[Code 1974, § 81-1.1]
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning
Ordinance of the Charter Township of Meridian," or as the "Meridian
Charter Township Zoning Ordinance," or as the "zoning ordinance."
[Code 1974, § 81-1.8; Ord. No. 2002-05, 5-7-2002; Ord. No. 2003-05, 4-1-2003; Ord.
No. 2003-07, 5-20-2003; Ord. No. 2004-01, 2-29-2004; Ord. No. 2004-06, 9-5-2004; Ord. No. 2004-9, 10-31-2004; Ord. No. 2005-04, 3-13-2005; Ord.
No. 2006-06, 11-26-2006; Ord. No. 2007-14, 11-25-2007; Ord. No. 2008-01, 2-3-2008; Ord. No. 2008-03, 3-16-2008; Ord. No. 2009-02, 4-19-2009; Ord.
No. 2010-02, 2-28-2010; Ord. No. 2010-08, 7-18-2010; Ord. No. 2011-05, 5-5-2011; Ord. No. 2011-09, 7-19-2011; Ord. No. 2011-17, 12-13-2011]
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
Water supply, irrigation, or monitoring wells or cisterns
which are no longer in use or are in a state of disrepair.
A way or means of approach to provide vehicular or pedestrian
entrance or exit to a property from an abutting property or roadway,
either by direct, indirect or shared means.
The process of providing and managing reasonable access to
land development while preserving the flow of traffic in terms of
safety, capacity, and speed on the abutting road system.
A supplemental building or structure on the same lot or a
part of the main building occupied by or devoted exclusively to an
accessory use.
A self-contained dwelling unit located on the same lot as an existing single-family detached dwelling unit, either within the same building as the single-family dwelling unit or in a detached building constructed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter on a permanent foundation. A manufactured home, as defined in § 86-2, is not considered an accessory dwelling unit.
[Added 11-9-2023 by Ord.
No. 2023-05]
A use subordinate to the main use of a lot and used for purposes
customarily incidental to those of the main use.
The point at which a driveway, service drive, private road
or public street intersects the public road system.
The minimum number of access connections, direct or indirect,
necessary to provide safe access to and from a public road, as consistent
with the purpose and intent of this chapter and any other applicable
plans and policies of the Charter Township of Meridian, with Act 200
of 1969, or with other applicable law of the State of Michigan. Reasonable
access does not necessarily mean direct access.
A nonresidential facility that provides supervised and group
care for adult persons 18 years of age or older. The hours of operation
shall be fewer than 24 hours per day.
[Added by Ord. No. 2014-07, 12-9-2014]
Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association
with an interest in real property sharing a common property line with
the subject site or any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or
association with an interest in real property which will suffer special
damages as a result of the decision in question. The term "special
damages" shall be defined as a particular injury to a land owner's
beneficial use or enjoyment of his own land, which injury is not shared
in common with other members of the general public.
Any dedicated public way other than a street which provides
only a secondary means of access to abutting property and is not intended
for general traffic circulation.
Any modification, additions, or change in construction or
type of occupancy, any change or rearrangement in the structural parts
of a building, any enlargement of a building, or the moving of a building
from one location to another.
An instrument which measures and records the speed of the
wind.
These antenna emit microwaves that provide the link between
the central computer switching system and the appropriate transmitting
or receiving. (See the graphic following definition of "antenna, whip.")
An antenna or array of antennas designed to concentrate signals
(radio waves) in specific directions. These antenna are typically
flat, rectangular devices. These are also known as sector or directional
antennas. (See the graphic following definition of "antenna, whip.")
An antenna shaped cylindrically and has diameters of less
than six inches and height of up to 20 feet. Also known as stick,
omnidirectional, or pipe antenna, they emit signals (radio waves)
in a 360-degree horizontal plane and a compressed vertical plane.
(See the following graphic.)
 |
A room or suite of rooms in a multiple-family building arranged
and intended as a place of residence for a single-family or a group
of individuals living together as a single housekeeping unit as herein
defined.
A one-room apartment.
Providing independent living services as well as limited
nursing care, limited supervision, medication management, supportive
services, and other activities of daily living to patients or residents.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-09, 5-21-2019]
The use of any building, land or portion thereof for the
display, sale or lease of new automobiles, trucks or vans.
[Added 5-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-02]
The use of any building, land or portion thereof for the
display, sale or lease of used automobiles, trucks or vans.
[Added 5-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-02]
A building designed to perform one or more services, including,
but not limited to, the safeguarding of money and other valuables,
the lending of money, the executing of bills of exchange such as checks,
drafts, and money orders, the issuance of notes, and the receipt of
funds. The term "bank" includes, but is not limited to, banks, savings
and loan operations, and credit unions.
Any removable fabric, cloth, paper, or other nonrigid material,
installed in a temporary fashion on a building, property, or other
site amenity, and not enclosed in a frame.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A story or portion of a story having more than 1/2 its height
below average finished grade. A basement will not be counted as a
story for purposes of height regulations.
An enclosed device, apparatus, compartment, or storage unit
that permits the individualized storage of a bicycle and permits the
bicycle to be locked or secured inside of the device, apparatus, compartment,
or storage unit.
The area designated to accommodate bicycle parking, and specifically
includes the bicycle rack(s), bicycle locker(s), or equivalent structure,
and the area immediately surrounding the rack(s), locker(s) or equivalent
structure(s).
The location within a bicycle parking area that allows for
the temporary placement of a single bicycle.
A device or apparatus that permits a bicycle to be supported
in an upright position, prevents a bicycle from being tipped over,
and permits the bicycle to be temporarily secured or locked to the
rack.
A zone shall consist of open space, except as specifically
noted in this chapter, which shall be landscaped. When a screen is
called for, this shall be a dense evergreen planting area or a solid
wall or fence as determined and approved by the Planning Commission
or planning director.
Any structure other than a boundary wall or fence.
The total of areas taken on a horizontal plane at the main
grade level of the principal building and all accessory buildings
exclusive of uncovered porches, steps, or patios.
The line of that face of the building nearest the front line
of the lot or the required setback line of the lot. This face includes
all enclosed areas but not steps or roof overhangs.
The vertical distance measured from the mean elevation of
the proposed finished grade line at the front of the building of the
ground to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deck
line of mansard roofs, and to the mean height between eaves and ridges
for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs. This shall not include elevator
shafts, roof air conditioners or chimney.
A line parallel to the front lot line at the minimum required
setback line.
A building in which is conducted the main or principal use
of the lot on which such building is situated.
An overhanging shelter extending outward from a building.
A parapet wall is not a canopy.
[Amended 4-28-2023 by Ord. No. 2022-16]
An establishment providing facilities for the mechanical
washing or waxing of automobiles. Such service to be provided without
labor to the customer. Should it offer gasoline for sale, all requirements
pertaining to gasoline service stations must be met.
An establishment offering facilities for the washing of automobiles
by the customer at the site. Should gasoline be offered for sale,
all requirements pertaining to gasoline service stations must be met.
A unique number assigned for every chemical established by
the Chemical Abstract Service, which indexes information published
in the American Chemical Society's journal Chemical Abstracts. It
is used in maintaining chemical inventories used by the state department
of environmental quality (MDEQ) for regulatory purposes, by firefighters
for firefighter right-to-know purposes, and by public service departments
responsible for discharges into stormwater or municipal sewer systems.
A material alteration of facts relevant to a rezoning and/or
variance request occurring since the date of the Township's denial
of that request.
A facility, not occupied as a dwelling, receiving more than
six preschool or school-age children for group care for a period of
less than 24 hours a day, and where the parents or guardians are not
immediately available to the child. It includes a facility which provides
care for not less than two consecutive weeks, regardless of the number
of hours of care per day. The facility is generally described as a
child care center, day care center, day nursery, nursery school, parent
cooperative preschool, play group, or drop-in center. The terms "child
care center" and "day care center" do not include a Sunday School
conducted by a religious institution or a facility operated by a religious
organization where children are cared for during short periods of
time while persons responsible for such children are attending religious
services.
A tank or reservoir used for storing rainwater.
An establishment where human patients who are not lodged
overnight are admitted for examination and treatment by a group of
physicians, dentists, or similar professions.
An organization catering exclusively to members and their
guests, or premises and buildings for recreational, artistic, athletic,
political or social purposes, which are not conducted primarily for
gain and which do not provide merchandising, vending, or commercial
activities except as required incidentally for the membership and
purpose of such club.
To place or install wireless communications equipment on
an existing wireless communications support structure or in an existing
equipment compound.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2016-03, 1-5-2016]
One of the following:
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-10, 5-21-2019]
PROVISIONING CENTERAs that term is defined in the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, Public Act 281 of 2016 ("MMFLA");[1]
PROCESSORAs that term is defined in the MMFLA;
SECURE TRANSPORTERAs that term is defined in the MMFLA;
GROWERIncluding Class A, Class B and Class C, as those terms are defined in the MMFLA;
SAFETY COMPLIANCE FACILITYAs that term is defined in the MMFLA.
A parcel or parcels of land with the improvements thereon
the use, maintenance, and enjoyment of which are intended to be shared
by the owners and occupants of individual building units in a subdivision
or a planned community unit development.
A building used for recreational, social, education, and
cultural activities open to the public or a designated part of the
public, usually owned and operated by a public or nonprofit group
or agency.
A wireless communication facility which employs traditional
structural designs, such as metal lattice or monopole towers.
The M-43/52 Corridor Access Management Plan, dated July 2003. The corridor plan documents rationale for § 86-441 and illustrates existing and recommended location of access points and service drives.
An unoccupied open space, other than a yard, on the same
lot with a building, which is bounded on two or more sides by the
walls of such building.
That percentage of the lot or parcel covered by the building
area.
The sound pressure level in decibels. Refers to the "a" weighted
scale defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
A method for weighting the frequency spectrum to mimic the human ear.
The diameter of an existing tree measured at 4Â 1/2 feet
above grade.
The unit of measure used to express the magnitude of sound
pressure and sound intensity.
The number of dwelling units resided upon or to be developed
upon a gross acre of land.
The construction, conversion, alteration, relocation, or
enlargement of any structure; any excavation, landfill, or land disturbance;
and any use or extension of the use of land.
An area of land for which there are uniform regulations governing
the use of buildings and premises, density of development, yard requirements
and height regulations.
Any entrance or exit used by vehicular traffic to or from
land or buildings abutting a road.
A driveway connecting two or more contiguous properties to
the public road system.
Any building, or portion thereof, which is designed or used
exclusively for residential purposes.
A building, or portion thereof, used or designed to contain
separate living units for three or more families but which may have
joint services or facilities or both.
Three or more one-family dwelling units each having access
on the first floor to the ground and with common walls separating
the dwelling units.
A detached building designed for or occupied exclusively
by one family.
A detached or semidetached building designed for or occupied
exclusively by two families living independently of each other.
A building or portion thereof designed exclusively for residential
occupancy by one family and having cooking facilities.
A single, climate controlled building that contains leased
units designed for the storage of property by individuals, organizations,
and businesses, which can only be accessed from the interior of the
facility.
An area surrounding or adjacent to the base of a wireless
communications support structure and within which wireless communications
equipment is located.
[Added by Ord. No. 2016-03, 1-5-2016]
The building, construction, alteration, reconstruction, moving
upon, or any physical activity upon a premises or lot.
Legal documentation in the form of a warranty deed, a legal
opinion, or a current title insurance policy, indicating the legal
and equitable owners, including mortgagees, contract purchasers, and
fee owner, of the land to be developed, plus all grants, reservations,
deed restrictions, and easements of record which may condition use
of the property, to show that an individual, firm, association, syndicate,
partnership, or corporation has sufficient proprietary interest to
seek development of land.
Any breaking of ground, except common household gardening
and ground care.
A person, two unrelated persons; or where there are more
than two persons occupying a dwelling unit and living together as
a single, nonprofit housekeeping until with the common culinary facilities.
A family shall be limited to husband, wife, son, daughter, father,
mother, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter,
aunt, uncle, stepchildren, and legally adopted children, or any combination
of the above persons living together. Any person seeking the rights
and privileges afforded a member of a family by this definition shall
have the burden of proof by clear and convincing evidence of their
family relationship.
A day-care program operated in a single-family dwelling where
the owner resides and provides supervised care for up to five adult
persons 18 years of age or older. The hours of operation shall be
fewer than 24 hours per day.
[Added by Ord. No. 2014-07, 12-9-2014]
A single-family dwelling in which not more than seven minor
children, who are not related to an adult member of the household
by blood, marriage, or adoption, are given care and supervision for
periods of less than 24 hours a day, for more than four weeks during
a calendar year, unattended by a parent or legal guardian.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2014-07, 12-9-2014; 1-24-2023 by Ord. No. 2022-15]
Any parcel of land containing at least 10 acres which is
used for gain in the raising of agricultural products, livestock,
poultry, and dairy products. It includes necessary farm structures
within prescribed properties boundaries and the storage of farm equipment
used. It excludes the raising of fur-bearing animals, riding academies,
livery or boarding stables, and dog kennels.
An artificially constructed barrier of wood, masonry, stone,
wire, metal, or other manufactured material or combination of materials
erected to enclose, screen, or separate areas.
A sign consisting of a piece of durable fabric or similar
material, anchored along one side and attached to a permanent, freestanding
pole or attached to a building.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
Please refer to § 86-436(b) for a definition of "floodway."
Please refer to § 86-436(b) for a definition of "floodway fringe."
For purposes of computing parking requirements, that area
to be used for the sale of merchandise or services or for use to serve
patrons, clients, or customers. Such floor area which is used or intended
to be used principally for the storage or processing of merchandise,
hallways, stairways, and elevator shafts, or for utilities or sanitary
facilities shall be excluded from this computation of usable floor
area. Measurement of usable floor area shall be the sum of the horizontal
areas of the several floors of the building, measured from the interior
faces of the exterior walls.
A single-family dwelling in which more than four but less
than seven children who are not related to an adult member of the
household by blood, marriage, or adoption, are provided care for 24
hours a day for four or more days a week for two or more consecutive
weeks unattended by a parent or legal guardian.
A single-family dwelling in which one but not more than four
minor children, who are not related to an adult member of the household
by blood, marriage, or adoption, are given care and supervision for
24 hours a day for four or more days a week for two or more consecutive
weeks unattended by a parent or a legal guardian.
A structure erected for the purpose of advertising a business
or activity on the same parcel. Such structures shall not be attached
to a building which may be located on the same parcel. Such a sign
may also be known as a pylon sign.
Each location at a gasoline pump island where a one motor
vehicle may be fueled.
A structure erected over the gasoline pumps in a service
station. Such structure may not extend over or into the public right-of-way.
A group of persons occupying a dwelling unit and living together
as a single, nonprofit housekeeping unit whose relationship is of
a permanent and distinct domestic character, with a demonstrable and
recognizable bond where each party is responsible for the basic material
needs of the other and all are living and cooking as a single housekeeping
unit. A functional family shall not consist of any society, club,
fraternity, sorority, association, lodge, combine, federation, group,
coterie, or organization, nor include a group of individuals whose
association is temporary or seasonal in character or nature or for
the limited duration of their education, nor a group whose sharing
of a house is merely for convenience and economics. A functional family
shall be given the same rights and privileges and shall have the same
duties and responsibilities as a family as defined in this section
for purposes of construing and interpreting this chapter. Any person
seeking the rights and privileges afforded a member of a functional
family shall have the burden of proof by clear and convincing evidence
of each of the elements of a functional family. Nothing in this section
shall be deemed to confer any legal rights upon any person on the
basis of conduct otherwise unlawful under any existing law.
An accessory building intended or designated to be used for
the storage of noncommercial vehicles.
Any area of land, including any structure or structures thereon,
that is used or designated for the supply of gasoline or oil or other
fuel for the propulsion of vehicles. For the purposes of this chapter,
the term "gasoline service station" shall also mean any area of a
structure used or designed for polishing, greasing, washing, dry cleaning,
spraying, but not including painting, or otherwise cleaning or servicing
such motor vehicles which provides fuel for the propulsion of motor
vehicles.
A tract of land laid out for playing the game of golf and
improved with tees, greens and hazards and that may include a clubhouse,
shelter, and driving range.
The completed surfaces of lawn, walks, and roads brought
to grades or elevations shown on official plans or designs related
thereto.
Any earth stripping, cutting, filling, stockpiling, or any
combination thereof, excluding these activities when directly associated
with customary landscaping or gardening.
The sum of all gross horizontal areas of the several floors
of a building or buildings measured from the outside dimensions of
the foundation. Unenclosed porches, courtyards, or patios, whether
covered or uncovered, shall not be considered as a part of the gross
floor area unless used for commercial purposes, such as nursery beds
or sales of outdoor equipment.
The total floor area for which the tenant pays rent and that
is designed for the tenant's occupancy and exclusive use. The term
"GLA" does not include public or common areas, such as utility rooms,
stairwells, or malls.
The supply of freshwater under the surface of the earth in
an aquifer or geologic formation that forms the natural reservoir
for potable water.
A day-care program operated in a single-family dwelling where
the owner resides and provides supervised group care for more than
five but no more than 12 persons 18 years of age or older. The hours
of operation shall be fewer than 24 hours per day.
[Added by Ord. No. 2014-07, 12-9-2014]
A single-family dwelling in which more than seven, but not
more than 14, minor children, who are not related to an adult member
of the household by blood, marriage, or adoption, are given care and
supervision for periods of less than 24 hours a day for more than
four weeks during a calendar year, unattended by a parent or legal
guardian.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2014-07, 12-9-2014; 1-24-2023 by Ord. No. 2022-15]
A development project consisting of two or more multiple-family
buildings located on a parcel of land under a single ownership with
common services or facilities.
One of the following:
A chemical or other material which is or may become injurious
to the public health, safety, or welfare or to the environment.
A hazardous substance as defined in the Comprehensive Environmental
Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, Public
Law 96-510, 94 Stat. 2767.
A hazardous waste as defined in § 11103 of the Natural
Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL § 324.11103).
Petroleum, as defined in the Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Act (MCL § 324.21303(d)(ii)).
Any use qualifying as a home occupation that is conducted
indoors within the principal building, an attached or detached garage,
or other accessory building and carried on by only those persons residing
within the dwelling, provided that the use is clearly incidental and
secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes and
does not involve any alteration of the structure or its character.
A building or group of buildings in which overnight lodging
is offered for a fee to transient guests. The term hotel includes
an extended-stay hotel or a suite hotel, but does not include a bed
and breakfast operation. Extended-stay and suite hotel guest rooms
may include cooking facilities and may be booked for longer guest
stays than a standard hotel.
See definition of "family."
Provision of some basic services such as meals, housekeeping,
grounds maintenance, security, and common areas and common facilities
for events and activities for patients or residents.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-09, 5-21-2019]
Any land or building used for abandonment, storage, keeping,
collecting, or baling of paper, rags, scrap metals, other scrap or
discarded materials, or for abandonment, demolition, dismantling,
storage, or salvaging of automobiles or other vehicles not in normal
running condition, machinery or parts thereof.
Any lot or premises used for the sale, boarding, or breeding
of dogs, cats, and/or other household pets over the age of six months.
The term "kennel" shall also mean the keeping of five dogs, cats,
or other household pets having four legs over the age of six months.
Any lot or premises used for the commercial sale, boarding,
or treatment of dogs, cats, or other domestic pets.
Any lot or premises used for the private maintenance of up
to 10 dogs, cats, or other household pets not involving any commercial
activities except breeding not more than two animals at any one time
which are not the property of the occupant or owner of the property
on which the kennel is located. Keeping more than 10 animals shall
be considered a commercial kennel regardless of ownership of the animals.
A lot, parcel, site, or easement held in common by a subdivision,
condominium, association, similar agency, or group of individuals,
which abuts Lake Lansing and is used or intended to be used for the
purposes of providing ingress and egress to Lake Lansing by pedestrian
or vehicular traffic from offshore land, regardless of whether said
ingress and egress to the water is gained by easement, common fee
ownership, single fee ownership, lease, license, gift, business invitation,
or any other form or dedication or conveyance.
Land covered with grass, either naturally occurring or planted,
which is kept closely mowed, either by mechanical or manual means.
Specialized health care available 24 hours per day given
under the supervision of professionals or technical personnel, including
but not limited to memory care, rehabilitation, physical therapy,
occupational therapy, social services, tube feedings, complex wound
dressings, or rapidly changing health status.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-09, 5-21-2019]
For purposes of this chapter, the source of light shall refer
to the light bulb or filament which is exposed or visible through
a clear material. Exposed mercury vapor lamps or neon lamps shall
be considered a direct source of light.
A business engaged in the production from previously prepared
materials of finished projects, including fabrication, assembly, packaging,
incidental storage, sales, and distribution of such products, but
excluding basic industrial processing.
A food service counter where snacks are served. Examples
include, but are not limited to, ice cream, candy, beverages, popcorn,
sandwiches, and hot dogs.
An off-street space on the same lot with a building or group
of buildings for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while
loading or unloading merchandise or materials.
Land occupied or to be occupied by a building, structure,
land use, or group of buildings, together with such open spaces or
yards as are required under this chapter and having its principal
frontage upon a street.
A lot or parcel of land abutting upon two or more streets
at their intersection or upon two parts of the same street forming
an interior angle of less than 135°.
 |
The mean distance from the street line of the lot to its
opposite rear line measured in the general direction of the side lines
of the lot.
A lot other than a corner lot.
Any of the lines bounding a lot as defined in this chapter.
A lot which is part of a subdivision, the map of which has
been recorded in the office of the register of deeds in the county
or a parcel or lot described by metes and bounds, the deed to which
has been recorded in the office of the registrar of deeds in the county.
A through lot that is not accessible from one of the parallel
or nonintersecting streets upon which it fronts.
|
A lot that fronts upon two parallel streets or that fronts
upon two streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.
The dimension measured along the front line of street line
except in the case where a curvilinear street pattern produces irregularly
shaped lots with nonparallel lot lines, lot width shall be measured
along the chord of the arc created by the building line for lots with
a concave front lot line and along the chord of the arc created by
a line 40 feet to the rear of and parallel to the building line for
lots with a convex front lot line. In no case shall the front lot
line of a lot located on a curvilinear street be less than 50 feet
in dimension.
 |
As used in this chapter, a major construction project shall
be any infrastructure project or major redevelopment of an existing
property that has a direct impact on five or more adjacent businesses.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A dwelling constructed in accordance with applicable federal,
state, and Township codes or regulations, transportable in one or
more sections, which is built on a chassis and designed to be used
with or without a permanent foundation, when connected to the required
utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and
electrical systems contained therein. The term "manufactured home"
does not include a vehicle primarily designed and used as a temporary
living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel purposes, including
a vehicle having its own motor power or a vehicle mounted on or drawn
by another vehicle.
That term as defined in Section 7106 of the Michigan Public
Health Code, 1978 PA 368, MCLA § 333.7106.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-10, 5-21-2019]
One of the following:
[Added 7-11-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-19]
A location at which a licensee is licensed under the Michigan
Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (Initiated Law 1 of 2018)[4] to obtain marijuana from marijuana establishments and
to sell or otherwise transfer marijuana to marijuana establishments
and to individuals who are 21 years or age or older.
[Added 7-11-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-19]
The statement of policy by the Township Planning Commission
relative to the agreed upon and officially adopted guidelines for
a desirable physical pattern for future community development. The
plan consists of a series of maps, charts, and written material representing
in summary form the soundest concept for community growth to occur
in an orderly, attractive, economical, and efficient manner thereby
creating the very best community living conditions.
That term as defined in MCLA § 333.26423.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-10, 5-21-2019]
Specialized skilled nursing and settings offering stepped-up
services for patients or residents with Alzheimer's disease or other
types of dementia.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-09, 5-21-2019]
A building or group of buildings containing leased units
designed for the storage of property for individuals, organizations,
and businesses, which are accessed by separate exterior doorways for
each unit. These are also known as self-storage facilities or mini-warehouse
facilities.
A building or group of buildings in which overnight lodging
is offered for a fee to transient guests, primarily catering to the
public traveling by motor vehicle. Guest services provided in a hotel
may also be provided in a motel. The term motel includes motor inn,
motor lodge, and inn, but does not include a bed and breakfast operation.
Any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for transportation
of persons or goods along public streets, roads or other public ways.
[Added 5-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-02]
Any graphic design, such as, but not limited to, a mosaic,
picture, scene, or diagram painted on any wall which does not contain
any brand name, product name, logo, trademark, trade name, identifiable
commercial representation, or any other commercial message or advertising,
whether by spelling, abbreviating, depiction, or otherwise.
[Amended 4-28-2023 by Ord. No. 2022-16]
The area of the lot excluding floodways, wetlands, areas
with steep slopes, or other constrained areas or easements.
A special metering and billing agreement between a utility
company and its customers which facilitates the interconnection of
renewable energy generating systems to the electrical power grid.
The relevant facts, data, or other proof supporting a request
for rezoning and/or variance that was not known, and through the exercise
of reasonable diligence could not have been known, by the applicant
prior to the date of the Township's denial of that request.
A building, structure, or use of land lawfully in existence
at the time of enactment of this chapter and which does not conform
with the regulations of the district or zone in which it is situated.
An offensive, annoying, unpleasant, or obnoxious thing or
practice, a cause or source of annoyance, especially a continuing
or repeating invasion of any physical characteristics of activity
or use across a property line which can be perceived by or affects
a human being, or the generation of an excessive or concentrated movement
of people or things such as noise, dust, smoke, odor, glare, fumes,
flashes, vibration, shock waves, heat, electronic or atomic radiation,
objectionable effluent, noise of a congregation of people, particularly
at night, passing traffic, and invasion of street frontage by traffic
generated from an adjacent land use which lacks sufficient parking
and circulation facilities.
An unoccupied space open to the sky on the same lot with
a building.
The line between upland and bottomland which persists through
successive changes in water levels, below which the presence and action
of the water is so common or recurrent that the character of the land
is marked distinctly from the upland and is apparent in the soil itself,
the configuration of the surface of the soil, and the vegetation.
The water level established by the Ingham County Circuit
Court on February 26, 2003, at 852.29 feet above mean sea level.
Those permanent signs and billboards which may be erected
for the purposes of advertising businesses which may or may not be
located on the same parcel.
[Amended 4-28-2023 by Ord. No. 2022-16]
A continuous area or acreage of land.
A "registered qualifying patient" or a "visiting qualifying
patient" as those terms are defined by MCLA § 333.26421
et seq.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-10, 5-21-2019]
A business where personal property is left as security for
a loan of money and where the property may be sold in lieu of loan
repayment.
The hour of highest volume of traffic entering and exiting
the site in the morning (a.m.) or the afternoon (p.m.).
A current and valid permit for a commercial medical marihuana
facility issued under the Charter Township of Meridian Ordinance Authorizing
and Permitting Commercial Medical Marihuana Facilities, Charter Township
of Meridian Ordinance No. 2019-01,[5] which shall be granted to a permit holder only for and
limited to a specific permitted premises and a specific permitted
property. Said permit shall be in addition to the special use permit
required to be obtained under this Zoning Ordinance.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-10, 5-21-2019]
A natural person, company, partnership, profit or nonprofit
corporation, limited-liability company, or any joint venture for a
common purpose.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-10, 5-21-2019]
A land area which has both individual building sites and
common property, such as a park, and which is designed and developed
under one owner or organized group as a separate neighborhood or community
unit (PUD).
Also known as "PODS." A transportable container or portable
structure or other unit designed and used primarily for storage of
building materials, household goods, personal items, and other materials
outside an enclosed building, other than accessory building.
[Added 8-4-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-12]
A lot or parcel of land together with all structures thereon.
A location at which a licensee that is a commercial entity
is licensed under the Medical Marihuana Facilities Act (Act 281 of
2016),[6] to purchase marijuana from a grower or processor and sell
at retail, supply, or provide marijuana to a registered qualifying
medical marijuana patient or registered primary caregiver.
[Added 7-11-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-19]
Any person, firm, corporation, or municipal department or
board fully authorized to furnish to the public electricity, gas,
steam, telephone, telegraph, transportation, sewage treatment, or
water.
Any vehicle that can be hauled, towed, or driven and is designed
for recreational, camping or travel uses including, but not limited
to, snowmobiles, all-terrain or off-road vehicles, motor homes, travel
trailers, truck campers, and folding tent campers.
Churches and ecclesiastical or denominational organizations,
or established physical places for worship at which nonprofit religious
services and activities take place.
Any places or premises used for sale dispensing, or serving
of food, refreshments or beverages in automobiles, including those
establishments where customers may serve themselves and may eat or
drink the food, refreshments, or beverages on the premises or may
carry-out.
A street, alley, or other thoroughfare or easement permanently
established for passage of persons, vehicles, or the location of utilities.
The right-of-way is delineated by legally established lines or boundaries.
A way for vehicular traffic, whether designated as a street,
highway, thoroughfare, avenues, boulevard, lane, cul-de-sac, or otherwise
designated, and included the entire area within the right-of-way.
Roads serving comparatively large volumes of high speed (45
miles per hour or greater), long-distance or through traffic and which
also provide access to abutting properties.
Roads that provide access to abutting properties and which
link development roads, collector roads, or other local roads to major
traffic roads.
Roads intended to provide access to abutting properties,
accommodate lower traffic volumes and provide mobility within a local
neighborhood.
The point at which the wall of a structure meets the roof.
Any person, not the principal tenant or a family member of
the principal tenant, who resides in a dwelling unit and pays remuneration
to the principal tenant, as distinguished from a guest who does not
pay remuneration. The roomer shall not have private cooking facilities
available. Rooms with private cooking facilities shall be considered
apartments.
A distance from the base of the wireless communication facility,
measured in all directions, where an unoccupied area shall be maintained,
except for accessory structures related to the facility, in case of
structural damage to the facility, falling debris, or catastrophic
failure.
A device which permits the reception of signals generated
by communication transmitters in planetary orbit.
Includes, but is not limited to, trees, shrubs, walls, fences,
used to create a visual or noise barrier.
A continuous fence, wall, dense evergreen, and/or deciduous
hedge, berm, or combination thereof, supplemented with landscape planting,
that would effectively screen the property which it encloses and is
broken only by access drives and walks. Materials used may only include
masonry, brick, wood, plastic, metal (except chain link), or vegetation.
A facility comprised of a building or group of buildings
providing a continuity of residential occupancy and health care for
elderly persons. This type of facility includes dwelling units for
independent living, assisted living, and memory care or other licensed
professional care for residents; it may include ancillary facilities
for the further service or care of the residents. The facility is
restricted to persons 55 years of age or older or married couples
or domestic partners where either spouse or partner is 55 years of
age or older.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-09, 5-21-2019]
A public or private road, auxiliary to and normally parallel
to Grand River Avenue (M-43), that maintains local road continuity
and provides access to properties adjacent to the controlled access
facility.
A moving shadow created by the sun shining through the rotating
blades of a wind energy system onto the ground and stationary objects.
A business or group of businesses which provides a variety
of merchandise and/or services which requires a location on a major
road and a large parking area to accommodate vehicular traffic. Such
a center may be a small neighborhood center, a discount store, or
a mall, though this does not limit such use to be one or any of these.
The boundary between the land and water as established by
the ordinary high-water mark.
The distance that the driver of a stopped vehicle can view
along a roadway to decide when to enter or cross an intersecting road.
Safe sight distance shall be a distance that a driver can view that
is sufficient for perception reaction time and to make a turning movement
onto the roadway and accelerate to posted speed prior to a vehicle
entering the view to reach the point of the driver.
A display or illustration which is affixed to, painted on,
or otherwise located or set upon a building, structure, or piece of
land, which directs attention to an object, place, product, activity,
person, institution, organization, or business and which is visible
from any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, public property or
from other private property, but not including signs which are directed
at persons within the premises of the sign owner.
[Amended 4-28-2023 by Ord. No. 2022-16]
A sign that is abandoned is any sign, including its supporting
structure, placed on a premises for which the use of the premises
that was occurring at the time the sign was erected has been discontinued
for a period of 90 days or more. A sign for a specific tenant or use
in a multi-tenant or multi-use sign is also an abandoned sign notwithstanding
the continued use of the majority of the sign or structure. Permanent
signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended by a change in
ownership or management shall be deemed abandoned if the structure
remains vacant for at least 90 days.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A double-sided sign designed as a "A" frame, typically hinged
or joined at one or more points and self-supported.
A sign that is displayed or affixed flat on the surface of
a canopy and does not extend beyond the limits of the canopy. Such
signs are considered wall signs for the purpose of regulation.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A freestanding sign that is installed at the road entrance(s)
to a development to identify the overall development project, rather
than individual businesses or uses within the development.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A permanent sign installed adjacent to a drive-through lane
to facilitate ordering and communications to on-site customers.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A sign or portion of a sign that displays an electronic image
using changing lights or similar forms of electronic display to form
a message. This includes, but is not limited to, television screens,
plasma screens, digital screens, flat screens, LED or LCD displays,
flipper matrix, and holographic displays.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A sign that is attached to a self-supporting structure other
than a building. The support structure shall be placed in or below
the ground and not attached to any other structure.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A sign that displays a message directing attention to a business,
product, service, profession, commodity, activity, event, person,
institution or other commercial message which is generally conducted,
sold, manufactured, produced, offered, or occurs elsewhere than on
the premises where the sign is located.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A sign that is not an off-premises sign.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A sign that is affixed in a nonparallel manner to the wall
of a building, extending outward from the building.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A sign that is installed for a limited period of time and
intended to be removed within a time period as specific herein.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A sign that is affixed parallel to the wall or window of
a building, not projecting above the top wall or beyond the end of
the building. For the purposes of this chapter, signs affixed to the
sloping surface of a mansard roof or canopy shall be considered a
wall sign.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A sign that is affixed to a window in a manner that does
not create any projection away from the window pane on which the sign
is installed.
[Added 4-28-2023 by Ord.
No. 2022-16]
A contiguous area of land upon which an activity takes place
or a project is developed or proposed for development.
A wireless communications facility which is not recognizable
as a conventional facility (e.g., a metal lattice or monopole), but
instead is disguised, concealed, or architecturally integrated into
a building's design in such a fashion as to conform to its surroundings.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2016-03, 1-5-2016]
The placing, depositing or stockpiling of any materials,
products, equipment, vehicles or trailers outside the confines of
an enclosed building.
That portion of a building included between the surface of
any floor and the surface of the next floor above it, or if there
is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling
next above it.
A space under a sloping roof which has the line of intersection
of roof decking and wall face not more than three feet above the top
floor level and in which space not more than two-thirds of the floor
area is finished off for use. A half-story containing independent
apartments or living quarters shall be counted as a full story.
The vertical distance from the top surface of one floor to
the top surface of the next above. The height of the topmost story
is the distance from the top surface of the floor to the ceiling above
it.
A public or private thoroughfare, which affords the principal
means of access to abutting property.
The legal line of demarcation between a dedicated street
right-of-way and abutting land; not to be confused with the master
plan right-of-way line.
Any change in the supporting members of a building such as
bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders or any substantial changes
in the roof and exterior walls.
Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires
more or less permanent location on the ground or attached to something
having a permanent location on the ground, excepting utility poles.
A portable and transportable bin with a storage capacity
of over 250 gallons, designed and used for storage or disposal of
building materials, household goods, personal items, or other materials
outside an enclosed building, other than an accessory building.
[Added 8-4-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-12]
A freestanding structure, which can also utilize lattice
or monopole designs, that incorporates guy wires for support. Guyed
towers are used for supporting communications equipment and/or for
broadcasting purposes generally at greater heights than nonguyed towers.
A freestanding structure composed generally of three or four
steel leg supports used to support communication equipment or an anemometer
(see graphic following definition of "antenna, whip").
A freestanding structure composed of a single spire used
to support communication equipment or a wind energy system (see graphic
following definition of "antenna, whip").
Pollutants, including disease-carrying agents, that after
discharge and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation, or assimilation
into any organism can cause death, disease, mutations, deformities,
or malfunctions in such organisms or their offspring and that adversely
affect the environment.
Any type of vehicle hauled or towed by a motor vehicle, which
may include, but is not limited to, a utility trailer, boat trailer,
horse trailer, snowmobile trailer, or motorcycle trailer.
Two or more persons not constituting a family as defined
in this section.
A signal that, when viewed on conventional television, is
at least equal in quality to that of local commercial or cable television.
The purpose for which land or a building is arranged, designed
or intended, or for which land or a building may be occupied.
A constructed solid barrier of concrete, stone, brick, tile,
wood, or similar type of material that closes, marks, or borders a
field, yard, or lot when the wall acts as a screen or fence, limits
visibility and restricts the flow of air and light. This definition
shall not include a wall of a building or structure.
A craft or apparatus designed for use on water with or without
a motor or engine and intended for recreational purposes.
The following:
WETLANDSAll wetlands defined and regulated under Township, state, or by federal law.
WATERCOURSESAny natural or artificial watercourse, stream, river, creek, ditch, channel, canal, conduit, culvert, drain, waterway, gully, ravine, or wash in which water flows in a definite direction or course, either continuously or intermittently, and which has a definite channel, bed and banks, and shall include any area adjacent thereto subject to inundation by reason of overflow or floodwater.
WATER BODYA natural or artificial lake, pond or any other collection of water that has definite banks, a bed, and visible evidence of a constant flow or constant occurrence of water.
The equipment which converts and then stores or transfers
energy from the wind into usable forms of energy including, but not
limited to, the wind turbine and the tower.
The set of equipment and network components used in the provision
of wireless communications services, including, but not limited to,
antennas, transmitters, receivers, base stations, equipment shelters,
cabinets, emergency generators, power supply cables, and coaxial and
fiberoptic cables, but excluding wireless communications support structures.
[Added by Ord. No. 2016-03, 1-5-2016]
A site where a wireless communications support structure,
wireless communications equipment, or a wireless communications equipment
compound is located.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2016-03, 1-5-2016]
A structure that is designed to support, or is capable of
supporting, wireless communications equipment, including a monopole,
self-supporting lattice tower, guyed tower, water tower, utility pole,
or building.
[Added by Ord. No. 2016-03, 1-5-2016]
An open space on the same lot with a building unoccupied
and unobstructed from the ground upward. Except as otherwise provided
herein, the measurement of a yard shall be construed as the minimum
horizontal distance between the lot line and the building line.
A yard extending across the front of a lot between the side
lot lines and measured between the front line of the lot and the nearest
point of the main building or land use.
An open space on the same lot with a main building unoccupied
except as herein permitted, extending the full width of the lot, and
situated between the rear line of the lot and the rear line of the
building projected to the side lines of the lot. The depth of the
rear yard shall be measured between the rear line of the lot, or the
centerline of the alley, if there be an alley, and the rear line of
the building.
An open space on the same lot with a principal building unoccupied
except as herein permitted, extending the width of the lot between
a lot line and a front yard setback line or between two front yard
setback lines for a lot with frontage on more than two streets. The
depth of the rear yard shall be measured between the rear line of
the lot, or the centerline of the alley, if there be an alley, and
the rear line of the building.
An open unoccupied space on the same lot with the building
situated between the building and the side line of the lot and extending
from the front yard to the rear yard. Any line not a front line or
a rear line shall be deemed a side line.
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Required Yards
 |
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Cross reference: Definitions generally, § 1-2.
|
[Code 1974, § 81-1.7]
The following rules of construction shall apply to the language
in this chapter:
(1)Â
The specific controls the general.
(2)Â
Unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, the following
conjunctions shall mean as follows:
a.Â
"And" indicates that all connected items, conditions, provisions,
or events shall apply.
b.Â
"Or" indicates that all connected items, conditions, provisions,
or events may apply singly or in any combination.
c.Â
"Either" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions,
or events shall apply singly but not in combination.
(3)Â
In case of conflict between the text and a diagram, a schedule, or
a figure, the text controls.
(4)Â
References to departments, commissions, boards, and other offices
are to those of the Township, unless otherwise indicated.
(5)Â
A reference to a public official of the Township is to that person
who performs the function referred to, and may include a designee
of the public official.
(6)Â
A reference to days is to calendar days unless otherwise indicated
in this chapter or specified by state law. If a deadline falls on
a weekend or Township holiday, the time for performing an act is extended
to the next working day. A working day is defined as any day that
is not a Saturday, Sunday, or official Township holiday.
(7)Â
In computing a period of days, the day of the act or event from which
the designated period of days begins to run is excluded, and the last
day of the period is included, unless the last day is not a working
day. If the last day is not a working day, the period runs until the
end of the next day which is a working day. In computing a period
of less than seven days, Saturdays, Sundays, and Township holidays
are excluded.
(8)Â
Use of "shall," "will," and "must" is mandatory; "may" is permissive.
(9)Â
Use of "including," "includes," "such as," "additional" and "supplemental"
is illustrative and not intended as an exhaustive listing, unless
the context clearly indicates to the contrary.
(10)Â
Words in the present tense include the future, and words used in
the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular, unless
the context clearly indicates to the contrary.
(11)Â
The word "person" includes a firm, association, organization, partnership,
trust, estate, company, corporation, joint venture, political subdivision,
or body of persons, as well as an individual.
(12)Â
Any word not interpreted or defined by the ordinance shall be used
with a meaning of common or standard utilization.
[Code 1974, § 81-1.2; Ord. No. 2007-12, 10-28-2007]
This chapter is enacted pursuant to the Michigan Zoning Enabling
Act PA 110 of 2006 (MCL § 125.3101 et seq.) and the Michigan
Municipal Planning Act 285 of 1931 (MCL § 125.31 et seq.),
replaced by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act PA 33 of 2008 (MCL
§ 125.3801 et seq., as amended).
[Code 1974, § 81-1.3; Ord. No. 2007-12, 10-28-2007]
The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public health,
safety, economic, and general welfare of the residents of the Township
by regulating the development of land and establishing districts in
which uses of land and structures are regulated. Specifically, this
chapter is designed to accomplish the purposes set forth in the Michigan
Zoning Enabling Act PA 110 of 2006 (MCL § 125.3101 et seq.)
including the following:
(1)Â
Encourage the preservation and use of lands, open space, and natural
resources in accordance with their character and suitability for particular
purposes and limit the improper use of land and natural resources.
(2)Â
Foster harmonious relationships among land uses and prevent or minimize
land use incompatibilities.
(3)Â
Promote and enhance the stability of the Township's neighborhoods,
commercial areas, and special or historic areas.
(4)Â
Avoid overconcentrations of population.
(5)Â
Reduce the hazards to life and property from fire, flood, and other
dangers.
(6)Â
Limit or lessen congestion on the public roads and streets.
(7)Â
Provide for adequate space, light, and air.
(8)Â
Promote wise and efficient expenditure of public funds for public
improvements and services to conform with the most advantageous uses
of land and resources.
(9)Â
Facilitate adequate and efficient provision of transportation systems,
sewage disposal, safe and adequate water supply, storm drainage, hazardous
materials management, education, recreation, and other public services,
utilities, and facilities.
(10)Â
Establish controls for activities, operations, or uses that produce
environmental impacts or irritants to sensory perception including
noise, odor, dust, or other irritants.
[Code 1974, § 81-1.4]
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all land within
the Township's jurisdiction, including that owned by the Township
or other local, state, or federal agency, to the extent permitted
by law.
[Code 1974, § 81-1.5; Ord. No. 2007-12, 10-28-2007]
If any requirements of this chapter are found not to be consistent
with the requirements of other lawfully adopted rules, regulations,
or ordinances, then, except as provided in the Michigan Zoning Enabling
Act PA 110 of 2006 (MCL § 125.3101 et seq.), the provisions
of this chapter control.
|
State law reference: Similar provisions, MCL 125.298.
|
[Code 1974, § 81-1.6]
If any court of competent jurisdiction shall declare any part
of this chapter to be invalid, such ruling shall not affect any other
provisions of this chapter. If any court of competent jurisdiction
shall declare any application of any provision of this chapter to
a particular property, structure, or land to be invalid, such ruling
shall not affect the application of such provision to any other property,
structure, or land.
[Code 1974, §§ 81-1.4, 81-5.1]
(a)Â
No land or building within the Township shall be occupied or used
except in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. No building
within the Township shall be erected, altered, repaired, or moved
except in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. No person
shall use or occupy any land or building within the Township, nor
shall any person erect, alter, repair, or move any building within
the Township except in compliance with this chapter.
(b)Â
The prohibition of any act in this chapter, in any amendment thereof
and in any rule or regulation adopted hereunder shall include the
causing, securing, aiding or abetting of another person to do such
act.
(c)Â
No building or structure shall be built, erected, altered, changed,
or remodeled without permits under this chapter. It is the duty of
any person in charge of such work and person who performs such work
to make sure the required permits have been applied for and obtained
to make sure a permit has been obtained or fails to perform in accordance
with the permit shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter and
subject to the penalties prescribed in this chapter.
[Code 1974, §§ 81-5.2, 81-5.4, 81-5.5]
(a)Â
Buildings erected, altered, razed, or converted, or uses established
or carried on in violation of any provision of this chapter, are hereby
declared to be a nuisance per se. The court having jurisdiction shall
order such nuisances abated and the owner and/or agent in charge of
such building or land shall be adjudged guilty of maintaining a nuisance
per se.
(b)Â
A person who violates any provision of this chapter is responsible
for a municipal civil infraction, subject to payment of a civil fine,
as established by the Township Board, plus costs and other sanctions,
for each infraction.
(c)Â
Each act of violation and every day upon which such violation shall
occur shall constitute a separate offense or infraction. Abatements
shall not be considered as payment or part of a violation's penalty.
(d)Â
In addition to all other remedies, including the penalties provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Township may commence and prosecute appropriate actions in the county circuit court or any other court having jurisdiction to restrain or prevent any noncompliance with or violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or to correct, remedy, or abate such noncompliance or violation.
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State law reference: Violations, MCL 125.294.
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