August 2019

An informative e-newsletter for the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Michigan Opens the Door for Commercial Solar Development on Farmland

By Stephen R. Estey and Lauren A. Evers, Dykema Gossett

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently made a significant policy change to allow for commercial solar energy development on certain land currently enrolled in the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program, commonly referred to as “PA 116 Land.” This new policy creates a substantial opportunity for solar development in the State, as approximately a third of the State’s farmland is PA 116 Land.

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Michigan Construction Lien Act Amendment

Wire Fraud Snapshot

By John D. Bartley, O’Reilly Rancilio

Under the Michigan Construction Lien Act (the Act), a contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or laborer who provided labor or materials causing improvements to real property could record a lien against such property. Public Act 367 of 2018 amends the Act to allow architects, professional engineers, and professional surveyors who have contracted with the property owner (design professionals) to also have lien rights even if no actual physical improvement occurs on the property.

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Legislative Report

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Join a Committee!

Take the opportunity to get involved by writing for one of our publications, presenting at a conference or seminar, or joining one of the committees that cover virtually every area in real estate law. See our committees and how you can join or see the committees you're already subscribed to.

Note to Committee Members:
Communication settings for RPLS Special Committee members have been changed to "Daily Digest." This means when a message is posted on your Committee page, you will receive the message the day after it is posted.

Write an Article

Interested in writing an article for the e-Newsletter? Contact co-editors Samuel Kilberg at SKilberg@dykema.com or Glen Zatz at gzatz@bodmanlaw.com.

Can't remember where you saw that e-Newsletter article? Check the e-Newsletter article index.

We are also looking for suggested authors and topics for the Michigan Real Property Review. Please contact Chair-Elect, Mike Luberto at mluberto@Chircotitle.com for suggested topics and ideas.

The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors, and they do not reflect in any way the positions of the State Bar of Michigan or the Real Property Law Section. These columns are meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication.