Michigan § 67.16 - Street or sidewalk grades; change; damage to property owner; payment; assessment.

Whenever the grade of any street or sidewalk is established, and improvements are made by the owner or occupant of the adjacent property in conformity to the grade, the grade shall not be changed without compensation to the owner for all damages to the property resulting from the grade change. The damages shall be ascertained in the manner provided by the uniform condemnation procedures act, 1980 PA 87, MCL 213.51 to 213.75, or agreed upon by the village and the owner or occupant of premises. After the damages are ascertained or agreed upon, the damages shall be paid by the village, or the council may cause the damages, or such part thereof as may be just and proper, to be assessed upon real estate to be benefited by the change of grade.

If the council decides to assess the damages, or any part thereof, upon the property benefited, it shall determine and define a district in the village which in its judgment is benefited by the improvement out of which the damages arise. The damages or part thereof shall be assessed upon the real estate in the district, in proportion as nearly as may be to the advantage or benefit each lot, parcel, or subdivision is deemed to acquire by the improvement out of which the damages arise. The property on account of which the damages were awarded shall not be included in the district. The assessment shall be made, and the amount levied and collected in the same manner as other assessments on a district deemed to be benefited, in the grading and improvement of streets, as provided by law; and the provisions of chapter VIII relative to special assessments shall apply. The damages determined upon by the village or determined and collected by special assessment shall be paid to the person entitled to the damages.