Zoning-Reuse of the physical structure - Ask Extension
I just re-read: Removing Spot Zoning From the Fabric of Zoning Practice, and, The Basics of Adaptive Reuse, (both MSUE articles) - as well as The Zo...
Knowledgebase
Zoning-Reuse of the physical structure #926179
Asked March 17, 2026, 3:03 PM EDT
I just re-read: Removing Spot Zoning From the Fabric of Zoning Practice, and, The Basics of Adaptive Reuse, (both MSUE articles) - as well as The Zoning Reform Toolkit. My question is - what do you do with that one-off vacant structure (such as a church) that is permitted in the particular 'residential' zoning district but has been abandoned? We know that the possibility of it being re-occupied as a church is almost non-existent - and turning it into multi unit housing may be over the top and not permitted with our density requirements. At the same time, IF you don't put it to some type of use, you will soon be dealing with a dilapidated structure. Do you back-step and amend the master plan to support new uses in the entire zoning district, then amend the ZO? Can you perhaps create a hybrid type of PUD that may be created in specific zoning districts (that may address particular issues)? By doing nothing, there is a greater likelihood of the dilapidated structure scenario becoming a reality.
Just looking for some futuristic planning super-power insight!
Benzie County Michigan
Expert Response
Bob,
Great to hear from you, I hope all is well with you, your wife and your children!
In truth, I have very little experience in this issue so I reached out to my MSU team. Our expert on this issue left the university several years ago. One of my teammates suggested that you reach out to the City of Ludington on adaptive reuse issues. Heather Tykoski (Community Development Director) or Shaun Reed (Zoning Administrator/Building Inspector) would be your best contacts.
The city uses Adaptive Reuse effectively—and has made housing and businesses out of delipidated/old buildings (often warehouses and industrial property). Adaptive Reuse is addressed in their newer Unified Development Ordinance (Section 7.02) – “Adaptive Reuse may be used as a tool to enable flexibility and growth in obsolete buildings which in residential areas are no longer used for their original purpose, but which may have appropriate re-use through creative design.”
I hope this helps!
Ryan
Great to hear from you, I hope all is well with you, your wife and your children!
In truth, I have very little experience in this issue so I reached out to my MSU team. Our expert on this issue left the university several years ago. One of my teammates suggested that you reach out to the City of Ludington on adaptive reuse issues. Heather Tykoski (Community Development Director) or Shaun Reed (Zoning Administrator/Building Inspector) would be your best contacts.
The city uses Adaptive Reuse effectively—and has made housing and businesses out of delipidated/old buildings (often warehouses and industrial property). Adaptive Reuse is addressed in their newer Unified Development Ordinance (Section 7.02) – “Adaptive Reuse may be used as a tool to enable flexibility and growth in obsolete buildings which in residential areas are no longer used for their original purpose, but which may have appropriate re-use through creative design.”
I hope this helps!
Ryan
