MICHIGAN ATTORNEY ELLIS BOAL ON EXCLUSIONARY ZONING

"Exclusionary Zoning and the Saline Data Center: An Object Lesson"

By Ellis Boal, Attorney at Law

Original: May 7, 2026 | Updated: May 31, 2026

Overview

 Michigan attorney Ellis Boal examines the use of exclusionary zoning tactics in the context of hyper-scale data center development, using the Saline, Michigan case as a primary example. Boal analyzes how zoning mechanisms can be wielded—both by developers seeking to bypass community input and by municipalities attempting to fast-track projects without proper public process.

 Key Contributions

Legal Framework: Boal provides a thorough survey of relevant Michigan case law on zoning authority, land use, and municipal powers. His citations establish precedents that communities across the state can reference when challenging inadequate environmental review, improper zoning amendments, or violations of procedural due process.

Transferable Analysis: While centered on Saline, the paper's legal arguments and case citations are broadly applicable to any Michigan community confronting similar data center proposals. Boal explicitly frames the Saline situation as an "object lesson" a cautionary template for recognizing and resisting exclusionary zoning practices that sideline community voices.

Practical Utility: The paper serves as both a legal reference and an organizing tool, equipping residents, advocacy groups, and local officials with the doctrinal foundation needed to challenge problematic zoning decisions in their own municipalities.

Relevance

As hyper-scale data center projects proliferate across Michigan and the United States, often bringing significant environmental, health, and infrastructure concerns, Boal's work provides a timely legal roadmap for communities seeking meaningful participation in land-use decisions that affect their wellbeing.

Permissions

By permission from Michigan attorney Ellis Boal, we share his recently published working paper below.