Sorry to necro an old post, but I was trying to hash out the Michigan laws and saw this and figured it's probably still relevant.
Originally Posted by
Cedar Eater
there are horror stories about how even one complaint from a neighbor about smoke or steam or activity late at night can turn into a cease and desist order for violating zoning laws.
If anyone in Michigan ends up with complaints, be aware that sap harvesting and syrup production are considered agriculture activities and are protected by the Michigan Right to Farm Act. When it comes to zoning, if any farming activity is permitted within the relevant zoning class, then syrup production can't be restricted. There is even some question as to whether or not ANY zoning restrictions can be applied to farming activities (it hasn't been fully tested in court). So if your local zoning official starts being a buttinski, start talking about filing a complaint under the MI RTF act.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/right_..._not_all_local
2019 - 61 taps, 20" x 66" mild steel pan, block arch (8 gallons of syrup)
2018 - 7 taps in 5 Red Maples, 2 steam pans w/block arch (2 Gallons of syrup)
2017 - I thought I preferred "Lite" Fake syrup over maple.
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