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25-003686.pdf

Andrew A Schutte, Petitioner V Township Of Grand Haven, Respondent · 25-003686-TT

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Page 1

RECEIVED 

NOV 6 4 2025 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON |. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL ANSWER FORM 

VALUATION / EXEMPTION / CLASSIFICATION APPEAL 

MTT DOCKET NO. 25-003686 

Section 1: Respondent’s Contact Information 

First Name 

Ma 

Last Name 

Grand Haven Township 

Mailing Address {(No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

13300 168th Ave 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

Grand Haven 

MI 

149417 

Telephone es 1 6-842-5988 

Email Address {do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email} 

Section 2: Respondent’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information 

{} 

First Name 

ML 

Last Name 

Ashley 

Larrison 

Firm Name (if any) 

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

13300 168th ave 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

Grand Haven 

Ml 

49417 

Telephone re 1 6-604-6306 

Email Address {do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email} 

alarrison@ghtmi.gov 

Section 3: Subject Property Information 

Does the subject property have a Principal Residence Exemption of 50% or more? 

[| Yes 

No 

Are the parcels listed by Petitioner contiguous or adjoining? 

If not, list which parcels adjoin one another. 

[Ives 

[No 

Not Applicable

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETGHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 4: Explain Your Answer to this Appeal 

Upon audit of the Qualified Agricultural Exemption it was determined that more than 

50% of the property was not devoted to a qualified agricultural use and the exemption 

was removed by the Assessor for 2025. This decision was appealed to the July Board of 

Review by Petitioner, and denied. 

Section 5: Jurisdictional Issues 

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE TRUE CASH AND/OR TAXABLE VALUES 

Did Petitioner protest the assessment at a Board of Review {BOR)? 

Pyves 

[I] No 

if yes, check which BOR Petitioner attended: [| March 

[] duly 

[] December 

if no, was the Notice of Assessment properly sent to Petitioner prior to the March BOR? [W] Yes 

[I] No 

*Submit a copy of the Notice of Assessment with the Answer. 

if the July or December BOR revised the assessment(s} at issue, did it have authority? [mn] Yes 

[] No 

if yes, cite the Board's authority. 

Was the assessment(s) at issue established as the result of a clerical error or mutual mistake of fact? [Hm] Yes 

[Hl] No 

If yes, explain 

Is Petitioner appealing from a State Tax Commission Order? 

dyes 

Ono 

if so, what is the issue date? 

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE UNCAPPING OF TAXABLE VALUE

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Did Petitioner request a Poverty Exemption at a BOR? Od Yes 

[| No 

If Yes, check which BOR Petitioner attended: [] March 

[J July 

[] December 

List the date the BOR denied Petitioner's Poverty Exemption: 

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE DENIAL OF AN EXEMPTION 

OTHER THAN POVERTY, PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE, OR QUALIFIED AGRICULTURAL EXEMPTIONS 

Did Petitioner request the exemption ata BOR? 

Yes 

[mm] No 

If Yes, check which BOR Petitioner attended: [] March 

July 

[J december 

Tax Year(s) denied: 

List the date the exemption was denied: 

2025 

10/2024 

What statutory section did Petitioner request the subject property be exempt? 

Qualified Agricultural Exemption MCL 324.36101 

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY 

What do you believe the classification should be: 

Real 

Personal 

(check one) 

0 

Agricultural 

Commercial 

Industrial 

Residential 

Timber-Cutover 

Developmental 

Utility 

(check one) 

Section 6: Valuation Information use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels. 

Parcel Identification Number: 

Classification of Property: 

Real 

Personal 

(check one) 

a 

Agricultural 

Commercial 

Industrial 

Residential 

Timber-Cutover 

Developmental 

Utility 

(check one) 

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the BOR: 

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR: 

What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as True Cash Value)? 

Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value. 

If you believe the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value.

Page 4

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Page 6

Michigan Department of Treasury 

4031 (Rev. 09-22) 

July/December Board of Review Affidavit 

Issued under authority of P.A. 206 of 1893. Filing is mandatory. 

Assessment Year: 

2025 

07/17/2025 

08:09 

AM 

Petition/Docket 

#: 2025-0001 

The authority for July/December board of review action is stated in the General Property Tax Act, MCL 211.53b. The July/December Board of Review can take action 

regarding qualified errors verified by the assessor (MCL 211.53b(1), (8)). The July/December Board of Review can also take action under MCL.211.53b regarding a 

poverty exemption for the current year under MCL 211.7u; a qualified agricultural property exemption under MCL 211.ee for the current year; which has been denied 

by the assessor; a qualified agricultural property exemption under MCL 211.ee that was not on the assessment roll for the current year and one prior year; or a 

qualified forest property exemption under MCL 211.7jj(1) that was not on the assessment roll for the current year and one prior year. 

In addition, other statutes, such 

as MCP 211.7b related to the disabled veterans exemption, and MCL 211.7ss related to the eligible development property exemption, provide authority for the 

July/December Board of Review to take action. 

Form 3128 (L-4035a) must be completed by the Board of Review and made a part of the Board of Review records whenever a change is made to an individual 

parcel of property which causes a change in Taxable Value. 

PART A: IDENTIFICATION 

Owner Name 

SCHUTTE ANDREW 

Owner Sree AJaress 

City 

State 

ZIP Code 

6473 145TH AVE 

HOLLAND 

MI 

[49423 

Parcel Number 

Property School District 

Property Classification 

16-70-07-21-400-027 

GRAND HAVEN CITY SCHOO 

401 

Properly Street Address 

City 

State 

ZIP Code 

11355 168TH AVE 

GRAND HAVEN 

MI 

49417 

PART B: ADJUSTMENTS 

. 

Item or Taxing Authority 

Note or Millage 

Original 

Adjusted 

Difference 

GRAND HAVEN CHARTER 

Assessed Value 

JBOR 

116,200 

116,200 

0 

Taxable Value 

07/22/2025 

108,873 

108,873 

0 

P.R.E. 

0.00 % 

0.00 % 

0.00 9, 

Property Class 

401 

School District 

70010 

Classification 

Ad Valorem 

TOTALS 

Reason for change (see instructions on page 2): 

J Poverty Exemption 

PS aualified Agricultural Exemption 

- 

. 

Eligible Development Poperty 

[auaiied Forest Exemption 

I 

ere 

Explanation: 

AG EXEMPTION DENIAL APPEAL 

] Disabled Veterans Exemption 

| Qualified Error

Page 7

Michigan Depariment of Treasury 

Issued under P.A. 237 of 1994, as amended. Filing 

2598 (Rev. 05-11) 

is required if you wish to receive an exemption. 

Claim for Farmland (Qualified Agricultural) Exemption 

from Some School Operating Taxes 

Do you need to file this claim? 

If you answer "YES" to either of these questions, you do NOT need to file this form. 

* Is the property vacant and classified by the assessor as agricultural? 

(Note: Vacant property classified as agricultural is automatically exempt 

from some school taxes and the changes will be made on your next tax bill.) 

* Have you already filed the Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit (Form 2368) for this property? 

If you answered "NO" to both of these questions and the property is used primarily for agricultural purposes but is not 

classified as agricultural, complete this form and file it with your local township or city by May 1. 

if your property has a residence or other buildings on it, your assessor may ask you to complete this form, even though itis 

classified agricultural. 

Section 1. File a separate claim for.each qualified parcel. 

= 

og 

Name of Owner (first, middle, last) 

Andrew Alan Schutte 

Name of Co-Owner (first, middle, last) 

Street Address of Property Claimed 

11355 168th Ave. 

City and State 

ZIP Code 

Check one: 

Grand Haven Michigan 

49417 

Name of Township/City Where Property 

is Located 

County of Properly 

Township 

i! City 

Grand Haven Township 

Ottawa 

Enler the propery fax identification number of the qualified property you are claiming. This number is on ‘your tax bill or your assessment notice. Start at the {eft and leave 

any extra spaces blank. Use a full space for any hyphens {-} in the number. 

Section 2: Farmland. 

a. 

If this property is not classified as agricultural, is more than 50% of the acreage devoted to an agricultural use? 

7 

(Skip this question if your property is classified agricultural)... 

Yes Xi 

No J 

b. Does this property include any residences occupied by a persen who is not involved in the agricultural operation?................ 

Yes J] 

No X 

¢. 

Ifthe property includes a residence, has the occupant filed a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit (Form 2368) 

<i 

for a different residence?.....- 

i. 

— 

Yes Ol] 

No x 

d. Does this property include any buildings not involved in the agricultural operation? ......... 

No 

If you answered yes’ to items 2b, 2¢ or 2d, part of your property does not qualify. You must enter a 

percentage 

in Section 3. 

Section 3: Multi-Purpose Property. 

if you answered ‘yes’ to item 2b, 2c or 2d, give the percentage of the property value that is devoted to agricultural use. 

Exclude from this percentage the value of any property that does not qualify (see instructions on back). This information is 

necessary for your township or city to adjust your property taxes properly. (See back for computation.) ...

Page 8

2599, Page 2 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Overview 

In addition to the Principal Residence Exemption from local 

school operating taxes, the legislature has passed a separate 

exemption for fannland. Some people may have to file this form 

in addition to their Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit, 

Read the instructions carefully to determine if you need to file 

this form. 

Do You Need To File? 

If your property is already exempt as a principal residence, 

you do not need to file this form, 

Ifyou own vacant land classified as agricultural, itis 

automatically exempt and you donot need to file a form to claim 

your exemption. If you have a residence or other buildings on 

the property, your assessor may ask you to complete this form 

to determine if all the property qualifies. 

Il your property is not classified agricultural, but more than 50 

percent of the acreage is devoted to an agricultural use, you 

must file this form by May 

1, to claim your exemption, 

Qualifications 

Only the owner can claim au exemption. An owner generally 

is the person who holds the legal title to the property. An owner 

includes the buyer on a land contract, the holder of a life lease 

and the grantor of property placed in a revocable trust or 

qualified personal residence trust (QPRT). An owner may be an 

individual, or a legal business entity of any type. 

For property classified agricultural, qualified agricultural 

property is: 

1. 

vacant land; 

2. 

all farm-related structures; 

Farm-related buildings do not include those used for 

commercial storage, commercial processing, commercial 

distribution, commercial marketing, commercial shipping, 

or any other commercial or industrial use, 

3. 

any residences on the property if they are occupied by a 

person who is employed in or who is actively involved in 

the farming operation and who has not filed a Principal 

Residence Exemption Affidavit (Form 2368) for another 

residence. 

Property that is not classified as agricultural still qualifies for 

this exemption if more than 50 percent of the acreage is devoted 

to an agricultural use. "Agricultural use” means the production 

of plants and animals useful to humans, including (orages and 

sod crops; grains, feed crops, and field crops; dairy and dairy 

products; poultry and poultry products; livestock, including 

breeding and grazing of cattle, swine, captive cervidae, and 

Section 1. Identification 

Filea separate claim for each qualified parcel. 

Complete all items for the property that you wish to claim. If 

the farmland is located in a village, list the township where the 

farmland is located. 

Every township and city identifies parcels of property with a 

property identification number (PIN) that ranges from 10 to 

25 numbers. It usually includes hyphens and sometimes 

includes letters. This number is on your tax bill and on your 

property tax assessment notice. Find this number and eater it in 

the spaces indicated. If you cannot find this number, call your 

township or city assessor. 

Your property number is vitall 

Without it your township or city cannot adjust 

your property taxes accurately. 

Section 2. Farmland 

Answer each question in section 2 as it relates to the parcel 

identified by the PIN in section 

I. 

Item 2a: If you answer "no," your property does not qualify 

and you do not need Lo file this form. 

Items 2b - 2d: If you answer "yes" to any of these questions. 

you must enter a percentage in section 3. 

Section 3. 

Multi-purpose Property 

You may claim an exemption only for the portion of taxes 

related to the property used for agricultural purposes. 

Compute your percentage as follows. 

Value of qualified agricultural property 

< 100 

Value of total property 

Your local assessor can help you determine the percentage that 

qualifies. 

Appeals 

Your local assessor has the authority to approve or deny claims 

for farmland (Qualified Agricultural) exemptions. If you 

disagree with your assessor, you may appeal the decision to the 

local board of review. A board of review decision may be 

appealed to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. 

Interest and Penalty 

If it is determined that you made a claim for property that is not 

qualified agricultural lands, you will be subject to the additional

Page 9

Andrew & Jen Schutte live on and actively manage a farm (AJS Farms) since 2020. 

To establish AJS Farms as an officially recognized and protected commercial farming operation by the state of 

Michigan, on December 19, 2023 an inspector from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural 

Development (MDARD) evaluated AJS Farms, passing the farming operation on all points without issue. 

Exhibit 1 

On 12/04/2023 Andrew & Jen Schutte purchased 11355 168th Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417, this enabled us to 

establish another bee yard (commercial honey bee hive locations need to be at least two miles apart to prevent 

the bees from competing and ensure there's enough pollen in the area) in addition to creating another orchard 

of fruit trees (commonly planted near the bee hives). The necessary paperwork establishing the property as 

meeting the agricultural exemption requirements was filed before the May 1st deadline claiming agriculture 

exemption. Exhibits 2, 3 & 4 

In 2024 the 100% agriculture exemption for the 2025 tax year was granted. 

The 2025 notice of assessment was received by mail and the agriculture exemption was removed, effective the 

2026 tax year. Exhibit 5 

After several email exchanges with Ashley Larrison, 

it was communicated the exemption was removed due to 

an Ottawa County audit, as honey bees were not explicitly cited in the definitions of MCL 324.36101 section 

36101: 

(b) "Agricultural 

use" means the production of plants and animals useful to humans, including forages and 

sod crops; grains, feed crops, and field crops; dairy and dairy products; poultry and poultry products; livestock, 

including breeding and grazing of cattle, swine, captive cervidae, and similar animals; berries; herbs; flowers; 

seeds; grasses; nursery stock; fruits; vegetables; maple syrup production; Christmas trees; and other similar 

uses and activities. 

Key points: 

e 

The specified qualification is “plants and animals useful to humans”, per the MDARD AJS Farms 

inspection report (Exhibit 1) honey bees (apiary) are a regulated farming activity under the states 

definition. 

e 

The list starts with “including” and provides a wide range of agriculture items 

e 

Elsewhere in Michigan law honeybees are included in the definition list under livestock, example is 

MCL - Section 286.905: (g) "Livestock" means any cattle, sheep, goat, swine, poultry, captive cervidae, 

ratites, or equine animals used for food, fiber, feed, or other agricultural based consumer products, wild 

or domesticated game, or other nonplant life including fish or bees. 

Additionally we added a chicken coop and chickens to the property to both expand our egg laying flock but also 

to ensure the requirement were more than satisfied as stated in Under MCL 211.7dd:

Page 10

Referencing the STATE TAX COMMISSION QUALIFIED AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY EXEMPTION 

GUIDELINES as provided by Ashley Larrison, it states: 

Q: How does Property Qualify for the Exemption? 

A: In order to qualify for the exemption, owners of parcels that are not classified agricultural must file an 

affidavit, Form 2599, claiming the exemption with the local assessor by May 1. An assessor will use the status 

of the land on May 1st in making their determination for qualification. In situations where the land may not be 

actively farmed on May 1, the parcel may still be eligible for the exemption. For example, the land may be 

intentionally left fallow or the growing season for a crop in some parts of the State may begin after May 1, etc. 

The fruit trees and chickens were present on May 1st (unsure if they were visible from the road), however the 

honeybees arrived on May 12th (they spend the winter months in Florida). 

In summary, based on my understanding of the law, the combination of commercially keeping honey bees, an 

orchard and keeping a flock of egg laying chickens, the property in question qualifies for the agriculture 

exemption, and should be granted for the 2026 tax year and persist while the qualified agricultural activities 

continue. 

Pictures of agriculture activities taking place at 11355 168th Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417: 

24 bee hives, each producing about 100 Ibs of honey in the ~8 months they are in Michigan

Page 11

14 fruit trees 

Variety of egg laying chickens grazing on the property

Page 12

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT 

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP DIVISION 

P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, Michigan 48909 

RIGHT TO FARM PROGRAM 

www.michigan.gov/righttofarm 

Phone; 517-284-5619 

{In acoordamen CLS Soar et seq.) 

DATE 

CASE NUMBER 

. 

12/19/23 

RTF-393 

FARM NAME 

AGENT/OWNER 

AJS Farms LLC 

Andrew Schutte 

ADDRESS 

CITY 

STATE 

Zip 

COUNTY 

6473 145" Ave. 

Holland 

Mi 

49423 

Allegan 

SITE ADDRESS (iF DIFFERENT FROM 

TOWNSHIP/ 

ABOVE) 

VILLAGE! CITY 

Laketown Township 

Review Type: 

PHONE 

GAAMPs Review (Proactive) 

616-886-1523 

A. Operator's Request 

On December 12, 2023, Right to Farm Program staff received a GAAMPs Review request, Conformance 

Review Application, Letter, Site Map, and additional supporting documentation from Andrew Schutte of AJS 

Farms, LLC, requesting a review of the Care of Farm Animals GAAMPs and Farm Markets GAAMPs. 

Applicable GAAMPs that may apply to this operation include the Site Selection and Odor Control GAAMPs, 

the Manure Management and Utilization GAAMPs, the Care of Farm Animals GAAMPs, the Nutrient 

Utilization GAAMPs, and the Farm Markets GAAMPs. At the time of inspection, the operator requested a 

review of the Care of Farm Animals GAAMPs and the Farm Markets GAAMPs. 

B. 

Inspection: 

On December 19, 2023, 

| met with the following persons at 6473 145% Ave., Holland, Mi 49423, between 

12:30PM and 1:30PM: 

NAME 

Andrew Schutte 

Ruthann Steere 

This farm operation consists of: 

Title 

Owner 

Program Director & Head Trainer 

Business/ Associated Entity 

AJS Farms, LLC 

AJS Farms, LLC

Page 13

INSPECTION REPORT - continuation page 

FARM NAME / OWNER OR REPRESENTATIVE 

CASE NUMBER 

DATE 

Page 2 of 10 

AJS Farms, LLC; Andrew Schutte 

RTF-393 

2.28.24 

After my onsite review, the items related to the following GAAMPs should be noted: 

Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Care of Farm Animals (commonly 

referred to as the Care of Farm Animals GAAMPs). 

At the time of review on December 19, 2023, 

| was able to meet with Mr. Schutte and Ms. Steere of AJS 

Farms, LLC, and concluded that: 

e 

The Animal Care Plan written by AJS Farms, LLC, outlined appropriate practices regarding nutrition, 

transportation, environment, facilities and equipment, and health care and medical procedures for all equine 

located on the property. This plan was found to be in conformance with the management practices outlined 

in the Care of Farm Animals GAAMPs. 

o 

Additionally, 

| was able to observe that the horses on site had appropriate access to food, water, shelter, and 

area to exercise. 

Based on my review, this current livestock operation, is meeting and conforming to the details found in the 

Care of Farm Animals GAAMPs. 

Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Farm Markets (commonly referred to 

as the Farm Markets GAAMPs). 

At the time of review on December 19, 2023, 

| was able to meet with Mr. Schuite and Ms. Steere of AJS 

Farms, LLC, and concluded that: 

+ 

Per an email from Mr. Schutte on February 23, 2024, the transaction space utilized for the farm market on 

Mr. Schutte’s property is less than 120 ft? and, therefore, does not need to meet the 165 ft. setback distances 

from any non-farm residence. This was found to be in conformance with the setback distance outlined in the 

Farm Markets Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs). 

« 

Additionally, an email sent from Mr. Schutte on February 13, 2024, stated that greater than 50% of the 

average gross sales of farm products sold (farm merchandise, honey, and eggs) were from the honey 

produced by seasonal honeybees on site and from eggs produced by the chickens on site. This also 

conforms with the Farm Markets GAAMPs. 

Based on my review, this current Farm Market, is meeting and conforming to the details found in the Farm 

Markets GAAMPs. 

’ 

Based on the above review, this Farm Market is meeting the Care of Farm Animals and the Farm 

Markets GAAMPs at this time.

Page 14

INSPECTION REPORT - continuation page 

FARM NAME / OWNER OR REPRESENTATIVE 

CASE NUMBER 

DATE 

Page 3 of 10 

AJS Farms, LLC; Andrew Schutte 

RTF-393 

2.28.24 

I. 

ATTACHMENTS 

Property Lines 

DIGITAL IMAGE DETAILS 

Photo Number: 1 of 8

Page 15

INSPECTION REPORT - continuation page 

FARM NAME / OWNER OR REPRESENTATIVE 

CASE NUMBER 

DATE 

Page 4 of 10 

AJS Farms, LLC; Andrew Schutte 

RTF-393 

2.28.24 

Farm Buildings and Their Uses 

Run-in Shelters 

Supply Shed 

A 

Barn with Indoor Riding Arena 

DIGITAL IMAGE DETAILS 

Photo Number: 2 of 8

Page 16

INSPECTION REPORT - continuation page 

FARM NAME / OWNER OR REPRESENTATIVE 

CASE NUMBER 

DATE 

Page 5 of 10 

AJS Farms, LLC; Andrew Schutte 

RTF-393 

| 

22824 

Farm Buildings and Their Uses 

AQ Housing 

<5 

Hay & Farm Accessory Storage 

Quarantine Barn 

DIGITAL IMAGE DETAILS 

Photo Number: 3 of 8 

Date: 2.28.24

Page 17

A 

aed] 

INSPECTION REPORT - continuation page 

FARM NAME / OWNER OR REPRESENTATIVE 

CASE NUMBER 

DATE 

Page 6 of 10 

AJS Farms, LLC; Andrew Schutte 

RTF-393 

2.28.24 

Wa 

iin 

DIGITAL IMAGE DETAILS 

Photo Number: 4 of 8 

Date: 2.28.24 

Time: 9:06pm 

Direction: N/A 

Distance: N/A

Page 18

INSPECTION REPORT — continuation page 

FARM NAME / OWNER OR REPRESENTATIVE 

CASE NUMBER 

DATE 

Page 7 of 10 

AJS Farms, LLC; Andrew Schutte 

RTF-393 

2.28.24 

DIGITAL IMAGE DETAILS 

Photo Number: 5 of 8 

Date: 9.17.23 

Time: 2:25pm 

Direction: N/A 

Distance: N/A 

Description: First picture taken by Mr. Schutte of AJS Farms, LLC of the 

honeybee hives located in the field on AJS Farms LLC property South of 145"

Page 19

INSPECTION REPORT - continuation page 

FARM NAME / OWNER OR REPRESENTATIVE 

CASE NUMBER 

DATE 

Page 8 of 10 

AJS Farms, LLC; Andrew Schutte 

RTF-393 

2.28.24 

DIGITAL IMAGE DETAILS 

Photo Number: 6 of 8 

Date: 9.17.23 

Time: 2:25pm 

Direction: N/A 

Distance: N/A 

Description: Second picture taken by Mr. Schutte of AJS Farms, LLC of the 

honeybee hives located in the field on AJS Farms LLC property South of 145%"

Page 20

INSPECTION REPORT - continuation page 

FARM NAME / OWNER OR REPRESENTATIVE 

AJS Farms, LLC; Andrew Schutte 

CASE NUMBER 

DATE 

RTF-393 

228.24 

Page 9 of 10 

DIGITAL IMAGE DETAILS 

Photo Number: 7 of 8 

Date: 9.17.23 

Time: 2:25pm 

Direction: N/A 

Distance: N/A 

Description: Horse lots located on AIS Farms, LLC property on the North side 

of 145" Ave.

Page 21

INSPECTION REPORT - continuation page 

FARM NAME / OWNER OR REPRESENTATIVE 

CASE NUMBER 

DATE 

Page 10 of 10 

AJS Farms, LLC; Andrew Schutte 

RTF-393 

2.28.24 

DIGITAL IMAGE DETAILS 

Photo Number: 8 of 8 

Date: 12.19.23 

Time: 1:00pm 

Direction: N/A 

Distance: N/A 

Description: Horse lot shelter run ins located on AJS Farms, LLC property on

Page 22

N 

J 

Michigan Department of Treasury 

Issued under PA. 237 of 1994, as amended. Filing 

2599 (Rev. 05-11) 

is required if you wish to receive an exemption. 

Claim for Farmland (Qualified Agricultural) Exemption 

from Some School Operating Taxes 

Do you need to file this claim? 

If you answer "YES" to sither of these questions, you do NOT need to file this form. 

* Is the property vacant and classified by the assessor as agricultural? 

(Note: Vacant property classified as agricultural is automatically exempt 

from some school taxes and the changes will be made on your next tax bill.) 

* Have you already filed the Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit (Form 2368) for this property? 

if you answered "NO” to both of these questions and the property is used primarily for agricultural purposes but is not 

classified as agricultural, complete this form and file it with your local township or city by May 1. 

If your property has a residence or other buildings on it, your assessor may ask you to complete this form, even though itis 

classified agricultural. 

Section 1. File a separate claim for each qualified parcel. 

Mame of Owner (first, middle, ast} 

Andrew Alan Schutte 

Name of Co-Owner (first, middle, last) 

Street Address of Property Claimed 

11355 168th Ave. 

City and State 

ZIP Code 

Check one: 

Grand Haven Michigan 

49417 

Name of Township/City Where Property 

is Located 

County of Property 

Township 

IH City 

Grand Haven Township 

Ottawa 

Enter the property tax identification number of the qualified property you are claiming. This number is on your tax bili or your assessment notice. Start at the left and leave 

any extra spaces blank. Use a full space for any hyphens (-) in the number, 

Section 2: Farmland, 

a. 

If this property is pot classified as agricultural, is more than 50% of the acreage devoted to an agricultural use? 

{Skip this question if your property is classified agricultural. 

b. Daes this property include any residences occupied by a person who is not involved in the agricultural operation?....... 

No X 

c. 

Ifthe property includes a residence, has the occupant filed a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit (Form 2368) 

for a different.residence?......... 

Es 

won 

eee 

Yes M 

No = 

d. Does this property include any buildings not involved in the agricultural operation?........... 

If you answered 'yes' to Items 2b, 2c or 2d, part of your property does not qualify. You must enter a 

percentage in Section 3. 

Section 3: Multi-Purpose Property, 

If you answered 'yes' to item 2b, 2c or 2d. give the percentage of the property value that is devoted to agricultural use. 

Exclude from this percentage the value of any property that does not qualify (see instructions on back). This information is 

necessary for your township or city to adjust your property taxes properly. (See back for computation.) ........

Page 23

Under MCL 211.7dd, qualified agricultural property includes not only the property, but 

also related buildings on that property that are devoted primarily to agricultural use. 

A parcel of 

property 

is devoted primarily to agricultural use if more than 50% of its acreage is devoted to 

agricultural use. 

Additionally, “related buildings” include 

a residence occupied by 

a person 

actively involved in agricultural use and has not claimed a principal residence exemption on other 

property. MCL 324.36101 defines “agricultural use” as the production of plants and animals useful 

to humans. 

AJS Farms, LLC (“AJS”) is involved in the commercial honey and fruit business and is 

expanding its operations to the subject property (the “Property”™). 

AJS’s use of the Property for 

honeybees/honey harvesting and fruit trees/fruit harvesting constitutes an “agricultural use” under 

MCL 324.36101 as honey are fruit are useful to humans. Furthermore, 100% of the unoccupied 

portion of the Property is devoted primarily to the agricultural use as the honeybees’ foraging area 

extends at least two miles from their hive. 

The residence located on the Property also qualifies as agricultural property as a related 

building. The occupant is responsible for maintaining the grounds, including the fruit trees, which 

are used by the honeybees for foraging. 

The occupant also has not claimed a principal residence 

exemption on another property. As the residence is occupied by a person who is actively involved 

in agricultural use and who has not claimed a principal residence exemption on another property, 

the residence constitutes qualified agricultural property. 

In suminary, AJS is entitled to a 100% Qualified Agricultural Exemption because 100% of 

the acreage of the Property is primarily devoted to an agricultural use, and the residence is/will be 

occupied by a person(s) actively involved in that agricultural use and has not claimed a principal 

residence exemption on another property.

Page 24

Occupancy Lease Rider for Property Care 

The 

occupant 

(listed below) 

living 

at 

the property 

(listed below) understand 

and 

acknowledge the property is actively engaged in agriculture activities, including but not limited 

to: 

Keeping, raising, and harvesting honey from honeybees. 

Planting, growing, and harvesting fruit from fruit trees. 

e 

Other related and lawful agriculture activities 

as protected under the 

Michigan Right to Farm act. 

The individual(s) living at this residence are actively engaged in the agriculture operation 

including, but not limited to monitoring the honeybees, helping to maintain the grounds around 

[4 

the fruit trees and furthering the agriculture activities of the property, etc. 

Property address: 11355 168" Ave. Grand Haven MI 49417 

— yy 

- 

be 5 d02 

Property Owner: Andrew Schutte 

Signature: 

Al 

Date: 

wi Is; pol 

Individual living at the residence: Andrew Morgan

Page 25

ta Toga To 

THIS 

IS NOT A TAX BILL 

14400 

Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification 

ws 

id 

This form is Issued under tha authority of PA. 208 of 1893, Sec, 211.24 (¢} and Bec.211.34c, as amended, This is m modal assessment notice to ba used by the'local assessor. 

yj 

[FROM ASSESSOR-ASHLEY LARRISON 

PARGEL IDENTIFICATION 

GRAND HAVEN CHARTER TOWNSHIP 

PARCEL NUMBER; 

16-70-07-21-400-027 

13300 168TH AVE 

GRAND HAVEN, Mi 49417 

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 

11355 168TH AVE 

GRAND HAVEN, MI 48417 

PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE EXEMPTION. 

OWNER'S NAME & ADDRESS/PERSON NAMED ON ASSESSMENT ROLL: 

35 

% Exempt 

As "Homeowners Principal Residence": 

00% 

“reas AAUTO* ALY, FOR ARBC 493 

% Exempt 

As "Qualified Agricultural Property” 

00% 

SCHUTTE ANDREW 

11, 

0, 

6473 145TH AVE 

% Exempt 

As "MBT Industral Personal” 

00% 

HOLLAND, 

MI 49423-8914 

% Exempt 

As "MBT Commerclal Personal” 

00% 

[lpg 

t ee 

RE Bp dnt Hn 

geese] 

Exempt 

As "Qualified Forest Property”: 

|_| Yes 

No 

Fxempt As “Development Property™ 

[1 Yes 

No 

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 

__|_PART OF.SE_1/4.COM.N.01D.04M W 1326.05 

FT. FROM_SE COR, TH N 89D 49M 625 W 805 FT, 8.010 04M 

E 120 FT, S 89D 49M 

52S E 605 FT, TH N 01D 04M W 120 FT TO BEG. SEC 21 T7N R16W 

ACCORDING TO MCL. 211.34¢ THIS PROPERTY IS CLASSIFIED AS: 

401 

Residential 

PRIOR YEAR'S CLASSIFICATION; 

401 

Residential 

“Ths change In taxable value will Increase/decrease yotur tax bill for the 2025) 

PRIOR AMOUNT 

CURRENT 

GHANGE FROM 

: 

TENTATIVE AMOUNT 

PRIOR YEAR TO 

year by approximately: 

$2043 

YEAR: 

2024 

"| 

veaR: 

2025 

CURRENT YEAR 

1. TAXABLE VALUE: 

105,800 

108,873 

3,273 

2. ASSESSED VALUE: 

105,600 

118,200 

10,600 

3. TENTATIVE EQUALIZATION FACTOR: 

1.000 

Ro. 

ewe WE 

4. STATE EQUALIZED VALUE (SEV): 

105,800 

116,200 

10,600 

5. Theré WAS or WAS NOT a transfer of ownership on this property in2024 

WAS NOT 

+ 

6. Assessor Change Reason: 

The 2025 Inflation rate Multiplier is: 1.031 

pr 

~~ 

oe 

Questions regarding lhe Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification may be directed to the Following: 

Name: 

Phone: 

Email Address: 

ASHLEY LARRISON 

(616) 604-6306 

ALARRISON@GHTML.GOV 

March Board of Review Appeal Information. The board of review will meet at the following dates and times:

Page 26

Occupancy Lease Rider for Property Care 

The occupant(s) 

(fisted below) 

living 

at 

the 

property 

(listed below) understand 

and 

acknowledge they are actively engaged with the AIS Farms agriculiure operation on the property. 

Their 

activities directly contribute 1 the farm products that are commercially 

sold direct 

to 

consumers on the open market. Activities include, but are not limited 10: 

eo 

Keeping, raising, and harvesting honey from honeybees: 

13 acres 

© 

Defined as livestock by Michigan State Law 

* 

Planting. growing, and harvesting fruit from fruit trees: 19 acers 

° 

Keeping & raising chickens as they 

free range on the property: 94 acres 

ricubture activities as defined under the Michigan Right © Farm 

e 

Other related and lawful ag 

act. 

Total parcel acreage: 1.07 

S19 of total parcel average: 0.83 

Acers dedicated to agriculture activities: 1.26 

jC 

Area’ 0.94 ac 

4 

ND 

Parimeter 1,178.76 1 

{ 

= 

we) 

IB 

Acaoi3ac 

JE 

HE 

Perimeter 

320 150 

[I 

Property address: 11355 168th Ave, GrandeHaven, M1 49417 

og 

PALS 

Property Owner: Andrew Schufte 

Signature:

Page 27

eB 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON 

|. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Andrew A Schutte 

, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

Petitioner(s) 

v 

MTT Docket No.25-003686 

Township of Grand Haven 

; 

Respondent(s) 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

Ashley Larrison 

states that on October 29, 2025 

he/she 

[Name of person serving/mailing petition] 

[date of service] 

served a copy of the Answer formrecord card, BOR peiton 

relative to the above-captioned matter upon: 

[Provide name and address of the party/people being served] 

Andrew Schutte 

6473 145th ave 

Holland MI 49423 

10 

[Signatdre af pefson who 

is serving/mailing copy] 

Ashley Larrison 

[Print/type name of person serving/mailing copy]

Page 28

TIT 

[ll 

7019 

2970 

0000 

5648 

13300 168th Ave 

Grand Haven Township 

Grand Haven, MI 49417 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIB

PO BOX 30232 

LANSING MI 4890

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