MI HB4158

Development rights agreements expire at the end of their term unless renewed with landowner consent; compliant owners are entitled to automatic renewal upon written request for a minimum 7-year term.

State land use agency must send renewal contract copies to local governing bodies.

Farmland may be relinquished from agreements before termination if approved by local governing body and state agency: up to 2 acres (or 5 acres if needed for existing buildings) for pre-existing structures, or up to 2 acres for constructing a residence for farm operation personnel.

When development rights agreements are relinquished or terminate, a lien is recorded against the property for tax credits received in the last 7 years plus 6% simple interest; from July 1-December 31, 2009, liens recorded before January 1, 2009 may be paid at 90% of face value.

Lien proceeds are forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit in the agricultural preservation fund; liens are discharged upon renewal or re-entry into development rights agreements or when paid in full.