Dexter Council Splits on State Housing Bills, Approves Opposition Resolution in 4-2 Vote

Debate highlights tension between housing access and local control

A divided Dexter City Council voted 4-2 at its April 27 meeting to oppose a package of state housing bills, with members clashing over whether the legislation would expand housing opportunities or strip communities of control over development.

The vote followed a lengthy discussion Monday night in which council members weighed the need for more housing against concerns about losing local authority over zoning decisions.

“This is another example of how communities can use land use regulations to provide housing opportunities,” Community Development Manager Michelle Aniol said. “The state wants to take that authority away, but you already do it. Not every community is as committed as you are.”

What the State Bills Would Do

The legislation, House Bills 5529-5532 and 5581-5585, aims to increase housing supply across Michigan by limiting local zoning restrictions.

Among the key changes:

• Minimum lot sizes for homes could be reduced to as little as 1,500 square feet
• Homes as small as 500 square feet could be allowed
• Duplexes would be permitted in areas zoned for single-family homes
• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as backyard apartments, would be allowed by right
• Parking requirements would be capped, generally at one space per unit
• Local governments would face stricter timelines for approving development proposals

Supporters: Bills Could Expand Housing Options

Councilmember Joe Semifero, who voted against the resolution, argued the legislation could help address affordability and housing shortages.

“We have people that work in town that can’t afford to live here,” he said. “They have to live ten, fifteen, to twenty miles away. We need other options.”

Councilmember Pavlo Popov echoed concerns about limiting property rights.

“I don’t feel personally comfortable saying that I demand to maintain the hold on the power of telling others how the property should be laid out,” Popov said. ” I think my job is to make sure that people have as much say as they possibly can.”

Opponents: Bills Go Too Far, Remove Local Voice

Other council members said the legislation, while well-intentioned, goes too far by applying a one-size-fits-all approach across the state.

Councilmember Sanam Aldag said she supports expanding housing but opposed the scope of the bills.

“There is a housing crisis,” she said, citing national shortages. “But I think having a blanket [policy] will restrict our communities from having a voice in how we are building our communities.”

Resolution Emphasizes Dexter’s Existing Housing Efforts

The resolution approved by council echoes steps Dexter has already taken to expand housing options, including allowing ADUs, permitting duplexes by right and reducing minimum lot sizes.

City officials argued those efforts show local governments can address housing needs without state mandates.

The resolution also states the proposed legislation does not adequately account for infrastructure capacity, private deed restrictions or broader economic factors influencing development.

Final Vote Reflects Divided Views

In the end, the council voted 4-2 to approve the resolution opposing the bills.

The resolution does not change local law but will be sent to state lawmakers as a formal statement of opposition. Mayor Shawn Keough noted the vote carries no direct legal impact, regardless of the outcome.