The smallest township in Michigan is Novi Township. It stands out due to its remarkably small land area, primarily because the surrounding city of Novi has incorporated much of its original territory.
Understanding Novi Township's Unique Size
Novi Township, once a standard 36-square-mile (93 km²) survey township, has been significantly reduced in size. Today, only a tiny remnant of 0.11 square miles (0.28 km²) remains unincorporated from the adjacent city of Novi. This makes it the smallest township in the entire state by total land area.
Its diminutive size also places it among Michigan's smallest municipalities overall. Novi Township is the third-smallest municipality in Michigan, trailing only the villages of Ahmeek and Copper City in terms of total land area. This unique situation highlights the dynamic nature of municipal boundaries and development in the state.
Here’s a breakdown of Novi Township's land area:
| Feature | Land Area (Square Miles) | Land Area (Square Kilometers) |
|---|---|---|
| Original Survey Township | 36 | 93 |
| Remaining Unincorporated | 0.11 | 0.28 |
The existence of such a small township is a result of the ongoing process of urbanization, where a city grows by annexing or incorporating land from surrounding townships, leaving behind small, isolated pockets of unincorporated territory. Novi Township serves as a compelling example of this phenomenon in Michigan's municipal landscape.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Wikipedia page for Novi Township, Michigan.
