Heritage neighborhoods may be designated by resolution of the
Township Board, provided each of the following criteria is met:
(1) Petition. A proposed heritage neighborhood may be designated only
pursuant to a written request, by petition, of owners of at least
51% of the land area within the proposed heritage neighborhood boundaries.
Such petition shall include a map showing the boundaries of the proposed
heritage neighborhood, and the names of the residents or nonresident
property owners who shall serve as the interim heritage neighborhood
committee.
(2) Boundaries. A heritage neighborhood shall consist of a subdivision,
or two or more closely related subdivisions, together with any closely
associated or unplatted areas and public rights-of-way which form
a coherent neighborhood unit. A heritage neighborhood may include
or consist solely of a portion of a platted subdivision only if the
division represents an abrupt break in neighborhood identity, character
or land use; a major street; a zoning boundary; or a previously established
heritage neighborhood boundary. No property may be included in more
than one heritage neighborhood.
(3) Age. At least one-third of the residential buildings in a proposed
heritage neighborhood must be at least 40 years old at the time of
designation.
(4) History. A written report on the history of the neighborhood shall be filed and approved by the Township Board prior to designation. The Township Board may set guidelines as to the length and contents of such reports, and may designate Township staff to assist in preparation of the reports. The report shall demonstrate that the neighborhood meets the requirement of subsection
(3) of this section. Copies of completed reports shall be transmitted to the Okemos Public Library, the Haslett Public Library, the Library of Michigan, and the Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State.
(5) Boundary revision. Any changes to heritage neighborhood boundaries
shall require the approval of the Township Board.
[Code 1974, § 106-3]
A heritage neighborhood committee shall be notified through
the designated contact person of Township Board, Planning Commission,
or Zoning Board of Appeals deliberations regarding rezonings, special
use permits, plats, or variances within the heritage neighborhood
or immediately adjacent to it and may make recommendations to the
appropriate body.
[Code 1974, § 106-4]
Upon designation as a heritage neighborhood, the Township shall
provide identifying street signage for the heritage neighborhood.
The heritage neighborhood committee may make recommendations to the
Township on sign placement and design. The Township shall be responsible
for installation, replacement or maintenance of such signs.
[Code 1974, § 106-5]
No additional zoning, building, or use permits or restrictions
shall be required or apply to the ownership, transfer, or use of any
real or personal property or structures in any heritage neighborhood
by reason of this article. Nothing in this article shall make any
property within a designated heritage neighborhood exempt from any
other Township ordinance.