are accepted for filing.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · The Law · Records library. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 8.
Application for leave to appeal #leave-to-appeal
General definition, not from a record.
A written request asking a court to take up an appeal. Until the court rules on the application, the appeal has been neither accepted nor turned down.
From the record.
The Michigan Supreme Court docket for case No. 170249 lists an “Application for Leave to SCt” dated June 18, 2026, and gives the case status as “Pending on Application”.Supreme Court docket, case numberSupreme Court docket, entry 145Supreme Court docket, status
The record says (3 quotations)
supremeCourtCaseNumber: 170249
145. Application for Leave to SCt · 2026-06-18
supremeCourtStatus: Pending on Application
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Records library. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 8.
Certificate #certificate
Also: siting certificate
From the record.
The Michigan Public Service Commission's approval of an energy facility under PA 233. A developer may obtain one before beginning construction.Sec. 221(d)Sec. 222(2)
The record says (2 quotations)
“Certificate” means a certificate issued for an energy facility under section 226(5).
Before beginning construction of an energy facility, an electric provider or independent power producer may, pursuant to this part, obtain a certificate for that energy facility from the commission.
Seen on: Project tracker · Gustin Solar briefing · All projects. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 5.
Chief elected official #chief-elected-official
From the record.
The commission's filing instructions define the term as a local government official, including mayors, village presidents, township supervisors and board chairs.MPSC instructions, Sec. 1.3
From the record.
Under PA 233 this is the official a developer must offer to meet, and the official who notifies the developer that the local unit has a compatible renewable energy ordinance.Sec. 223(2)Sec. 223(3)
The record says (3 quotations)
“Chief elected official” means a local government official including mayors, village presidents, township supervisors, and board chairs.
At least 60 days before a public meeting held under subsection (1), the electric provider or IPP planning to construct an energy facility shall offer in writing to meet with the chief elected official of each affected local unit, or the chief elected official’s designee, to discuss the site plan.
If, within 30 days following a meeting described in subsection (2), the chief elected official of each affected local unit notifies the electric provider or IPP planning to construct the energy facility that the affected local unit has a compatible renewable energy ordinance, then the electric provider or IPP shall file for approval with each affected local unit, subject to all of the following:
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 2.
Compatible renewable energy ordinance #creo
Also: CREO
From the record.
A local ordinance that provides for the development of energy facilities and whose requirements are no more restrictive than the provisions in section 226(8) of PA 233. A local unit with a moratorium on the development of energy facilities in effect is considered not to have one.Sec. 221(f)
The record says (1 quotation)
“Compatible renewable energy ordinance” means an ordinance that provides for the development of energy facilities within the local unit of government, the requirements of which are no more restrictive than the provisions included in section 226(8). A local unit of government is considered not to have a compatible renewable energy ordinance if it has a moratorium on the development of energy facilities in effect within its jurisdiction.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Records library. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 3.
Contested case #contested-case
General definition, not from a record.
A formal proceeding before a state agency in which the parties present evidence and argument before the agency decides.
From the record.
PA 233 requires the commission to conduct the proceeding on a certificate application as a contested case under the Administrative Procedures Act of 1969. The commission's instructions say an administrative law judge sets the schedule at a prehearing.Sec. 226(3)MPSC instructions, Sec. 4(c)
The record says (2 quotations)
The commission shall conduct a proceeding on the application for a certificate as a contested case under the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328.
If the application is considered complete, the schedule for the case will be set by the administrative law judge (ALJ) presiding over the case at the prehearing.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 5.
dBA #dba
Also: A-weighted decibels
From the record.
Decibels measured on the A-weighted scale. The commission's filing instructions define A-weighting as adjusting the sound level spectrum to represent the sensitivity of the human ear.MPSC instructions, Attachment D, Sec. D3.2MPSC instructions, Attachment D, Sec. D3.1
From the record.
PA 233 sets its sound standard in average hourly decibels and requires the modeling to use the A-weighted scale.Sec. 226(8)(a)(iv)
The record says (3 quotations)
dBA – A-weighted decibels
“A-weighting” means adjusting the sound level spectrum to represent the sensitivity of the human ear to sounds of low to moderate level to produce a single value (in dBA) in accordance with ASA/ANSI S1.4 Part 1.
(iv) The solar energy facility does not generate a maximum sound in excess of 55 average hourly decibels as modeled at the nearest outer wall of the nearest dwelling located on an adjacent nonparticipating property. Decibel modeling shall use the A-weighted scale as designed by the American National Standards Institute.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Corrections log. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 3.
Decommissioning #decommissioning
General definition, not from a record.
Taking a facility out of service at the end of its life and removing it.
From the record.
PA 233 requires an application to contain a decommissioning plan that ensures the return of all participating properties to a useful condition similar to what existed before construction, including removal of above-surface facilities and infrastructure that have no ongoing purpose.Sec. 225(1)(r)
The record says (1 quotation)
(r) A decommissioning plan that is consistent with agreements reached between the applicant and other landowners of participating properties and that ensures the return of all participating properties to a useful condition similar to that which existed before construction, including removal of above-surface facilities and infrastructure that have no ongoing purpose.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Caledonia file · Records library · All projects. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 6.
Developer #developer
Also: electric provider, independent power producer, IPP
From the record.
On this site, the company proposing to build an energy facility. PA 233 uses the phrase “electric provider or independent power producer”; the Court of Appeals used “developer” to refer to both.Sec. 222(2)Court of Appeals, p. 3, note 1
From the record.
PA 233 defines an independent power producer as a person that is not an electric provider but owns or operates facilities to generate electric power for sale to electric providers, this state, or local units of government.Sec. 221(k)
The record says (3 quotations)
Before beginning construction of an energy facility, an electric provider or independent power producer may, pursuant to this part, obtain a certificate for that energy facility from the commission.
Like the parties, we use “developer” to refer to an electric provider or independent power producer.
“Independent power producer”, or “IPP”, means a person that is not an electric provider but owns or operates facilities to generate electric power for sale to electric providers, this state, or local units of government.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Project tracker. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 2.
Docket #docket
General definition, not from a record.
The numbered file a court or commission keeps for one case, listing each filing and order by date.
From this site's tracker page and the Supreme Court docket.
On this site, Michigan Public Service Commission dockets are identified by case numbers such as U-21932. The Michigan Supreme Court case on PA 233 is No. 170249.Inside Michigan project trackerSupreme Court docket, case number
The record says (2 quotations)
MPSC docket U-21932
supremeCourtCaseNumber: 170249
Seen on: Project tracker · Records library · Corrections log. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 8.
Energy facility #energy-facility
From the record.
In PA 233, an energy storage facility, a solar energy facility or a wind energy facility. One energy facility may be located on more than 1 parcel of property, including noncontiguous parcels, but shares a single point of interconnection to the grid.Sec. 221(i)
The record says (1 quotation)
“Energy facility” means an energy storage facility, solar energy facility, or wind energy facility. An energy facility may be located on more than 1 parcel of property, including noncontiguous parcels, but shares a single point of interconnection to the grid.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 1.
Fenced area and limits of disturbance #fenced-area
General definition, not from a record.
Two different measures of a project's size on the ground. The fenced area is the land inside the project's perimeter fences. The limits of disturbance is the line a site plan draws around the land where construction activity may take place. A filing can give a different acreage for each, so check which one a figure refers to.
From the record.
PA 233 measures its solar and energy storage setbacks from the nearest edge of the perimeter fencing of the facility.Sec. 226(8)(a)(i)Sec. 226(8)(c)(i)
The record says (2 quotations)
The following minimum setback requirements, with setback distances measured from the nearest edge of the perimeter fencing of the facility:
(i) The following minimum setback requirements, with setback distances measured from the nearest edge of the perimeter fencing of the facility:
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Corrections log. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 3.
Financial assurance #financial-assurance
General definition, not from a record.
Money or a guarantee arranged in advance so that the cost of removing a facility is covered if its owner does not pay.
From the record.
PA 233 requires it in the form of a bond, a parent company guarantee or an irrevocable letter of credit, excluding cash, in an amount not less than the estimated cost of decommissioning the facility after deducting salvage value.Sec. 225(1)(r)
The record says (2 quotations)
The decommissioning plan shall include, but is not limited to, financial assurance in the form of a bond, a parent company guarantee, or an irrevocable letter of credit, but excluding cash.
The amount of the financial assurance shall not be less than the estimated cost of decommissioning the energy facility, after deducting salvage value, as calculated by a third party with expertise in decommissioning, hired by the applicant.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 6.
Host community agreement #host-community-agreement
From the record.
An agreement PA 233 requires between the applicant for a certificate and each affected local unit. It must require the facility's owner to pay the local unit $2,000 per megawatt of nameplate capacity located within it, upon commencement of any operation.Sec. 227(1)
The record says (2 quotations)
The applicant for a certificate shall enter into a host community agreement with each affected local unit.
The host community agreement shall require that, upon commencement of any operation, the energy facility owner must pay the affected local unit $2,000.00 per megawatt of nameplate capacity located within the affected local unit.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 6.
Interconnection #interconnection
General definition, not from a record.
The connection between a power project and the electric grid, and the process of getting approval to make that connection.
From the record.
PA 233 treats equipment on separate parcels as one energy facility where it shares a single point of interconnection to the grid, and requires an application to include interconnection queue information.Sec. 221(i)Sec. 225(1)(m)
The record says (2 quotations)
“Energy facility” means an energy storage facility, solar energy facility, or wind energy facility. An energy facility may be located on more than 1 parcel of property, including noncontiguous parcels, but shares a single point of interconnection to the grid.
(m) Interconnection queue information for the applicable regional transmission organization.
Seen on: Caledonia file · Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 1.
Intervenor #intervenor
General definition, not from a record.
A person or body that joins a case as a party, with the right to present evidence and argument.
From the record.
Under PA 233, an affected local unit, a participating property owner, or a nonparticipating property owner may intervene by right in the commission's case on a certificate application.Sec. 226(3)
The record says (1 quotation)
An affected local unit, participating property owner, or nonparticipating property owner may intervene by right.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 7.
Leq #leq
Also: equivalent continuous sound level
From the record.
Short for “equivalent continuous sound level”, which the commission's filing instructions also call the “time-averaged sound level”: a sound level stated for a set time interval, expressed in decibels. For a period of one hour the instructions write it L1h.MPSC instructions, Attachment D, Sec. D3.1
The record says (1 quotation)
“Equivalent continuous sound level” also “time-averaged sound level” means 10 times the logarithm (base 10) of the ratio of the time-mean-square frequency-weighted sound pressure signal during a stated time interval and expressed as a decibel. The shortened form is Leq. To indicate the time interval, the shortened form can be “L” with the time subscripted as in L1h for a time period of one hour.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing.
Megawatt and megawatt hour #mw-mwh
Also: MW, MWh
General definition, not from a record.
A megawatt (MW) is a unit of power: how much electricity a facility can produce or deliver at one moment. A megawatt hour (MWh) is a unit of energy: an amount of electricity over time. One megawatt delivered for one hour is one megawatt hour.
From the record.
PA 233 states its size thresholds in megawatts, and adds a figure in megawatt hours for energy storage.Sec. 222(1)(a)Sec. 222(1)(b)Sec. 222(1)(c)
The record says (3 quotations)
Any solar energy facility with a nameplate capacity of 50 megawatts or more.
Any wind energy facility with a nameplate capacity of 100 megawatts or more.
Any energy storage facility with a nameplate capacity of 50 megawatts or more and an energy discharge capability of 200 megawatt hours or more.
Seen on: Project tracker · Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 1.
Mirrored record #mirrored-record
This site's own term, quoted from its pages.
This site's term for a copy of a public document that it hosts unaltered, as retrieved. Each file is published with a SHA-256 fingerprint so that anyone can verify it has not been altered since retrieval.Inside Michigan records libraryInside Michigan project tracker
The record says (2 quotations)
Every primary document behind the Energy Files, mirrored here unaltered
Documents are hosted verbatim as public records; each file's SHA-256 fingerprint lets anyone verify it hasn't been altered since retrieval.
Seen on: Records library · All projects · Project tracker · Corrections log.
Moratorium #moratorium
General definition, not from a record.
A temporary pause that a local government places on accepting or approving a kind of application.
From the record.
Under PA 233, a local unit of government with a moratorium on the development of energy facilities in effect is considered not to have a compatible renewable energy ordinance.Sec. 221(f)
The record says (1 quotation)
“Compatible renewable energy ordinance” means an ordinance that provides for the development of energy facilities within the local unit of government, the requirements of which are no more restrictive than the provisions included in section 226(8). A local unit of government is considered not to have a compatible renewable energy ordinance if it has a moratorium on the development of energy facilities in effect within its jurisdiction.
Seen on: Project tracker · All projects · Gustin Solar briefing · Records library. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 3.
MPSC #mpsc
Also: Michigan Public Service Commission, the commission, PSC
From the record.
The Michigan Public Service Commission. Its filing instructions describe it as “the state regulatory body in Michigan charged with serving the public by ensuring safe, reliable, accessible energy and telecommunications at reasonable rates”. PA 233 calls it “the commission”.MPSC instructions, Attachment BSec. 222(2)
The record says (2 quotations)
“MPSC” or “Commission” means the Michigan Public Service Commission, the state regulatory body in Michigan charged with serving the public by ensuring safe, reliable, accessible energy and telecommunications at reasonable rates.
Before beginning construction of an energy facility, an electric provider or independent power producer may, pursuant to this part, obtain a certificate for that energy facility from the commission.
Seen on: Project tracker · All projects · Records library · Gustin Solar briefing · The Law. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 2.
Nameplate capacity #nameplate-capacity
From the record.
In PA 233, the designed full-load sustained generating output of an energy facility. The commission's filing instructions say it is measured in alternating current (AC).Sec. 221(p)MPSC instructions, Sec. 2(a)(2)
The record says (2 quotations)
“Nameplate capacity” means the designed full-load sustained generating output of an energy facility. Nameplate capacity shall be determined by reference to the sustained output of an energy facility even if components of the energy facility are located on different parcels, whether contiguous or noncontiguous.
Nameplate capacities, measured in alternating current (AC), meet the following criteria:
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 1.
Non-participating and participating property #non-participating-property
Also: nonparticipating property
From the record.
In PA 233, a participating property is real property that either is owned by an applicant or is the subject of an agreement that provides for payment by an applicant to a landowner of monetary compensation related to an energy facility, regardless of whether any part of the facility is constructed on the property.Sec. 221(s)
From the record.
A nonparticipating property is a property that is adjacent to an energy facility and that is not a participating property. The statute spells it as one word.Sec. 221(q)
The record says (2 quotations)
“Participating property” means real property that either is owned by an applicant or that is the subject of an agreement that provides for the payment by an applicant to a landowner of monetary compensation related to an energy facility regardless of whether any part of that energy facility is constructed on the property.
“Nonparticipating property” means a property that is adjacent to an energy facility and that is not a participating property.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 3.
Planning commission #planning-commission
General definition, not from a record.
A local board that reviews land-use applications, such as site plans and special land use requests. What it decides, and what it only recommends, depends on the local zoning ordinance.
From the record.
Harrisville Township's zoning ordinance, for example, has its Planning Commission review a special land use application and the required site plan.Harrisville ordinance, Sec. 16.01(3), p. 46
The record says (1 quotation)
The Planning Commission shall review the special land use application and required site plan according to the requirements of the zoning district in which the proposed use is to be located, the standards set forth in this article and all other applicable requirements of this ordinance.
Seen on: Records library · Gustin Solar briefing · Caledonia file · Project tracker.
Preempt #preempt
Also: preemption
General definition, not from a record.
To take the place of a lower level of law on the same subject.
From the record.
PA 233 says that if a certificate is issued, the certificate and Part 8 preempt a local policy, practice, regulation, rule or other ordinance that prohibits, regulates, or imposes additional or more restrictive requirements than those specified in the commission's certificate.Sec. 231(3)
The record says (1 quotation)
If a certificate is issued, the certificate and this part preempt a local policy, practice, regulation, rule, or other ordinance that prohibits, regulates, or imposes additional or more restrictive requirements than those specified in the commission’s certificate.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Records library. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 5.
Public Act 233 of 2023 #pa-233
Also: PA 233, Part 8
From the record.
The Michigan law that added Part 8, “Wind, Solar, and Storage Certification”, to 2008 PA 295. Its effective date is November 29, 2024.PA 233, enrolled act headingPA 233, enacting clausePA 233, Part 8 heading
The record says (5 quotations)
Act No. 233 Public Acts of 2023
AN ACT to amend 2008 PA 295,
by amending the title and section 13 (MCL 460.1013), as amended by 2016 PA 342, and by adding part 8.
PART 8. WIND, SOLAR, AND STORAGE CERTIFICATION
EFFECTIVE DATE: November 29, 2024
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · The Law · Records library · Caledonia file. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 1.
Setback #setback
General definition, not from a record.
A required minimum distance between part of a project and something else, such as a house, a road or a property line. Where the distance is measured from, and where it is measured to, changes what the number means.
From the record.
PA 233 measures solar setbacks from the nearest edge of the perimeter fencing of the facility, and wind setbacks from the center of the base of the wind tower.Sec. 226(8)(a)(i)Sec. 226(8)(b)(i)
The record says (2 quotations)
The following minimum setback requirements, with setback distances measured from the nearest edge of the perimeter fencing of the facility:
The following minimum setback distances, measured from the center of the base of the wind tower:
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Records library. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 3.
SHA-256 fingerprint #sha-256
Also: hash, integrity fingerprint
General definition, not from a record.
A long code of letters and digits computed from a file's exact contents. If the file changes at all, the code changes. Anyone can recompute the code for a downloaded copy and compare it with the published one.
From this site's own pages.
This site publishes one for each hosted document, and says it lets anyone verify the file has not been altered since retrieval.Inside Michigan project tracker
The record says (1 quotation)
Documents are hosted verbatim as public records; each file's SHA-256 fingerprint lets anyone verify it hasn't been altered since retrieval.
Seen on: Records library · Corrections log · Caledonia file · All projects · Project tracker.
Site plan #site-plan
General definition, not from a record.
The drawings and description that show what would be built and where.
From the record.
Under PA 233, a site plan must include the location and a description of the energy facility, and a description of its anticipated effects on the environment, natural resources and solid waste disposal capacity.Sec. 224(1)
The record says (1 quotation)
A site plan required under section 223 or 225 shall meet application filing requirements established by commission rule or order to maintain consistency between applications. The site plan shall include the following: (a) The location and a description of the energy facility. (b) A description of the anticipated effects of the energy facility on the environment, natural resources, and solid waste disposal capacity, which may include records of consultation with relevant state, tribal, and federal agencies. (c) Additional information required by commission rule or order that directly relates to the site plan.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Records library · Corrections log · Caledonia file. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 7.
Special land use #special-land-use
Also: special use permit, SLUP
General definition, not from a record.
A use that a zoning ordinance allows in a district only after individual review and approval. The approval is often called a special use permit or special land use permit (SLUP).
From the record.
Harrisville Township's zoning ordinance describes special land uses as “those uses which may possess characteristics or qualities requiring individual review”.Harrisville ordinance, Article Sixteen, p. 46
The record says (1 quotation)
Special land uses are those uses which may possess characteristics or qualities requiring individual review to ensure compatibility with permitted uses in the district, with the character of the surrounding area, with available public services and facilities or with adjacent land uses.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Records library · Caledonia file.
Substation #substation
General definition, not from a record.
A fenced yard of electrical equipment, such as transformers and switches, where voltage is changed and power lines connect.
From the record.
PA 233 lists substations among the equipment and facilities that a solar energy facility includes.Sec. 221(w)
The record says (1 quotation)
“Solar energy facility” means a system that captures and converts solar energy into electricity, for the purpose of sale or for use in locations other than solely the solar energy facility property. Solar energy facility includes, but is not limited to, the following equipment and facilities to be constructed by an electric provider or independent power producer: photovoltaic solar panels; solar inverters; access roads; distribution, collection, and feeder lines; wires and cables; conduit; footings; foundations; towers; poles; crossarms; guy lines and anchors; substations; interconnection or switching facilities; circuit breakers and transformers; energy storage facilities; overhead and underground control; communications and radio relay systems and telecommunications equipment; utility lines and installations; generation tie lines; solar monitoring stations; and accessory equipment and structures.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Caledonia file. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 1.
Variance #variance
General definition, not from a record.
Permission to depart from a specific rule in a zoning ordinance for a particular property.
From the record.
Harrisville Township's zoning ordinance gives its Board of Appeals the power to vary or modify the ordinance's rules “by granting variances”. PA 233 says that if a certificate is not issued, the local zoning authority's power to grant variances remains in full force and effect.Harrisville ordinance, Sec. 22.10, p. 81Sec. 231(4)
The record says (2 quotations)
the Board of Appeals shall have the powers, in passing of appeals, to vary or modify any of the rules, regulations or provisions of the ordinance, by granting variances,
If a certificate is not issued, all local policies, practices, regulations, rules, or ordinances relating to the siting of energy facilities, including, but not limited to, the local zoning authority’s power to grant variances, remain in full force and effect.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Records library. Explained in Public Act 233 in plain English, section 5.
Zoning board of appeals #zoning-board-of-appeals
Also: ZBA, board of appeals
General definition, not from a record.
A local board that hears appeals from zoning decisions and requests for variances.
From the record.
Harrisville Township's zoning ordinance calls it the Board of Appeals and has it hear and decide all matters properly referred to it.Harrisville ordinance, Sec. 22.05, p. 79
The record says (1 quotation)
The Board of Appeals shall hear and decide all matters properly referred to the Board, or upon which the Board is required to act, under any ordinance adopted pursuant to Act 184 of 1943, as amended.
Seen on: Gustin Solar briefing · Records library.
Sources
Last verified:
Quotations on this page were checked against the text of these records. Page numbers are pages of the mirrored PDF file. General definitions are this site's wording and cite no record.
- Public Act 233 of 2023 (Enrolled House Bill No. 5120)
Michigan Legislature · Approved November 28, 2023; effective November 29, 2024 · retrieved 2026-08-07 from legislature.mi.gov · 10 pages. Printed page numbers equal PDF page numbers.sha256 f6c0877e099e2ec6a359b83cc300ae1a8895ef3ddce00293664d91b951d03dd0 - MPSC Certificate for Solar Energy, Wind Energy, and Energy Storage Facilities Pursuant to Public Act 233 of 2023: Application Filing Instructions and Procedures
Michigan Public Service Commission · October 10, 2024 · retrieved 2026-08-07 from michigan.gov/mpsc · 86 pages. Page references are PDF page numbers; the document's printed numbering restarts in each attachment.sha256 961a948e9e0475bf9a61b63ea4e7f0675b6f7de97cea195aa9bf03a5088b4c98 - In re Implementing Provisions of Public Act 233 of 2023, Michigan Court of Appeals No. 373259, opinion of May 7, 2026, with the amending order of May 14, 2026
Michigan Court of Appeals · May 7, 2026; amended May 14, 2026 · retrieved 2026-08-07 from courts.michigan.gov · 19 pages. PDF page 1 is the amending order. The opinion's printed page N is PDF page N + 1.sha256 9e9510dec2742b09551a564c20939a16c8903cf00bae5a366ec785320d437809 - Michigan Supreme Court, order of September 9, 2026, No. 170249
Michigan Supreme Court · September 9, 2026 · retrieved 2026-10-01 from courts.michigan.gov · 2 pages. Printed page numbers equal PDF page numbers.sha256 1c2de1f080462882a4cb97119eefd271760ff495ef2c362a8dd5012fee98634a - Michigan Supreme Court case detail for No. 170249 (docket data), captured October 1, 2026
Michigan Supreme Court · Captured October 1, 2026; the capture's own last-updated stamp is September 10, 2026 · retrieved 2026-10-01 from courts.michigan.gov. A JSON data file. Docket entries are cited by event number and date; other values by field name.sha256 e3b75327dc0a1696189192758c72eedeea529cabe07881e6172d511f734e670c - Harrisville Township Zoning Ordinance (adopted May 14, 2025)
Harrisville Township · Adopted May 14, 2025 · retrieved 2026-08-07 from harrisvilletownship.com · 90 pages. The ordinance's printed page N is PDF page N + 5.sha256 5cb9fe82e46297cd9192218cc1f4e0aef6a5affe6b9a6cf312cad61f0dde69c3 - Inside Michigan, records library page
Inside Michigan · As published October 1, 2026. A page of this site, quoted only to show how the site uses its own terms. - Inside Michigan, project tracker page
Inside Michigan · As published October 1, 2026. A page of this site, quoted only to show how the site uses its own terms.