[Ord. No. 2006-03, 8-1-2006]
The design standards in this article are intended to achieve an arrangement of lots, streets, and utilities which accomplish the following objectives:
(1) 
Promote continuity in the public street network and utility systems.
(2) 
Minimize negative impacts on adjacent properties.
(3) 
Help ensure adequate accessibility for emergency vehicles.
(4) 
Consideration of the natural features on the site.
(5) 
Provide links to pedestrian/bicycle pathways and links between commons.
(6) 
Help ensure consistency with standards of the other agencies which review the proposed subdivision.
[Ord. No. 2006-03, 8-1-2006]
Lots within subdivisions shall conform to the following standards:
(1) 
General lot arrangement.
(a) 
Every lot or outlot shall front on and have direct access to a public street.
(b) 
Side lot lines shall be generally at right angles or radial to the street rights-of-way. A greater degree of variation may be permitted where such lot lines would create irregularly shaped lots which would unreasonably limit construction, or where adjustments to the standard lot configuration would protect regulated wetlands or preserve other natural features.
(c) 
Residential lots shall not face such features as freeways, arterial streets, collector streets, shopping centers, or industrial properties.
(d) 
Lots shall have a front-to-front relationship across all streets where possible.
(e) 
Through lots shall be prohibited.
(f) 
Lots facing a three-way intersection should be aligned to prevent on-coming headlight glare into the lot or onto the structure.
(g) 
Blocks shall be so designed as to provide two tiers of lots, except where lots back onto a major thoroughfare, railroad, natural feature or subdivision boundary.
(h) 
Access to residential lots shall be located on the street with the lowest functional classification per § 86-367 of the Code of Ordinances.
(i) 
Lots which abut an active rail line shall comply with the minimum lot depth and setback requirements from the railroad right-of-way line as required in § 86-470 of the Code of Ordinances.
(j) 
Floodplains. No portion of any lot shall be platted into the intermediate regional floodplain. Those portions of a plat, which are located within the intermediate regional floodplain shall be subject to the provisions of § 86-436 of the Code of Ordinances.
(k) 
Water features. The design of subdivisions shall comply with the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL § 324.4101 et seq., as amended), and the Meridian Township Wetland Protection Ordinance.
(l) 
Woodlands and mature trees. Woodland areas should be identified in the preparation of plans submitted to the Township for the development of a subdivision. Significant trees or woodlands should be identified on the tentative preliminary plat and preserved to the extent consistent with the reasonable utilization of land.
(m) 
If the plat extends into an adjacent community, boundaries for individual lots shall be within one community.
(2) 
Lot sizes and shapes.
(a) 
Lot area and width. Each lot shall comply with the minimum area and width requirements of the Code of Ordinances for the district in which the subdivision is proposed.
(b) 
Lot shape. Lots should resemble rectangles but may be shaped to adapt to natural features on the site, subject to review by the Director of Community Planning and Development. Flag lots, irregular shaped lots, and lots with unusual shapes proposed only for the purpose of meeting lot area or width requirements shall not be permitted.
(c) 
Water features setback and natural vegetation strip. A minimum setback and natural vegetation strip shall be maintained for structures and grading adjacent to any water feature, including wetlands, rivers, drains, creeks and lakes, as required in the Code of Ordinances. The proprietor shall demonstrate an adequate buildable area exists on each lot without intruding into the required water features setback or natural vegetation strip.
(d) 
Width-to-depth ratio. Narrow, deep lots shall be avoided. A depth-to-width ratio of 3:1 shall be considered a maximum, except where the proprietor demonstrates a deeper lot will protect natural resources, such as woodlands, wetlands, or wildlife habitat or demonstrates a deeper lot would be a logical design for the specific location.
(e) 
Building setbacks. Lots shall be of sufficient size and proportion to accommodate the minimum required building setbacks listed in the Code of Ordinances for the district in which the subdivision is located.
(f) 
Corner lot setbacks. Corner lots shall comply with zoning standards regarding additional depth and/or width to provide the required front yard setback along all sides facing a public street.
(g) 
Nonresidential lots. Lots intended for purposes other than residential use(s) shall be specifically designated for such purposes, and shall have adequate provision for off-street parking, setbacks and other requirements in accordance with the Code of Ordinances.
[Ord. No. 2006-03, 8-1-2006]
The provisions of this chapter shall be the minimum requirements for streets and intersections. If any other public agency having jurisdiction shall adopt any statute, ordinance, rule or regulation imposing additional, or more rigorous requirements, then the provisions of such statute, ordinance, rule or regulations shall govern.
(1) 
Compliance with Ingham County Road Commission (ICRC) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) standards. The standards of this section are intended to comply with the public street or road standards of the Ingham County Road Commission and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
(2) 
Relationship to natural features and grades. Streets shall be aligned to minimize impacts on natural features and existing grades.
(3) 
Continuity of street system. The arrangement of streets shall provide for the continuation of existing streets from adjacent areas into new subdivisions, unless otherwise approved by the Township Board due to documented environmental constraints or where the abutting street system is not deemed capable of safely handling additional traffic volumes. Where adjacent vacant areas are zoned or planned for development similar to the proposed subdivision, streets shall be extended to the boundary line of the tract to make provision for the future street connections. The proprietor shall demonstrate the proposed stub street is the most reasonable location for extension into the adjacent lands, in consideration of factors including, but not limited to grades, water bodies, wetlands and lot configuration.
(4) 
Street connections. The proposed subdivision street layout shall discourage use by through traffic, except where a continuation of streets to adjacent properties is deemed desirable by the Township and the Ingham County Road Commission. In determining the need for such connections, the following issues shall be considered:
(a) 
The need for adequate access for service and response time for emergency vehicles.
(b) 
Adequate and convenient access for garbage pick-up, snow removal, and postal delivery services.
(c) 
School bus safety, schedules, and routing needs.
(d) 
The impacts such connections may have on reducing congestion along collector streets and arterials.
(e) 
The projected traffic volumes and the compatibility with adjacent developments.
(5) 
Existing streets or roads. Where a subdivision incorporates existing public streets or roads which are not in conformance with current standards, such facilities shall be reconstructed as necessary to improve the street or road to the extent required by the Ingham County Road Commission.
(6) 
Maximum block length. The maximum block length of any street or road constructed for any phase of a subdivision shall not be longer than 1,320 feet measured from centerline to centerline of the intersections at each end of the block, except the Township Board may approve a plat which varies from these dimensions upon consideration of the following:
(a) 
Recommendations from the Township police and Fire Departments.
(b) 
Recommendations from the Ingham County Road Commission.
(c) 
Evidence the longer block length will not create a threat to public safety.
(d) 
Documented evidence that significant natural features will be preserved.
(e) 
To address design considerations for nonresidential subdivisions.
(7) 
Cul-de-sac streets, stub streets, and loop streets. The length of cul-de-sac streets, stub streets, and loop streets with a single point of access and egress shall not exceed 660 feet, unless a longer street is necessary and appropriate because of topography or other natural features, existing conditions or other circumstances as may be approved by the Township Board and the Ingham County Road Commission.
(8) 
Maximum lots on a single access. In no case shall more than 35 single-family lots be permitted within a platted subdivision unless two means of street access are provided. The maximum number of nonresidential lots permitted within a platted subdivision without two means of street access shall be determined by the Township Board based on the following:
(a) 
The number of lots proposed in the nonresidential plat.
(b) 
The total acreage of the proposed nonresidential plat.
(c) 
The estimated peak hour trip generation of the nonresidential plat at build-out.
(d) 
The estimated square footage of all structures planned within the nonresidential plat.
(9) 
Minimum right-of-way widths. The minimum right-of-way width for interior subdivision streets shall be based on applicable Ingham County Road Commission standards. A greater right-of-way may be required due to the intensity of development, the need for additional area for utilities, grading to accommodate planned or expected street cross sections, and the expected traffic volumes and characteristics associated with the types of uses which may access the street based on the zoning.
(10) 
Location of entrances along principal and minor arterials or collector streets or roads. The intersection of subdivision streets with principal and minor arterial streets or collector streets shall be subject to the review and approval of the Ingham County Road Commission or the Michigan Department of Transportation, whichever is applicable. For Grand River Avenue, the entrance locations shall be consistent with the requirements of § 86-441 of the Code of Ordinances.
(11) 
Entrance design. Boulevard entrances to subdivisions may be permitted by the Township, subject to the Ingham County Road Commission or Michigan Department of Transportation approval, as applicable and the requirements of § 86-441 of the Code of Ordinances.
(12) 
Internal street intersections. Three-way intersections are encouraged within the plat, rather than four-way intersections. No more than two streets shall cross at any intersection. Street intersections within a plat shall comply with the standards of the Ingham County Road Commission.
(13) 
Intersection angles. Streets shall be laid out to intersect as nearly as possible to 90°, in no case shall the intersection be less than 80°.
(14) 
Horizontal curves. Horizontal curves shall be in compliance with the standards of the Ingham County Road Commission.
(15) 
Sight distance. The minimum sight distance at intersections shall be in accordance with the clear vision standards of the Ingham County Road Commission or Michigan Department of Transportation, as applicable.
(16) 
Street grade. The maximum street grade shall be 5% and the minimum street grade shall be 0.5% in accordance with the standards of the Ingham County Road Commission.
(17) 
Vertical alignment at intersections. The vertical alignment at intersections shall be designed and constructed in a manner consistent with the standards of the Ingham County Road Commission or Michigan Department of Transportation, as applicable.
(18) 
Curb and gutter. Curb and gutter six inches high straight faced shall be required on all streets and roads in the subdivision and shall be constructed in accordance with the standards and specifications of the Ingham County Road Commission.
(19) 
Street names. Street names shall be sufficiently distinct from other street names in the Township to avoid confusion. A review of the master list of existing street names retained by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is required to avoid duplicate names. Proposed street names shall be reviewed by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission and approved by the Township and the Ingham County Road Commission.
(20) 
Signs. The proprietor shall be responsible for placement of street name signs at all street intersections in accordance with the requirements of the Ingham County Road Commission, Michigan Department of Transportation, or Township, whichever is applicable. The proprietor shall also be responsible for placement of pavement markings and regulatory street signs (such as stop, yield, or speed limit signs) as required by the Ingham County Road Commission. All regulatory signs shall be in conformance with the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Development entrance signs shall be designed and installed consistent with the requirements of Chapter 86, Article VII of the Code of Ordinances.
(21) 
Stormwater drainage. Stormwater drainage for subdivision streets and roads shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the standards of the Ingham County Road Commission, the Michigan Department of Transportation, or Department of Public Works and Engineering, as applicable.
(22) 
Street construction. All streets and roads shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the standards of the Ingham County Road Commission.
[Ord. No. 2006-03, 8-1-2006]
(1) 
Pedestrian/bicycle pathways. Pedestrian/bicycle pathways shall be constructed in all locations within or adjacent to a proposed subdivision as identified on the current Township pedestrian/bicycle pathway plan. The Township may also require pedestrian/bicycle pathways to provide access from within the subdivision to existing or proposed pedestrian/bicycle pathways adjacent to the subdivision, or to schools, parks, commercial areas, and public institutions. Pedestrian/bicycle pathways shall be designed and constructed in conformance with the specifications of the Department of Public Works and Engineering.
(2) 
Paved shoulders. Paved shoulders shall be constructed in all locations adjacent to a proposed subdivision as identified in the current Meridian Township Pedestrian/Bicycle Pathway Plan, subject to the approval of the Ingham County Road Commission.
(3) 
Sidewalks.
(a) 
A five-foot wide concrete sidewalk may be required by the Township Board on both sides of all streets or roads in the subdivision.
(b) 
Where required by the Township Board, five-foot wide concrete sidewalks shall be provided in the middle of any block over 800 feet in length where such sidewalks would facilitate access within the subdivision or provide access to subdivision commons, parks, or facilities. Where such sidewalks are required, an easement a minimum of 10 feet wide shall be provided.
(c) 
All sidewalks shall be constructed according to the written specifications of the Director of Public Works and Engineering. Grades shall be clearly illustrated on the plans to insure proper connection to sidewalks on adjacent lands. Sidewalks shall be constructed of concrete in accordance with the specifications of the Director of Public Works and Engineering. Other appropriate surfaces may be permitted by the Director of Public Works and Engineering within sensitive environmental areas.
(d) 
Required sidewalks and pathways shall be completed by the proprietor within two years after final plat approval.
[Ord. No. 2006-03, 8-1-2006; Ord. No. 2008-06, 4-20-2008]
The type of plant material (species), spacing and planting of all landscaping within a subdivision shall comply with the following standards:
(1) 
General standards.
(a) 
Landscaping within 15 feet of a fire hydrant shall be no taller than six inches.
(b) 
The development and planting of required landscaping shall be the responsibility of the proprietor, not the individual lot owner.
(c) 
The landscape plan including street trees shall be approved by the Director of Community Planning and Development.
(d) 
Landscaping shall comply with the sight triangle requirements specified in § 86-474 of the Code of Ordinances.
(e) 
Landscape stone shall be limited to no more than 25% of the total landscaped area. Landscape stone shall not be located directly adjacent to a street or a pedestrian/bicycle pathway.
(2) 
Street trees.
(a) 
Street trees shall be planted in a manner consistent with the street frontage for each lot, outlot, commons, parks, or other land within the subdivision as indicated on the following chart.
Street Frontage1
Number of Street Trees Required
Less than 100 feet
1
>100.00 to 150 feet
2
>150.00 to 200 feet
3
>200.00 to 250 feet
4
For every 50 feet over 250 feet
1
NOTES:
1
Corner lots shall have the number of street trees determined by the frontage on each street separately.
(b) 
Street trees shall be a minimum of two inches in caliper when planted.
(c) 
Tree species should be selected for tolerance to the roadside conditions and compliance with overhead clearance and sight distance requirements to avoid interference with underground utility lines, street lights or street pavement. To control tree loss due to insects or disease, no more than 25% of trees planted shall be of the same species. No more than two planted trees in a row shall be of the same species. Trees shall be selected from the list of approved species specified by the Ingham County Road Commission and the Township.
(d) 
Street trees shall be planted outside the sight triangle of the intersection of two streets or the intersection of a street and driveway as described in § 86-474 of the Code of Ordinances.
(e) 
Street trees shall be planted between the curb and sidewalk in accordance with the setback standards established by the Ingham County Road Commission and the Township; where curbs or sidewalks do not exist, trees shall be located between the right-of way line and the edge of the pavement but outside of areas needed for open ditches or potential future sidewalks. Street trees may be located on private property within the first 10 feet of the front lot line for those lots where tree location in the public right-of-way is not possible due to conflicts with underground utility lines or restrictions of the Ingham County Road Commission.
(f) 
The lowest branch of any street tree shall provide minimum clearance of 13 feet above a public street and seven feet above a sidewalk, and nine feet above a pedestrian/bicycle pathway. Greater clearances shall be provided if required by the Ingham County Road Commission or the Township. Shrubs and hedges shall not be allowed to overhang a sidewalk or pedestrian/bicycle pathway.
(3) 
Landscaping in cul-de-sac islands.
(a) 
A minimum of one canopy tree or one conifer tree shall be planted for every 1,000 square feet of ground area within each cul-de-sac island.
(b) 
Canopy trees shall be a minimum of three inches in caliper and shall be planted at least 10 feet from the back of curb.
(c) 
Conifer trees shall be a minimum of eight feet in height and shall be planted at least 15 feet from the back of curb.
(d) 
Canopy trees shall be maintained so the lowest branch is a minimum of 13 feet above the elevation of the street surface.
(4) 
Subdivision entrances. Subdivision entrances may include landscaping, lighting, identification signs, fences, walls or other architectural features. All such features shall comply with the Code of Ordinances.
(5) 
Landscape buffer. A landscaped buffer a minimum of 20 feet wide shall be provided when a subdivision borders a principal arterial, minor arterial, or collector street as identified in § 86-367 of the Code of Ordinances, a railroad and commercial or industrial land. The buffer shall include trees, shrubs, berms, walls or a combination designed in accordance with the landscape standards described in the Code of Ordinances. Existing natural features shall be retained wherever possible to promote a natural appearance and to protect the existing ecosystem within the landscape buffer. Pedestrian/bicycle pathways, sidewalks, or underground utilities shall not be installed within the required landscape or natural vegetation buffer. Where a berm is used as part of the landscape buffer, the minimum height shall be two feet, six inches. The maximum slope of the berm facing the primary road shall be 5:1 and the maximum slope of the berm facing the inside of the lot shall be 3:1.
(6) 
Maintenance.
(a) 
Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, the caring for trees which are dead, dying, diseased, infected with harmful insects or harboring insect eggs, or damaged by any means so as to be rendered unsafe, or having unsafe branches.
(b) 
The maintenance of a street tree or the replacement of a street tree which dies within two years after planting shall be the responsibility of the proprietor. After two years the maintenance and the replacement of a street tree shall be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
(c) 
The upkeep and maintenance, including the replacement of plant material in cul-de-sac islands, at subdivision entrances, buffer areas, commons, parks or other lands shall be the responsibility of the proprietor for two years after the installation. After two years, the upkeep and maintenance shall be the responsibility of the homeowners association. If a homeowners association is not proposed, then the proprietor shall identify the person or organization responsible for the continuing upkeep and maintenance of these areas.
[Ord. No. 2006-03, 8-1-2006]
A proprietor may set aside areas suitably located and of adequate size for playgrounds, school sites, parks, recreation facilities, or commons.
[Ord. No. 2006-03, 8-1-2006]
(1) 
Utility easements. Easements shall be provided along the rear, side or front lot lines as necessary for utility lines. The easement width shall be a minimum of 10 feet. Recommendations on the proposed layout of public utility easements shall be sought from all of the public utility companies serving the area. It shall be the responsibility of the proprietor to submit copies of the approved tentative preliminary plat to all appropriate public utility agencies.
(2) 
Drainage. The proprietor shall provide drainage easements, as required by the rules of the Ingham County Drain Commissioner.
(3) 
Municipal water and sanitary sewer services. The Township may require easements to provide access for municipal water or sanitary sewer or to insure the extension of such services.
(4) 
Pedestrian/bicycle pathways and sidewalks. The proprietor shall provide easements for pedestrian/bicycle pathways and sidewalks, as required by the Department of Public Works and Engineering.
(5) 
Access to outlots, commons, parks or other lands. Access to outlots, commons, parks or other lands without access to a public street shall have access provided through an easement a minimum of 10 feet in width.
[Ord. No. 2006-03, 8-1-2006]
It is the purpose of this section to establish and define the public improvements which shall be provided by the proprietor, at their expense with or without reimbursement from any public agency or improvement district.
(1) 
Sanitary sewer systems.
(a) 
Connection to public sanitary sewer. If the subdivision is to be located in an area served by the Township's public sanitary sewer system or determined to be reasonably proximate thereto by the Director of Public Works and Engineering, the subdivision shall be connected to the Township's public sanitary sewer system. Any cost of extending the Township's public sanitary sewer system to lands determined to be reasonably proximate thereto shall be the responsibility of the proprietor unless otherwise determined and agreed to by the Township. The connection shall meet the requirements of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Township, and any agency with which the Township has contracted for the treatment and disposal of its sewage.
(b) 
Design and construction standards. The sanitary sewer system shall be constructed in accordance with the Department of Public Works and Engineering design and construction standards.
(c) 
Septic tanks and disposal fields. In areas where public sanitary sewer is not available septic tanks and disposal fields shall comply with the requirements of the Ingham County Health Department and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).
(d) 
Cluster systems. In areas where public sanitary sewer is not available cluster systems designed to process less than 10,000 gallons per day shall comply with the requirements of the Ingham County Health Department. Those cluster systems designed to process 10,000 gallons per day or more shall comply with the requirements of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).
(2) 
Water system.
(a) 
Connection to the public water system. If the subdivision is to be located in an area served by the Township's public water system or determined to be reasonably proximate thereto by the Director of Public Works and Engineering, the subdivision shall be connected to and obtain its entire water supply for human consumption purposes, sanitary purposes, irrigation systems, fire hydrants and fire sprinkler systems from the Township's public water supply system. Any cost of extending the Township's public water supply system to lands determined to be reasonably proximate thereto shall be the responsibility of the proprietor unless otherwise determined and agreed to by the Township. The connection shall meet the requirements of the State of Michigan and any water supplier with which the Township has contracted for water supply.
(b) 
Design and construction standards. The water system shall be constructed in accordance with the Department of Public Works and Engineering design and construction standards.
(c) 
Wells. In areas where public water is not available wells shall comply with the requirements of the Ingham County Health Department, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the Township.
(3) 
Storm drainage.
(a) 
An adequate storm and surface water drainage system, which may consist of storm sewers, drain inlets, manholes, culverts, bridges, sedimentation basins, and natural and constructed components, shall be required and shall meet requirements of the Township and the Ingham County Drain Commissioner and shall be subject to review and approval by the Director of Public Works and Engineering. On-site detention or retention shall be subject to the review and approval of the Ingham County Drain Commissioner's Office and the Director of Public Works and Engineering. The option of joint retention and detention is also available, subject to the same review and approval process.
(b) 
The system design shall not adversely affect neighboring properties and natural features, or worsen downstream flooding and water quality. Lots shall be laid out so as to provide positive drainage away from all buildings and individual lot drainage shall be coordinated with the general storm drainage pattern for the area.
(c) 
Surface water management systems shall be designed to retain the natural function and value of any wetland, water body, or watercourse, and to not increase flooding or the potential for pollution of surface or groundwater, either on-site or off-site, from such pollutants as sediment, nutrients, or toxic substances.
(d) 
Existing surface water flow entering the site shall be received and discharged at the same rate as occurred prior to the development. Both peak flow and runoff volumes shall be maintained at predevelopment levels.
(e) 
The grading of lots shall be such that surface water drains away from building foundations and toward swales, ditches, retention areas, or drainage structures. Surface water from all roofs and paved areas shall be collected at intervals so it will not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic and will not create nuisance ponding in paved areas.
(f) 
Wetlands shall not be used for on-site detention or retention of surface water unless no other practical alternative exists and it can be demonstrated to the Township's environmental consultant that it will not have an adverse effect upon ecological and hydrological characteristics of the wetland. Final preliminary plat approval shall not be granted until all necessary wetland permits are obtained.
(g) 
If the Township or the Ingham County Drain Commissioner accepts or requires stormwater retention or detention, the maximum side slope shall not exceed a one-foot rise per four-foot run and the outside edge of the retention or detention basin shall provide adequate space for landscaping. A landscape plan shall be submitted for the retention or detention basin which illustrates views of the detention/retention area will be obscured from adjacent streets or lots. If such area borders an existing single-family residential development, landscaping shall be installed, subject to the review and approval of the Township.
(4) 
Underground wiring. The proprietor of any subdivision shall make arrangements for all telephone, cable television and electric service lines, exclusive of main supply and perimeter feed lines when located on section or quarter section lines, to be placed entirely underground throughout a subdivided area; provided, however, when a subdivision overlaps a section or quarter section line, said main supply and perimeter feed lines located on such section or quarter section line shall be placed underground. Whenever possible, these should be installed outside of a tree dripline and existing natural areas. The Township Board, upon recommendation from the Planning Commission may waive or modify this requirement where, in its judgment, circumstances exist which render compliance impractical. Conduits or cables shall be placed within private easements provided to the service companies by the proprietor or within public rights-of-way. Those telephone and cable television and electrical facilities placed in dedicated public rights-of-way shall be planned so as not to conflict with other underground utilities. All telephone and electrical facilities shall be constructed in accordance with standards of construction approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
[Ord. No. 2006-03, 8-1-2006]
(1) 
Soil erosion and sedimentation control.
(a) 
In the event a proprietor intends to make changes in the contour of any land proposed to be subdivided, developed, or changed in use by razing, excavating, removal or destruction of the natural topsoil, trees, or other vegetative covering thereon, the property owner or his/her agent shall first apply to the Ingham County Drain Commissioner for approval of a plan for soil erosion and sedimentation control.
(b) 
No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until:
1. 
Final grading has been completed in accordance with the approved final plat.
2. 
The lot has been seeded, covered with sod, or covered with the appropriate ground cover.
3. 
Where, because of seasonal conditions final grading will be delayed, the Township may accept a performance guarantee as described in Article VI, § 62-148.