Municipal & Administrative Law
Our attorneys understand Municipal & Administrative Law.
Municipal and Administrative Law Services
Cunningham Dalman is known as a leader in municipal law, with a reputation that extends beyond Holland to all of Michigan. We represent numerous public entities, offering expertise in municipal, utility, road, transportation, and library law. We have served as special counsel for many communities, throughout the state of Michigan, which require our specialized knowledge of state laws and other pertinent rules and regulations.
We are also uniquely qualified to assist you in obtaining approvals from local government. We understand that the approval process of government in Holland and elsewhere can be complicated and cumbersome. We therefore do our best to professionally and aggressively assist you if and when you need to appear before government bodies such as planning commissions, zoning boards of appeal, city councils, or township boards.
Voted Best Law Firm in Holland, Michigan
Attorney Articles
Celebrating Our Recognition in the 15th Edition of Best Law Firms®
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—our firm has been recognized in the 15th edition of Best Law Firms®! This
Celebrating Our Firm’s Recognition in Grand Rapids Top Lawyers 2024!
We’re proud to announce that several of our attorneys—Tom Hillegonds, Rob Howard, Haans Mulder, Susan Vroegop, Ron Vander Veen, Brad
Medicaid Planning Seminar – Nov 2024
Cunningham Dalman will be hosting a Medicaid Planning Seminar on Thursday, November 21, 2024, 5:30-7:00 pm. We’ll cover important topics
Understanding Your Local Government Approval Process!
You may need assistance. Let our team help you understand the process.
Municipal & Administrative Law Services
Public Entity / Municipality Representation
Our attorneys provide special counsel for municipalities, public utilities, road commissions, public transportation, and libraries.
servicesObtaining Government Approvals
Our team fully understands & represents private parties in obtaining zoning & development approvals. This can involve local planning commissions and coordination with county departments.
approvalsMunicipal & State Law Expertise
Our municipal & administrative attorneys bring you wide experience and expertise in all aspects of local municipal law & successfully guide you through the process.Â
read moreOur Municipal Attorneys Can Help Guide You!
Looking out for you. Let us guide you through the process!Â
representing municipalities in challenging new times
Public Entity Representation
Public Entities We Routinely Represent:
- Municipal General Counsel - Cunningham Dalman serves municipalities with land use, zoning litigation, as well as defense against claims of improper or defective workmanship. If you don't have in-house counsel, please reach out to our Municipal & Administrative practice area and benefit from our experience across the state of Michigan.
- Utility Law - Our attorneys represent public utility providers such as electricity, natural gas, municipal water, public sewer services, telecommunications, and cable television.
- Road Law - Managing the public right-of-way is becoming more challenging for road commissions and road authorities. Right-of-way (ROW) projects include expansion requirements for roundabouts, additional traffic lanes, new streets for developments, intersection improvements, accommodations for new broadband or wireless infrastructure, county drains, municipal water & sewer improvements, and more. When condemnation becomes necessary to complete the project, road authorities need a firm with extensive knowledge in the proper procedures of acquiring property.
- Transportation Law - Public transit authorities must comply with government procurement requirements, regulatory compliance, contract bids, real estate matters, labor issues, licensing agreements and more. Our attorneys have assisted with service contracts across neighboring municipalities, bus shelter licensing agreements, Federal Transportation Administration grant agreements, dispatch software agreements, and related matters.
- Library Law - Unique laws apply to district libraries across the state of Michigan and complying with the Michigan Library Privacy Act. Our team assists townships & municipalities on library formations, amending existing library agreements, millage proposals, and library policies related to public use of the library (internet use, meeting rooms, behavior, etc.)
guiding clients on governmental approvals
Obtaining Government Approvals
Cities and municipalities adopt zoning laws & ordinances to control development. Master plans are designed for each community and designate which areas can be used for business, condominiums, apartments, residential homes, mixed-use, and more. If your proposed location requires a special use, variance, or environmental approval, you’ll want an experienced team on your side. We have experience working across multiple counties and municipalities in the state of Michigan.
Common Areas We Assist:
- Planning Commissions - If you purchase land with the intention of developing it, there's a good chance you'll have to get an approval from your local planning commission. Planning Commissions are typically charged with developing master plans for their community and ensuring all development fits the desired land use for each area. Preparation is key to being successful and having representation who understands local ordinances, zoning, and whether a variance may be required. Success in this process begins with understanding the application process and having someone experienced with your local authorities.
- Zoning Permits - Townships & municipalities have zoning laws which divide their communities into designated areas such as residential, business, industrial, agricultural, institutional, open space, mixed-use, planned unit development, historic, highway commercial, & more. If your planned development is being proposed in a location not zoned for your use, you'll be required to approach your local planning & zoning commission to request a special use or variance.
- Brownfield Redevelopment Projects - Many communities have adopted a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority / Board to support the redevelopment or cleanup of environmentally contaminated properties. Cunningham Dalman has a dedicated "Real Estate & Environmental Law" team who works in concert with our municipal & administrative practice.
expertise in helping you understand local & state government
Municipal & State Law Processes
Cunningham Dalman has served as general counsel for municipalities across the state of Michigan for decades. We can assist with land use & zoning litigation, municipal liability, worker’s compensation, employment law, negligence, and more. In addition to general counsel & municipal litigation matters, we also provide expertise & assistance in these other areas:
Expertise in Multiple Areas:
- Municipal Litigation - Our team provide general counsel in all areas of municipal government. These can be employment related issues, challenges to ordinances, regulations, & land use decision-making, environmental liability, equal protection, & more.
- Governmental Immunity - Local municipalities and city governments are granted some level of immunity in regards to tort lawsuits. There are exceptions to government liability in terms of maintenance of public roads & sidewalks, public building defects, sewage disposal events, negligent operation of municipal-owned vehicles, and others.
- Open Meetings Act / Freedom of Information Act - All municipal / city governments are required to comply with the Open Meetings Act & Freedom of Information Act. Our team is well versed in the laws and the best practices for municipalities to follow. The OMA requires all decisions on public policy be made in an open meeting to the public and private discussions via email or secret meetings must be avoided.
- Ordinance & Local Code Drafting & Enforcement - Local municipalities will often times need to draft or amend existing ordinances to address issues they are facing. Our ordinance drafting & enforcement attorneys will draft new ordinances and assist municipalities with enforcement as well.
- Planning & Zoning Matters - Municipalities will occasionally get challenged in court by developers when special use variances are denied or when another property owner believes a decision by the municipality was made in error.
Other Areas of Expertise:
- Construction Law
- Tax Assessments & Appeals
- Tax Forfeiture & Foreclosure
- Condemnation / Eminent Domain / Takings Claims
- Land division, platting, and condominiums
- Municipal Annexation, Incorporation, Consolidation, & Detachment
- 425 and Urban Cooperation Act Agreements
- Tax Abatements (Act 198, 225)
- Municipal Finance Interfacing with Bond Counsel
- Intergovernmental Agreements - Establishing Authority & Consolidated Municipal Functions
- Relevant State Laws
Municipal Law FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Here are just a few liability examples:
- Outdated infrastructure – roads, sidewalks, playgrounds, pools, and water & sewage systems
- Hosting big events – festivals, concerts, and conventions bring potential liability.
- Motor Vehicles – accidents caused by negligence of city employees.
- Civil Rights & Employment Law
