Article 6 General Provisions: SECTION 6.100 Accessory Structures and Uses Section 6.101 Accessory Structures
Article 6 General Provisions: SECTION 6.100 Accessory Structures and Uses Section 6.101 Accessory Structures
General Provisions
ARTICLE 6
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 6.100
ACCESSORY STRUCTURES AND USES
A. General Standards.
The following shall apply to accessory structures in all zoning districts:
1. Front and rear yards. Detached accessory structures in any front or rear yard
area in any zoning district shall conform with the following standards:
(4) The width of the structure as viewed from abutting road rights-of-
way shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the lot width.
c. Sheds and similar detached accessory structures that are less than 200
square feet in floor area shall also be subject to the following:
(1) Such structures shall be prohibited within any yard area between
the front of the principal building or dwelling and any road rights-
of-way.
(2) Such structures shall also be prohibited within the required front
and rear yard areas of a waterfront lot.
(3) For non-waterfront lots, a maximum of one (1) shed less than 200
square feet in floor area shall be permitted within a required rear
yard area, provided that the structure shall be set back a
minimum of six (6) feet from the rear lot line.
2. Side yards. Sheds and similar detached accessory structures that are less than
200 square feet in floor area shall be set back a minimum of six (6) feet from all
side lot lines. All other detached accessory structures shall conform with the
minimum required side yard setbacks specified in Article 4 (Dimensional
Standards).
3. Corner lots and double-frontage lots. Also see Section 4.201 (Front Yards)
to determine how to apply yard standards to accessory structures located on a
corner lot or double-frontage lot.
A. General Standards.
The following shall apply to fences in all zoning districts:
1. View obstructing fences over four (4) feet in height shall be set back a minimum
of 25 feet from any road right-of-way.
2. Use of razor or barbed wire, electrified fences, spikes, and similar security
materials on any fence shall be prohibited, except as follows:
4. Walls and fences shall comply with the unobstructed sight distance standards of
Section 4.304 (Corner Clearance Areas).
5. Where one side of a fence or wall has a more finished appearance than the
other, the side with the more finished appearance shall face the road or adjacent
lots (see illustration).
6. All fences regulated by this Section shall be located within the lot boundaries.
Such fences shall be prohibited within any public or private road right-of-way,
the improved travelway or paved area of any established road, and within any
established ingress/egress easement.
7. All metal fence components in the R-1 (Single-Family Residential) District shall be
galvanized, painted, or otherwise treated and maintained in a rust-free condition.
Fences adjacent to the boundary of a lot or road right-of-way in the R-1 District
shall be limited to chain-link, ornamental, privacy, rail, and similar types of fence
as permitted by this Section.
B. Height.
Fences shall not exceed six (6) feet in height, except where the Planning Commission
may approve a taller fence for security purposes as part of site plan review.
1. Fence height shall be measured from ground level adjacent to the highest point
of the fence. Fill shall not be used for the purpose of achieving a higher fence
than otherwise permitted.
2. Where the grade is not level, the maximum fence height shall be equal to the
average fence height within four (4) feet of any fence post (see illustration).
C. Waterfront Lots.
On waterfront lots, it is the intent of this Section that the location, height, and design of
fences shall not obstruct views of the water. For this purpose, fences on such lots shall
be subject to the following:
1. Privacy fences and other fences that would block vision through the fence to an
extent greater than fifty percent (50%) shall be no closer than 25 feet from the
ordinary high water mark of the stream, river, pond, lake or other body of water.
2. Ornamental fences, rail fences, chain-link fences, and similar types of fences that
do not block vision through the fence to an extent greater than fifty percent
(50%) shall be permitted on private lots within 20 feet of the ordinary high water
mark.
D. Maintenance.
Fences and walls shall be maintained in good condition, so as not to endanger life or
property. Such maintenance shall be the responsibility of the owner of the property on
which the fence or wall is located. Rotten, crumbled or broken components shall be
replaced, repaired, or removed, and exposed surfaces shall be painted, stained or
similarly treated.
Any fence or wall which, through lack of repair, type of construction, or otherwise,
imperils life or property, shall be deemed a nuisance, and the Zoning Administrator shall
notify the owner of the property upon which the fence or wall is located of the existence
of such a nuisance. Such nuisances shall be abated within 30 days after receipt of such
notice.
E. Existing Fences.
Fences lawfully erected prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this
Ordinance that do not conform with provisions of this Section shall be considered
nonconforming structures subject to the provisions of Article 16 (Nonconformities).
F. Permit Required.
Construction, alteration or relocation of fences in any zoning district shall be subject to
approval of a zoning permit by the Zoning Administrator. It shall be unlawful for any
person to construct or cause to be constructed any fence upon any property within the
Township limits without having first obtained all necessary permits.
1. Other requirements. Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs shall comply with all
applicable provisions of the State Construction Code enforced by Gladwin
County.
a. A minimum six (6) foot setback shall be maintained from all lot
boundaries.
b. Pool decks and similar structures shall be prohibited within the required
rear yard area.
All other swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs, including those located on
waterfront lots, shall conform with the minimum required yard setbacks specified
in Article 4 (Dimensional Standards).
ILLUSTRATIONS
SECTION 6.200
LAND AND ENVIRONMENT
A. Purpose.
The intent of this Section is to provide optional open space preservation provisions for
residential development, as required by the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (P.A. 110 of
2006, as amended), for the purpose of preserving undeveloped land, prime farmlands,
woodlots, wildlife areas, historic sites and structures, unique landforms, and scenic areas
in the Township. The intent of this Section is to provide a means for grouping of
dwellings in the most buildable portions of a development site, so that the remainder of
the site can be preserved in an undeveloped state.
B. Scope.
Land in the A-1 (Agriculture-Conservation) or R-1 (Single Family Residential) Districts
may be developed according to the standard conditions and requirements of this
Ordinance, or in accordance with the open space preservation option of this Section.
1. No portion of the development site shall have previously been part of an open
space preservation option development.
2. If the open space preservation option is selected, such land shall be developed in
accordance with the conditions and requirements of this Section, and other
applicable standards of this Ordinance.
C. Development Review.
Applications for residential development approval under the open space preservation
option of this Section shall be reviewed following the same procedures used for review
and approval of a subdivision plat under the provisions of the Land Division Act (P.A.
288 of 1967, as amended), or a condominium subdivision (site condominium)
development under Article 13 (Condominium Regulations) and the Condominium Act
(P.A. 59 of 1978, as amended).
D. Required Information.
Applications for approval of a residential development under this open space
preservation option shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator. Incomplete or
inaccurate applications shall not be accepted for review, and shall be returned to the
applicant. At a minimum, such applications shall include the following:
1. Fees. Appropriate fees, as set by the Township Board, for review of the
proposed development plans.
2. Project narrative. The applicant shall provide a written narrative that explains
the project and its benefits. The narrative should specifically address all elements
of the project that would not comply with the underlying zoning district
regulations that would apply to the open space development plan.
E. Development Standards.
Every lot developed or to be developed with the open space preservation option shall
comply fully with all of the following requirements:
2. Minimum yard setbacks. The minimum yard setback standards of the zoning
district, as specified in Article 4 (Dimensional Standards), shall apply to lots
created under this open space preservation option.
3. Minimum lot size. The minimum lot size standards of the zoning district shall
not apply to developments under this open space preservation. Lots created
under this option shall contain adequate lot area, considering the dimensional
standards of this Ordinance for residential lots, to provide for development of a
principal dwelling and customary accessory structures without need for a
variance.
F. Conservation Standards.
The conservation easement(s), or similar legal instrument to be used to ensure that the
open space will be maintained in an open and undeveloped state in perpetuity shall be
subject to review and approval by the Township Attorney. At a minimum, the
instrument shall be irrevocable, shall run with the land, and shall convey all rights to
develop the land to a land conservation organization or other public body with authority
and ability to ensure that the open space will remain undeveloped.
After approval by the Township, the applicant shall record the conservation easement(s)
or similar legal instrument with the Gladwin County Register of Deeds office, and shall
provide proof of recording and a copy of the recorded documents to the Township.
A. Scope.
Lots lawfully existing prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance shall be exempt
from the requirements of this Section. The standards of this Section shall apply to:
1. All parcels proposed for development requiring review and approval of a site
plan, condominium site plan, or planned unit development in accordance with
this Ordinance;
3. All lots created on or after January 1, 2005 (the date of adoption of this
Ordinance).
B. Setback Required.
The following minimum setback areas shall be required from wetlands and watercourses
in the Township. Such setbacks shall be measured from the top of the bank or other
defined edge, and shall not be subject to topography:
1. A minimum 50 foot wide setback area shall be maintained from the edge of any
stream, pond, lake or other body of water, provided that no development shall
be permitted within the 100-year floodplain.
2. A minimum 25 foot wide setback area shall be maintained from the boundary or
edge of any wetland, open drain, or dedicated county drain easement.
1. This provision shall not apply to common household gardening, farming, general
ground care of a residential or agricultural character or normal soil removal for
basement or foundation construction.
2. All excavated overburden or other materials extending above the natural grade
shall be leveled or removed, and the surface of the entire tract shall be restored
to usable condition for development or agriculture. The excavated area shall be
graded so that no gradient of the disturbed area has a slope greater than 1:3
[one (1) foot rise in three (3) feet of horizontal distance]. The graded area shall
be seeded with an appropriate grass type and a vegetative cover shall be
established to minimize soil erosion.
1. These provisions shall not prohibit the use of outside toilets accessory to
construction sites, permitted ANIMAL AND AGRICULTURAL USES or temporary uses as
permitted by this Ordinance.
2. Outhouses, privies, and outside toilets shall comply with all requirements of the
Central Michigan District Health Department.
SECTION 6.300
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
B. Noise.
No person shall unreasonably make, continue, or cause to be made or continued, any
noise disturbance.
a. Sounds that exceed Ordinance limits. Any sound that exceeds the
specific limits set forth in this Section shall be deemed a noise
disturbance.
2. Exceptions. The provisions in this Section shall not apply to the following uses
and circumstances:
(4) Lawn care and house maintenance that occurs between 8:00 a.m.
and 9:00 p.m.
RECEIVING
TIME AVERAGE SOUND LEVEL
ZONING DISTRICT
a. Correction for tonal sounds. For any source of sound that emits a
pure tone sound, the maximum sound level limits of this table shall be
reduced by 5 dB(A) where the receiving district is residential or
commercial-noise sensitive.
C. Dust, Smoke, Soot, Dirt, Fly Ash and Products of Wind Erosion.
Dust, smoke, soot, dirt, fly ash, and products of wind erosion shall be subject to the
regulations established in conjunction with the Michigan Environmental Protection Act
(P.A. 451 of 1994, as amended), or other applicable state or federal regulations. No
person, firm or corporation shall operate or maintain any process for any purpose, or
furnace or combustion device for the burning of coal or other natural or synthetic fuels,
unless such processes or devices use or are equipped with recognized and approved
equipment, methods, or technology to reduce the quantity of gas-borne or airborne
solids or fumes emitted into the open air.
The drifting of air-borne matter beyond the lot line, including wind-blown dust, particles
or debris from open stock piles, shall be prohibited. Emission of particulate matter from
material products, or surfaces subject to wind erosion shall be controlled by paving,
oiling, wetting, covering, landscaping, fencing, or other means.
D. Odor.
Offensive, noxious, or foul odors shall not be allowed to escape into the atmosphere in
concentrations which are offensive, which produce a public nuisance or hazard on
adjoining property, or which could be detrimental to human, plant, or animal life.
1. Storage Tanks. All storage tanks for flammable liquid materials above ground
shall be located at least 150 feet from all property lines, and shall be completely
surrounded by earth embankments, dikes, or another type of approved retaining
wall capable of containing one and one half (1.5) times the capacity of the
largest tank so enclosed. The floor of the retention area shall be impervious to
and non-reactive with the contents of the tank. These provisions shall not apply
to approved tanks that hold propane or other fuel used for heating a dwelling or
other building on the site.
a. All primary explosives such as lead azide, lead styphnate, fulminates, and
tetracene.
b. All high explosives such as TNT, RDX, HMX, PETN, and picric acid
H. Gases.
The escape of or emission of any gas that is injurious or destructive to life or property,
or that is explosive, is prohibited. Gaseous emissions shall be subject to regulations
established in conjunction with the Michigan Environmental Protection Act, Public Act
451 of 1994, as amended, federal Clean Air Acts, as amended, and any other applicable
state or federal regulations. Accordingly, gaseous emissions measured at the property
line at ground level shall not exceed the levels indicated in the following chart that is
based on the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, unless a higher standard is
imposed by a federal state, county or local regulatory agency with jurisdiction:
J. Radioactive Materials
Radioactive material wastes and emissions, including electromagnetic radiation, shall not
exceed levels established by occupational and health standards and state and federal
agencies that have jurisdiction. No operation shall be permitted that causes any
individual outside of the lot lines to be exposed to any radiation exceeding the lowest
concentration permitted for the general population by federal and state laws and
regulations currently in effect.
A. Official Investigation.
Upon receipt of evidence of possible violation, the Zoning Administrator or designated
Township consultant shall make a determination whether there is reasonable cause to
suspect the operation is indeed in violation of the performance standards. The Zoning
Administrator may initiate an official investigation in order to make such a
determination.
continued use of the land. Data which may be required includes, but is not limited to
the following:
If the alleged violation is found to exist in fact, the costs of making such determination
shall be charged against those responsible, in addition to such other penalties as may be
appropriate. If it is determined that no substantive violation exists then such costs shall
be paid by the Township.
C. Appropriate Remedies.
If, after appropriate investigation, the Zoning Administrator or designated Township
consultant determines that a violation does exist, the Zoning Administrator shall provide
written notice of the violation to the owners or operators of the facility deemed
responsible, and shall request that the violation be corrected within a specified time
limit.
SECTION 6.400
OTHER PROVISIONS