Michigan lawmakers propose bills to boost housing by updating zoning laws

Bipartisan group says reforms could speed up homebuilding process by removing red tape

Feb. 19, 2026 at 9:15pm

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A bipartisan group of Michigan lawmakers has unveiled a nine-bill package that focuses on updating the state's zoning laws in an effort to boost housing stock. The proposed measures aim to expand what people can build on their properties and who has the final say in the development process, with the goal of making it easier and faster to build new homes and apartments.

Why it matters

Michigan, like many states, is facing a housing shortage, with rising costs making it increasingly difficult for first-time and economically disadvantaged buyers to enter the market. Supporters of the legislative package believe that reforming zoning laws could help address this issue by removing regulatory barriers to new construction, though critics argue the bills ignore other factors driving up housing costs.

The details

The key proposals in the nine-bill package include: establishing a statewide definition of duplexes and allowing them in single-family residential zones; capping mandatory parking requirements at one space per unit; expanding who can protest a development from those within 100 feet to 300 feet; setting a 500-square-foot cap on minimum dwelling size requirements; prohibiting minimum lot size requirements of more than 2,500 square feet for single-family homes; creating a 60-day timeline for local governments to review development requests; and defining and allowing accessory dwelling units on single-family home parcels.

  • The legislative package was announced on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, but has not yet been formally introduced.
  • The House Regulatory Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Joe Aragona, is expected to take up a few of the bills this week.

The players

Joe Aragona

A Republican state representative from Clinton Township and chair of the House Regulatory Affairs Committee.

Kristian Grant

A Democratic state representative from Grand Rapids.

Michigan Association of Homebuilders

The trade association representing homebuilders in the state.

Michigan Township Association

An organization representing Michigan's townships, which has opposed similar zoning reform efforts in the past.

Michigan Municipal League

A group representing Michigan's cities and villages, which has also previously opposed statewide zoning reform proposals.

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What they’re saying

“The costs (of building housing) are rising. They're becoming incredibly unattainable, and that's why you have this bipartisan, bicameral group together to try and solve this issue, or at least solve part of this issue.”

— Joe Aragona, State Representative, Republican

“This package represents months worth of work by lawmakers who want to 'directly impact housing,' not just sound like they're trying to 'fix a problem'.”

— Kristian Grant, State Representative, Democrat

“The legislation is 'a disingenuous attempt' at solving the state's affordable housing crisis that ignores the reality of labor shortages, as well as rising material and land costs, in order to place 'the blame on local governments'.”

— Tom Hickson, Michigan Township Association

What’s next

The House Regulatory Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Joe Aragona, is expected to take up a few of the bills this week as the legislative package moves forward.

The takeaway

This bipartisan effort to reform Michigan's zoning laws reflects the state's ongoing struggle to address its housing shortage, with lawmakers hoping that reducing regulatory barriers could help spur more construction. However, critics argue the bills oversimplify the problem and fail to address other key factors driving up housing costs, underscoring the complexity of this issue.