The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act establishes the right to adopt comprehensive zoning regulations, and empowers the City to enact a zoning ordinance and provides for its administration, enforcement and amendment.

The City deems it necessary to enact said regulations for the purpose of promoting and protecting the health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare of its residents.

The City has prepared and adopted a Master Plan designed to conserve the character and social and economic stability of the residential, commercial, industrial and other use areas; by securing the most appropriate use of land; preventing overcrowding of land and undue congestion of population; providing adequate light, air, and reasonable access; and facilitating adequate and economical provision of transportation, water, sewer, schools, recreation, and other public requirements, and by other means, all in accordance with a comprehensive plan.

The City has identified districts and prepared regulations pertaining to such districts in accordance with the Center Line Master Plan and in consideration of the character of the districts and their unique suitability for particular uses, with a view towards conserving property values and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the City.