The commercial and industrial districts are established as follows:
A. 
C-1 Local Business District.
B. 
C-2 General Business District.
C. 
M-1 Light Industrial District.
The regulations of these districts are intended to accommodate anticipated commercial and industrial development within the Township. Development will occur in specific locations and with certain characteristics as suggested in the Putnam Township Master Plan. Further:
A. 
The C-1 Local Business District is intended to provide convenient, small-scale retail services to nearby residential neighborhoods. Developments will be designed to limit impacts on surrounding areas through quality building and site design, low-level lighting, well-screened parking, and safely located driveways. Development will occur in concentrated patterns and will not be in the form of commercial strips along streets and highways.
B. 
The C-2 General Business District is intended to provide for larger-scale commercial development generally adjacent to the Village of Pinckney. Development will be highly concentrated, rather than spread out, to avoid strip-style patterns. Design standards for the site and buildings will ensure compatibility with surroundings and be respectful of Township character.
C. 
The M-1 Light Industrial District is intended to provide for low-intensity industrial uses and small-scale vehicle service and repair facilities. Uses allowed are those that are those that are low intensity with a minimum impact (if any) on surrounding properties.
A. 
All commercial and industrial districts:
(1) 
Commercial and industrial building lots without public sewer and/or water service shall be of sufficient size and dimensions, regardless of minimum lot area and lot width, as to allow the development of an approved water supply and/or on-site sewage disposal system.
(2) 
Front yard setbacks shall be measured from the planned right-of-way boundary as established by the Livingston County Road Commission for collector roads, thoroughfares and state highways.
B. 
M-1 Light Industrial District: perimeter controls. M-1 uses shall be enclosed on all sides that are next to nonindustrial land uses, within a fence built according to § 340-22 of this chapter, and by a buffer strip 20 feet wide that shall lie between a fence and the lot line. The fences and buffer shall provide effective screening of the industrial operation.
[Amended 11-18-2015 by Ord. No. Z-83]
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide a set of architectural design requirements and exterior building wall material standards, the intent of which is to enhance the visual environment of the Township. Furthermore, the review of exterior building design and the consistent administration of standards can help to maintain the Township's sense of place and rural character by encouraging consistent quality and character when structures are built or redeveloped. All development shall utilize quality architecture to ensure that a building is compatible with surrounding uses, protects the investment of adjacent landowners, blends harmoniously into the streetscape, and maintains a positive image for the Township's various commercial shopping districts.
B. 
Applicability. This section shall apply to any development within the C-1 or C-2 District. Architecture shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission as a part of site plan review under the requirements of this section.
C. 
Architectural elements:
(1) 
Building facades 100 feet in width or greater shall incorporate recesses and projections along at least 20% of the width of the facade. Windows, door openings, awnings, and arcades must total at least 60% of a facade width abutting a right-of-way.
(2) 
Architectural interest shall be provided through the use of repeating patterns of changes in color, texture and material modules. At least one of these elements shall repeat horizontally. All elements should repeat at intervals of no more than 50 feet, either horizontally or vertically.
(3) 
There shall be variations in rooflines to reduce the massive scale of the structure and add visual interest. Roofs shall have at least two of the following features: parapets concealing flat roofs and rooftop equipment, overhanging eaves, sloped roofs, and three or more roof surfaces.
(4) 
Each principal building with an anchor tenant shall have a clearly defined, highly visible customer entrance with features such as canopies or porticos, arcades, arches, wing walls, and integral planters.
D. 
Wall materials. The use of exterior wall materials on walls that are visible from a public or private road or a parking lot shall be in compliance with Table 31: Schedule of Regulating Exterior Building Wall Materials.
Table 31: Schedule of Exterior Building Wall Materials
Building Material
Maximum Amount of Building Wall Area that Can Be Covered1
Brick or face brick
100%
Stone
100%
Split-face block
25%
Scored concrete block
25%
Plain concrete block
25%
Cast stone
100%
Precast concrete
25%
Concrete formed in place
25%
Metal2
25%
Reflective glass
50%
Glass block
50%
Wood siding
25%
Vinyl siding or Hardie (fiber cement) board
25%
Finishes3
25%
NOTES:
1
Within the C-1 and C-2 Districts, all walls exposed to public view from the street or an adjacent residential area shall be constructed of not less than 75% brick, face brick, stone or cast stone.
2
Flat sheets and seamed or ribbed panels, including aluminum, porcelain and stainless steel and similar material. Such materials shall not be used where contact with vehicles may occur, such as parking areas, traffic ways, and loading areas, unless such walls are adequately protected to prevent damage.
3
Includes fiberglass, reinforced concrete, polymer plastic (Fypon®), exterior insulating and finishing systems (EIFS), plaster, stucco and similar materials. Such materials shall not be used where contact with vehicles may occur, such as parking areas, traffic ways, and loading areas, unless such walls are adequately protected to prevent damage.
E. 
Allowance for other materials. When a particular building design and the materials or combinations of materials proposed to be used are found by the Planning Commission to be in keeping with the intent and purpose of this section, in consideration of the character of surrounding uses and the design recommendations of the master plan, but which may differ from the strict application of the schedule regulating materials use of this section (e.g., use of new materials not covered in the schedule of exterior building wall materials), the Planning Commission may waive the requirements of this section pertaining to materials.
F. 
Compatible design. Building and sign materials and colors shall relate well and be harmonious with the surrounding area. Buildings shall consider the scale and proportion of existing structures in the area. Roof shape and materials shall be architecturally compatible with adjacent buildings and enhance the predominant streetscape. Subtle earth-tone colors shall be used for building and roofing material.
G. 
Miscellaneous design elements.
(1) 
Loading docks, trash collection, outdoor storage and similar facilities and functions shall be incorporated into the overall design of the building and the landscaping so that the visual and acoustic impacts of these functions are fully contained and out of view from adjacent properties and public streets. Use of screening materials that are different from or inferior to the principal materials of the building and landscape is prohibited.
(2) 
Each retail establishment must contribute to the establishment or enhancement of the community and public spaces by providing at least two community amenities such as a patio/seating area, water feature, clock tower, pedestrian plaza with benches, public art, etc.
H. 
Site elements. Signs and other site features shall be designed and located on the site so that the proposed development is aesthetically compatible and harmonious with nearby developments. Sign bases shall be constructed of material which is compatible with the principal building. Developments shall provide site features such as decorative entry signs, ornamental lighting, pedestrian furniture and/or fountains.
I. 
Existing buildings. Where additions or remodeling of existing buildings is proposed, the following standards shall apply:
(1) 
Where a new wall material is proposed for an existing building wall, only that portion of the building being altered shall be subject to the standards of this section. However, in considering the proposed alteration, the Planning Commission may modify the material requirements of this section where it will be consistent with the architecture of the entire building.
(2) 
Where an addition is proposed to an existing building, the Planning Commission may allow the use of existing wall materials for the addition, provided that the design of the alteration is consistent with the existing building wall design.
(3) 
Any change to a building or design that was approved subject to this section shall be processed in the same manner as the original approval.
[Amended 2-16-2011 by Ord. No. 52; 3-16-2011 by Ord. No. 54; 3-18-2015 by Ord. No. Z-77; 2-20-2019 by Ord. No. Z-97; 2-17-2021 by Ord. No. Z-108]
The following abbreviations apply to the Table of Uses for the Commercial and Industrial Districts:
P
Permitted use: land and/or buildings in this district may be used for the purposes listed by right.
SLU
Special land use permit: listed uses may be permitted by obtaining special land use approval, subject to the standards and procedures cited in Article XIII of this chapter.
NP
Not permitted.
TU
Temporary use approval when all applicable standards cited in § 340-24 are met.
Table 32: Table of Uses, Commercial and Industrial Districts
C-1
C-2
M-1
Accessory Uses
Any structure or use customarily incidental to the principal uses
P
P
P
Horse shows, when accessory to an approved public/commercial stable (see § 340-24E)
TU
TU
NP
Outdoor storage and sales areas
NP
SLU
SLU
On-site housing for custodial or plant security personnel
NP
NP
NP
Principal Uses:
Institutional Uses
Business schools and colleges, or private schools operated for profit
NP
P
NP
Educational facilities such as zoological gardens, wildlife preserves and bird sanctuaries, and botanical gardens and arboretums
SLU
SLU
NP
Commercial child day-care centers
SLU
SLU
NP
Public buildings and facilities, including town halls, fire and police stations, and libraries, but not including publicly owned and operated warehouses, garages, or storage yards
P
P
P
Fairgrounds
NP
SLU
NP
Hospital, general
SLU
SLU
NP
Museums
NP
P
NP
Places of worship
NP
SLU
NP
Public utility buildings, telephone exchange buildings, electric transformer stations and substations, and gas regulator stations
SLU
SLU
SLU
Commercial, Service or Retail Uses
Agricultural service establishments
NP
P
P
Bus passenger stations
NP
P
NP
Bowling alleys
NP
P
NP
Commercial sporting facilities, small-scale
SLU
SLU
NP
Commercial sporting facilities, large-scale
NP
SLU
SLU
Dry cleaner (dropoff only) or laundromat
P
P
P
Garden centers and nurseries, subject to the requirements of § 340-123
P
P
P
Theaters, assembly halls, auditoriums and similar places of public assembly
NP
SLU
NP
Campgrounds
SLU
SLU
NP
Public/commercial stables
SLU
SLU
NP
Kennels, public/commercial
NP
SLU
NP
Wireless telecommunications/radio and television transmission towers
NP
SLU
SLU
Private clubs, fraternal, and lodge halls
NP
SLU
NP
Vehicle repair establishment, with or without fuel sales, major repair
NP
SLU
SLU
Vehicle repair establishment, with or without fuel sales, minor repair, subject to the requirements of § 340-141
NP
SLU
P
Vehicle service stations with fuel sales, including minor vehicle repair, subject to the requirements of § 340-142
NP
SLU
P
Vehicle wash establishments
NP
SLU
SLU
Banks and similar financial institutions without exterior ATMs and/or drive-through services
P
P
NP
Drive-through facilities for businesses other than restaurants (i.e., banks, pharmacies, dry-cleaning dropoff, etc.)
SLU
SLU
NP
Commercial parks and picnic areas
SLU
SLU
NP
Executive and administrative offices
P
P
NP
Mortuary establishments
NP
SLU
NP
Open-air businesses
NP
SLU
NP
Professional offices of doctors, lawyers, accountants, dentists and similar professions
P
P
NP
Restaurants, taverns and other places serving food or beverages
P
P
NP
Restaurants, taverns and other places serving food or beverages providing live entertainment
SLU
SLU
NP
Restaurants with drive-in or drive-through facilities
SLU
SLU
NP
Retail establishments, with a gross floor area up to 10,000 square feet
P
P
NP
Retail establishments, with a gross floor area between 10,001 and 20,000 square feet
SLU
P
NP
Retail establishments, with a gross floor area of more than 20,000 square feet
NP
SLU
NP
Service-related establishments
P
P
NP
Veterinary clinics, not including large animals and livestock, subject to the requirements of § 340-144
SLU
P
NP
Adult uses
NP
NP
SLU
Pawnshops
NP
SLU
SLU
Industrial uses
Dry-cleaning and rug-cleaning plants and industrial laundries
NP
NP
P
Research and testing laboratories
NP
NP
P
Light manufacture, fabrication, and/or processing of goods, wares and merchandise
NP
NP
P
Self-storage buildings
NP
SLU
SLU
Distribution centers, wholesale stores, storage buildings and warehouses, truck terminals, freezer locker plants and cold storage
NP
NP
P
Sanitary services, including portable toilets and waste hauling, not including landfills or waste storage
NP
NP
P
No lot, principal building, or structure, nor the enlargement of any principal building or structure, shall be hereafter erected unless all of the following requirements are met and maintained in connection with the use of the lot, principal building, structure, or enlargement.
Table 33: Commercial and Industrial District Regulations
C-1
C-2
M-1
Minimum lot area
30,000 square feet
1 acre
1 acre
Minimum lot width
120 feet
120 feet
165 feet
Minimum front yard setback
50 feet
50 feet
40 feet
Minimum side yard setback
Minimum, one side
20 feet
20 feet
40 feet
Total
40 feet
40 feet
80 feet
Adjoining residential district
35 feet
40 feet
50 feet
Minimum rear yard setback
Adjoining nonresidential districts
40 feet
50 feet
50 feet
Adjoining residential district
50 feet
60 feet
70 feet
Maximum lot coverage
N/A
N/A
35%
Maximum building height
1 story or 20 feet
2 stories or 30 feet
2 stories or 30 feet
Maximum building size (gross floor area)
10,000 square feet GFA
N/A
N/A
A. 
General parking requirements are listed in Article XV of this chapter. Certain special land uses may have separate parking requirements listed in Article XIII of this chapter.
B. 
The following specific requirements shall apply to the commercial and industrial districts. For uses not specifically listed in Table 34 or in Article XIII, the Zoning Administrator shall determine if the use is similar to those listed below and apply the requirements of the similar use. If no similar use is identified, the proprietor of the use shall provide information related to daily traffic, trip generation, hours of operation, etc., sufficient to allow the Zoning Administrator to determine an appropriate parking space requirement. The decision of the Zoning Administrator may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Table 34: Parking Requirements, Commercial and Industrial Districts
Use
Parking Requirement
Spaces Per Unit of Measurement
Institutional
Business schools and colleges, or private schools operated for profit
1 for each 200 square feet of GFA
Educational facilities such as zoological gardens, wildlife preserves and bird sanctuaries, and botanical gardens and arboretums
1 for each 1,000 square feet of usable floor area within a visitor's center, museum, etc. plus 1 per employee
Child day-care centers
1 for each employee, plus 1 for each 5 children
Public buildings and facilities, including town halls, fire and police stations, and libraries, but not including publicly owned and operated warehouses, garages, or storage yards
1 for each 200 square feet of GFA
Fairgrounds
1 for each 1,500 square feet of land area devoted to the fair, open-air market, arcade, concessions, etc.
Hospitals
1 for each 4 beds and 1 for each 2 employees and/or members of the staff
Museums
1 space for each 1,000 square feet of usable floor area
Commercial
Agricultural service establishments
1 space for each 300 square feet of usable floor area used for retail or office, plus 1 for each 1,000 square feet of usable floor area dedicated to vehicle showrooms
Bus passenger stations
1 for each 200 square feet of GFA, plus required parking for accessory uses such as restaurants, cafes, etc.
Bowling alleys
5 for each 1 bowling lane, plus parking for any other uses such as restaurants
Dry cleaner (dropoff only) or laundromat
3 spaces for dropoff areas, plus 1 space for each 3 washing machines
Private clubs, fraternal or lodge halls
1 for each 3 persons allowed within the maximum occupancy load as established by county or state fire, building, or health codes
Banks and similar financial institutions without exterior ATMs and/or drive-through services
1 for each 200 square feet of UFA
Executive and administrative offices
1 for each 200 square feet of UFA
Professional offices of doctors, lawyers, dentists, accountants, veterinarians or similar professions
1 for each 15 square feet of UFA in waiting rooms, and 1 additional space for each examining room, dental chair or similar use area
Restaurants, taverns and other places serving food or beverages
3 for each 100 square feet of UFA
Retail establishments
1 for each 300 square feet of UFA
Service related establishments, other than beauty parlors/barber shops
1 for each 800 square feet of UFA; for any floor area used in processing, one additional space shall be provided for each 2 processing employees
Beauty parlor or barber shop
3 spaces for each of the first 2 beauty or barber chairs, and 1 1/2 spaces for each additional chair
Veterinarians and small animal hospitals, if all activities are conducted within an enclosed building.
1 space per each 100 square feet in waiting areas, plus 1 space per employee
Industrial
Research and testing laboratories
5, plus 1 for every 1 1/2 employees in the largest working shift, or 1 for every 550 square feet of UFA, or whatever is determined to be the greater; space on site shall also be provided for all construction workers during periods of plant construction
Light manufacture, fabrication, and/or processing of goods, wares and merchandise
1 space per each employee on the maximum shift; for uses with more than 1 work shift, 1 additional space per each 10 employees is also required
Self-storage buildings and warehouses
3 spaces, plus 1 space for each 20 units less than 50 square feet GFA. and 1 space for each 10 units 50 square feet GFA or greater
Distribution centers, wholesale stores, storage buildings and warehouses, truck terminals, freezer locker plants and cold storage
5 plus one for every 1 employee in the largest working shift, or 1 for every 1,700 square feet of UFA, whatever is greater
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former § 340-88, Signs, was repealed 4-16-2014 by Ord. No. Z-72. See now § 340-159.
Establishment of new uses and expansion of existing uses are subject to the review requirements in Table 36:
Table 36: Review Requirements, Commercial and Industrial Districts
Review Process
When Required
Applicable Article
Zoning compliance permit
All new construction
Article XVII
Additions and construction over 100 square feet to principal or accessory buildings
Preliminary site plan review
All permitted uses except farms and single-family residences
Article XIV
All special land uses (concurrent with SLU review)
Final site plan review
All permitted uses, except farms and single-family residences, that have received preliminary site plan approval
Article XIV
All special land uses that have received preliminary site plan approval and special land use approval
Special land uses
All special land uses in Table 32
Article XIII
Rezoning
To change the zoning district classification of property within the commercial and industrial districts
Article XIII
Variance
To vary from the dimensional requirements of the commercial and industrial districts
Article XVI