Charter Township of Delta v. Dinolfo
Michigan Supreme Court
351 N.W.2d 831 (1984)

- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
The Township of Delta (Delta) (plaintiff) had a zoning ordinance that restricted who can live in a single family dwelling to those related by blood, adoption, or marriage. The Sierawksi and Dinolfo “families” (families) (defendants) moved into homes in Delta, but each “family” consisted of a husband and wife, their children, and six unrelated adults. The residents were members of The Work of Christ Community and the homes were maintained to further their Christian lifestyles and function as a traditional family would. Delta issued notices to the families that they were in violation of the ordinance and brought this suit. The families applied for a variance from the ordinance, but it was denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Brickley, J.)
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