[Code 1974, § 83-1.1]
Any building permit issued prior to the effective date of this
chapter shall be valid, even though not conforming to the provisions
of this chapter; provided, that construction is commenced within 90
days after the date of permit issuance, that construction is carried
on diligently and without interruption for a continuous period in
excess of 30 days, and that the entire building shall have been completed
according to the plans filed with the permit application within two
years after the issuance of the building permit.
[Code 1974, § 83-1.2]
Any one lot of record created before the effective date of this
chapter without any frontage on a street shall not be occupied without
access to a street provided by an easement or other right-of-way no
less than 20 feet wide. No more than one lot may be served by such
an access route.
[Code 1974, § 83-1.3]
No building in the rear of and on the same lot with a principal
building shall be used for residential purposes except for watchmen,
caretakers, and domestic employees whose employment functions are
related to the functions of the principal building, provided that
all requirements of this chapter are satisfied.
[Code 1974, § 83-1.4]
Any manufactured home which does not conform to the standards of Subsection 86-368(b)(1) shall not be occupied as a dwelling within the Township unless located within an approved and licensed mobile home park.
|
Cross reference: Manufactured homes and trailers, ch. 42.
|
[Code 1974, § 83-1.5]
Nothing in this chapter shall prevent compliance with an order
by an appropriate authority to correct, improve, strengthen, or restore
to a safe condition any building or any part of a building declared
to be unsafe.
[Code 1974, § 83-1.6]
The finished surface of ground areas outside the walls of any
building constructed or altered shall be so designed that surface
water shall flow away from the building walls in such a direction
and collection that inconvenience or damage to adjacent properties
shall be avoided. All finished ground grades shall be subject to the
approval of the Chief Building Inspector.
|
Cross reference: Buildings and building regulations, ch. 14.
|
[Code 1974, § 83-1.7]
No structure for human occupancy shall after the effective date of this chapter be erected, altered, or moved upon any lot or premises and used in whole or in part for dwelling, business, industrial, or recreational purposes unless it shall be provided with a safe, sanitary, and potable water supply and with a safe and effective means of collection, treatment, and disposal of human excreta and domestic, commercial, and industrial wastes. All such installations and facilities shall conform with the minimum requirements as set forth by the county Health Department, the state Health Department, and the subdivision regulations (Chapter 62), state construction code adopted herein by reference, and the sewer ordinance (Chapter 78, Article III) of the Township. In no event shall an open well be permitted for a source of water nor shall privies or cesspools be permitted as means for disposal of human sewage.
|
Cross reference: Utilities, ch. 78.
|
[Code 1974, § 83-1.8]
No existing building or other structure within or from outside
of the Township shall be relocated upon any parcel or lot located
in the Township, unless the building design and construction are compatible
with the general architectural design and construction of buildings
or other structures presently located in the immediate area of the
zoning district and construction are in conformity with the state
construction code adopted by the Township and unless the building
or structure can be located upon the parcel or lot and conform to
the other requirements of the zoning district in which the parcel
or lot is located, as determined by the Chief Building Inspector.
This shall not be deemed to restrict houses of modular construction
which meet the standards of the state construction code, as amended
and adopted by the Township, and which are constructed away from the
site and brought to the site to be erected.
|
Cross reference: Buildings and building regulations, ch. 14.
|
[Code 1974, § 83-1.9; Ord. No. 2004-06, 9-5-2004]
[Code 1974, § 83-1.10]
Any lot created or recorded after May 9, 1988, that is adjacent
to or along a railroad right-of-way shall not be used for any residential
purpose unless it has a depth of at least 250 feet. In no case shall
any dwelling unit be located closer than 175 feet from a railroad
right-of-way.
[Code 1974, § 83-1.11; Ord. No. 2007-12, 10-28-2007]
(a)
Generally. Recognizing the special conditions and relationships in
transition areas between water features and developed areas, minimum
setbacks are hereby established to prevent degradation of the water
features of the Township, provide protection during high-water episodes
in floodprone areas, and preserve the aesthetic values of water features.
This regulation is based on the police power, for the protection of
the public health, safety and welfare, including the authority granted
in the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act PA 110 of 2006 (MCL § 125.3101
et seq.).
(b)
Structure and grading setbacks. All structures and grading activities
shall be setback from the edge of a water feature as follows:
(2)
Wetlands regulated by the Township, the state, or by federal law equal to or greater than one-quarter acre in area but less than two acres in area: 20 feet. The Township may require the applicant to have the precise boundary of the wetland in question delineated in accordance with Chapter 22, Article IV of this Code.
(3)
The Red Cedar River: 50 feet, as measured from the ordinary
high-water mark on the side of the river where the structure is to
be located or grading activity is to occur.
(4)
Open county drains or creeks: 50 feet, as measured from the
top of the bank on the side of the drain where the structure is to
be located or grading activity is to occur.
(5)
Lakes equal to or greater than two acres in area: 40 feet, as
measured from the ordinary high-water mark.
(6)
Lakes equal to or greater than one-quarter acre in area but
less than two acres in area: 20 feet, as measured from the ordinary
high-water mark.
(c)
Natural vegetation strip. To minimize erosion, stabilize streambanks
and wetland edges, protect water quality, and preserve fish and wildlife
habitat, a natural vegetation strip shall be maintained from the edge
of a water feature as follows:
(2)
The Red Cedar River: 25 feet, as measured from the abutting
ordinary high-water mark.
(3)
Open county drains or creeks: 25 feet, as measured from the
top of the abutting bank.
(4)
Lakes: 20 feet, as measured from the ordinary high-water mark.
(5)
Existing soil and organic matter shall not be altered or disturbed
within the natural vegetation strip.
(6)
Natural ground cover shall be preserved to the fullest extent
feasible, and where removed shall be replaced with other naturally
occurring vegetation that is equally effective in retarding runoff
and preventing erosion.
(7)
A lawn shall not be considered a natural vegetation strip.
(8)
Application of organic or synthetic pesticides, fertilizers,
or other chemicals shall not be permitted in the natural vegetation
strip.
(9)
Planting of perennial native species in the natural vegetation
strip is encouraged, especially where exposed soil and steep slopes
exist and in reforestation efforts.
(10)
Within the natural vegetation strip, trees, shrubs, and ground
cover may be selectively pruned or removed to provide reasonable private
access or views to water features, to remove potentially hazardous
or nuisance exotic vegetation, and to improve or protect wildlife
habitat. Such pruning and removal activities are subject to the following:
(d)
Exceptions. The following exceptions shall apply to this section.
All uses that fall within such exceptions must comply with all other
requirements and standards of this chapter and all other applicable
regulations and laws.
(1)
Subsection (b) of this section shall not apply to the following:
a.
Plats that have received Township preliminary or final approval
prior to September 2, 1991.
b.
Site plans and condominium plans that have received final approval
prior to September 2, 1991.
c.
Unplatted lots under two acres in area, created prior to September
2, 1991, on which an occupiable building is located for which a building
permit was issued prior to September 2, 1991.
(2)
For plats that have received Township preliminary or final approval
between September 2, 1991, and the effective date of this division,
for site plans and condominium plans that have received final approval
between September 2, 1991, and the effective date of this division,
and for unplatted lots under two acres in area created between September
2, 1991, and the effective date of this division on which an occupiable
building is located for which a building permit was issued between
September 2,1991, and the effective date of this division, the requirements
of subsection (b) of this section shall be modified to provide that
when a forty-foot setback is required, decks, porches, and patios
may project a maximum of 10 feet into the required setback.
(3)
The limitations as to grading activities in subsections (b)
and (c) of this section shall not apply to the following:
a.
Plats that have received preliminary or final approval prior
to the effective date of this division, including littoral rights
running with platted lots.
b.
Site plans and condominium plans that receive final approval
prior to the effective date of this division.
c.
Unplatted lots under two acres in area, created prior to the
effective date of this division, on which an occupiable building is
located for which a building permit was issued prior to the effective
date of this division, including littoral rights running with unplatted
lots.
(4)
The limitations as to grading activities in subsections (b)
and (c) of this section shall not apply to grading activities required
by the Township Engineer under the Township's land development ordinances
and regulations.
(5)
Bridges, docks, piers, sea walls, or wharves, incidental to
the permitted uses of the zoning district in which a protected water
feature is located are exempt from the water feature setback.
(6)
Structures that do not require a permit from the Township incidental
to the permitted uses of the zoning district in which the protected
water feature is located are exempt from the water feature setback.
(7)
County drain commission normal activities including, but not
limited to, drain cleaning, dredging, depositing, and grading of dredge
spoils are exempt from the water feature setback. The adverse effect
on the natural vegetation strip shall be minimized.
(8)
Landscaping and lawn maintenance incidental to the principal
use are permitted in the water feature setback, excluding the natural
vegetation strip.
(9)
Other activities are exempt from the water feature setback to
the extent the Township is prohibited from regulating by its ordinances
or other laws.
(10)
Subsections (b)(1), (2), and (c)(1) of this section shall not
apply to any driveway, pathway, or sidewalk less than or equal to
12 feet in width and/or utilities that have been granted a permit
to pass through a state department of environmental quality (MDEQ)
or Township-regulated wetland. The exception shall apply only to the
areas of the setback and natural vegetation strip which the driveway,
pathway, sidewalk and/or utilities must pass through as it enters
and/or exits the wetland. All conditions of the MDEQ or Township permit
shall be met.
[Code 1974, § 83-1.12]
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, any building or group of buildings with a combined gross floor area greater than 25,000 square feet and located on a lot shall require a special use permit in accordance with Article II, Division 4 of this chapter, regardless of the use or uses or the zoning district in which the building or buildings are located, as provided by § 86-658.
[Code 1974, § 83-1.14; Ord. No. 2008-10, 7-20-2008; amended 2-16-2016 by Ord. No.
2016-04]
The purpose of this section is to protect, preserve and provide
trees along and near streets within the Township; to provide for public
health, safety, and general welfare gained from the visual aesthetics,
air purification, and traffic-calming benefits of trees; to promote
and retain the Township's natural beauty; and to identify, address,
mitigate and resolve concerns regarding trees during the design phase
of projects.
(1)
New street trees. New street trees shall be planted as part of any
nonresidential or multiple-family developments, planned unit developments
(PUD), mixed-use planned unit developments (MUPUD), and commercial
planned unit developments (CPUD), using the following minimum standards:
a.
Location of new street trees shall be determined by street classifications found in § 86-367.
1.
Arterial streets. New street trees shall be planted in a manner
determined appropriate by the Director of Community Planning and Development
with input from the Ingham County Road Department and the Michigan
Department of Transportation, as applicable.
2.
Collector and local streets. Street trees shall be planted between the curbline and edge of pavement and the right-of-way line of the street, provided sight visibility shall be maintained in a manner consistent with § 86-474. The Director of Community Planning and Development with input from the Ingham County Road Department or Michigan Department of Transportation, as applicable, shall determine the appropriateness of the final location of proposed street trees.
3.
In those cases where a street tree is planted less than five
feet from the curbline or a sidewalk/pathway, materials shall be installed
with the tree(s) which prevent heaving by deflecting the roots away
from growing directly under the curb, street or sidewalk/pathway.
b.
Tree size. New street trees shall be at least two inches in caliper
when planted. Any tree which dies within two years after planting
shall be replaced by the developer.
(2)
Existing trees. In an effort to preserve viable existing trees and
in lieu of planting new street trees, existing trees located in the
right-of-way of all street classifications may be preserved and used
as street trees subject to the approval of the Director of Community
Planning and Development with input from the Ingham County Road Department
or Michigan Department of Transportation, as applicable. The following
minimum standards shall be utilized for all existing trees located
within the right-of-way:
a.
Existing trees shall be identified by species and diameter at breast
height (dbh) on plans submitted with applications for special use
permits, planned unit developments (PUD), mixed-use planned unit developments
(MUPUD), commercial planned unit developments (CPUD), and site plans
if one or both of the following are proposed:
1.
An applicant proposes to retain an existing street tree in lieu
of planting a new tree.
2.
An applicant proposes to remove one or more existing street
trees located in the right-of-way abutting a development site and
demonstrates the lack of feasible or prudent alternatives without
causing undue hardship.
b.
Evaluation of existing street trees for either substitution for a
new street tree or for preservation shall be based on the following
criteria: desirability of the existing tree's species, form, size,
age, location and physical condition.
c.
The preservation of individual existing trees meeting the criteria
above should have priority over the design and location of proposed
streets, access drives, and infrastructure when there are other practical
alternatives to removing the tree(s).
d.
The Township may impose conditions on the method and extent of the
proposed activities in the right-of-way, as necessary, to ensure they
will be conducted in a manner which will minimize damage, encroachment,
or interference with the health and well-being of the tree(s).
e.
Tree protection measures identified in § 22-179 of the Code of Ordinances may be required to assure the health and well-being of each existing tree to be preserved. Activities should not be conducted within the drip line of the tree, including but not limited to placing solvents, material, machinery, vehicles, or soil.
f.
One replacement deciduous tree shall be planted for each preserved
existing tree that dies within two years after completion of the project.
Tree species and planting locations are subject to the approval of
the Director of Community Planning and Development. Trees shall be
a minimum of two inches in diameter.
|
Cross reference: Vegetation, ch. 82.
|
[Ord. No. 2006-06, 11-26-2006]
The following sight triangle standards shall apply to all zoning
districts:
(1)
Street intersections. No plant material, berm, fence, wall screen,
sign, or other structure shall obstruct the visibility of motorists,
pedestrians, or cyclists within a sight triangle at street intersections
between the height(s) of three feet and 10 feet, as measured from
the back of the curb or edge of the pavement. The sight triangle shall
be formed by measuring 45 feet in each direction from the intersection
of the back of curb or edge of asphalt of each street and connecting
the two points (See Figure 1).
|
(2)
Intersection of a driveway and street. No plant material, berm, fence,
wall screen, sign, or other structure shall obstruct the visibility
of motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists within a sight triangle at
street and driveway intersections between the height(s) of three feet
and 10 feet, as measured from the back of the curb or edge of the
pavement. The sight triangle shall be formed by measuring 35 feet
along the back of curb or edge of asphalt of the street and edge of
the driveway from the intersection of the driveway and then connecting
the two points (See Figure 2).
|
[Ord. No. 2008-03, 3-16-2008]
(a)
Generally. The intent of this section is to protect the public health,
safety, and general welfare of Meridian Township and its citizens
by promoting the integrity, quality, safe use, and ecological balance
of Lake Lansing by avoiding overuse of the lake and limiting the number
of access points based on existing land use patterns around Lake Lansing.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit access of
the general public to Lake Lansing through use of a public park or
public access site provided by the Township, county, or state.
Recorded lots, parcels, sites, and easements held in common
by a subdivision, condominium, association, similar agency, or group
of individuals which abuts Lake Lansing and provided ingress and egress
to Lake Lansing by pedestrian or vehicular traffic from offshore land,
prior to the effective date of this section may continue to provide
the same right of ingress and egress, subject to the marina operating
permit requirements of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ).
(b)
Requirements.
(1)
A lot, parcel, site, or easement which is held in common by
a subdivision, condominium, association, similar agency or group of
individuals and abuts Lake Lansing, and either, did not provide ingress
and egress to Lake Lansing by pedestrian and vehicular traffic from
offshore land prior to enactment of this section or was created after
this section, may not be used as lake access property and provide
ingress and egress to Lake Lansing by pedestrian or vehicular traffic
from offshore land unless the following requirements are met:
a.
Lake access property as defined in § 86-2 shall contain a minimum of 65 feet of continuous shoreline for each dwelling unit to which ingress and egress to the lake has been extended or dedicated. The shoreline shall be measured by a straight line which intersects each side lot line at the ordinary high water mark of Lake Lansing.
c.
Lake access property as defined in § 86-2 shall not abut a man-made canal or channel on Lake Lansing. Canals or channels shall not be excavated for the purpose of increasing the shoreline required by this section.
d.
Lake access property as defined in § 86-2 shall not also be used for residential purposes, for constructing a dwelling, for accessory structure(s), or for any nonresidential use.
e.
No dock, raft, or similar equipment shall be placed in Lake Lansing by use of lake access property as defined in § 86-2.
f.
No watercraft shall be moored or docked in Lake Lansing adjacent
to lake access property.
[Added 8-4-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-12]
(a)
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the use of temporary
container units and PODS® within the
Township.
(b)
No temporary container unit or PODS® are permitted without written approval of the Community Planning
and Development Director. In any case, all temporary container units
and PODS® are required to comply with
the provisions of this section.
(c)
Temporary container units and PODS® are permitted to be on a property for a period of not to exceed
30 days. The use of such units shall be limited to no more than twice
during any twelve-month period.
(d)
A temporary container unit of PODS® used in conjunction with a permitted home improvement or construction
project are permitted for the duration of an active building permit.
(e)
No more than two temporary container units or PODS® shall be permitted on a property at any time.
(f)
A PODS® in the front yard must be
placed on a driveway or other hard surfaced area. The Community Planning
and Development Director may waive this requirement upon request.
(g)
A temporary container unit may be placed anywhere in the front yard
outside of the road right-of-way, with the approval of the Community
Planning and Development Director.
(h)
A temporary container unit or PODS® may not be placed in a road right-of-way without written permission
from the Ingham County Road Department.
[Added 11-9-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-05]
(a)
Generally. Recognizing the need for varied housing types while not
having a negative impact on existing residential neighborhoods, accessory
dwelling units can provide affordable housing options and opportunities
to age in place, and create a new housing opportunity in the Township
that will blend in with the existing fabric of a neighborhood.
(b)
One ADU, meeting all the standards of the Zoning Ordinance, is permitted
per lot which already contains a detached single-family residential
home.
(c)
Minimum lot area and width. ADUs are only permitted on lots that
meet the minimum area and width standards of the zoning district in
which they are located.
(d)
Setbacks. All ADUs shall meet the required setbacks for the underlying
zoning district where the structure is being constructed.
(f)
Maximum floor area. An ADU shall not be larger than 600 square feet
and in no circumstance shall be larger than the primary structure.
(g)
Parking. No additional parking shall be permitted or required beyond
the standard parking required for a single-family home.
(h)
Maximum occupancy. No more than two individuals may reside in an
ADU.
(i)
Access. The primary structure and the ADU shall share the same vehicular
access to the property.
(j)
Utilities. An ADU shall be connected to the water and sanitary facilities
for the existing single-family structure. No new utility connections
shall be permitted for ADUs.
(k)
Owner occupancy requirement. Either the principal dwelling unit or
the accessory dwelling unit shall be occupied by the person who has
a legal or equitable ownership interest with the property, and who
bears all or part of the economic risk of decline in value of the
property and who receives all or part of the payment, if any, derived
from the lease or rental of the dwelling unit. The owner-occupant
shall prove residency by means acceptable to the Township.
(l)
Accessory to main use. ADUs shall be clearly accessory to the main
use of the property as a single-family dwelling.
(m)
Rental licensing. If an ADU is occupied by someone other than the
property owner or a family member of the property owner, an active,
valid rental license is required. No more than one dwelling unit on
any property shall be licensed as a rental unit.
(n)
Attachment options. Accessory dwelling units may either be attached
to the main structure (such as building over a garage) or detached
from the main structure.
(p)
Deed restrictions. To ensure continued compliance by current and
subsequent owners, the applicant shall provide and record in the Ingham
County Register of Deeds a covenant in a form acceptable to the Township
that the existence of the ADU is predicated upon the occupancy of
either the principal or accessory dwelling unit by a person who owns
the property, and that the ADU shall remain in the ownership of the
person who owns the property. The applicant shall provide the Township
with a recorded copy of the restrictive covenant prior to and as a
condition of the issuance of the building permit for development of
the ADU. Any owner of the property must notify a prospective buyer
of the limitations of this section. Violations of the terms of this
covenant shall result in the loss of the occupancy for the § 1.
ADU.
(q)
Duration of lease or rental. No ADU may be leased or rented for less
than 30 days.
