All zoning authority in the State of Michigan is governed by the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, MCL 125.3101, et seq.  The Act defines the responsibilities and the authority of the Zoning Board of Appeals.  The Zoning Board of Appeals performs three basic functions: 1) interpreting ordinances, 2) deciding appeals from previous administrative decisions, and 3) granting or declining variances.  A variance allows for a divergence from a particular requirement of the zoning ordinance.  CMDA attorneys handle all aspects of zoning and land use planning from project conception through municipal approval.