"Special uses" are those uses of land which are not essentially
incompatible with the uses permitted in a zoning district, but have
characteristics or locational qualities which require individual review
and discretion in order to avoid incompatibility with the character
of the surrounding area, public services and facilities, and adjacent
uses of land. The purpose of this chapter is to establish equitable
procedures and criteria that shall be applied in the determination
of requests to establish special uses. The criteria for decision and
requirements provided for under the provision of the chapter shall
be in addition to those required elsewhere in this chapter that are
applicable to the special use under consideration.
An application for permission to establish a special use shall
be submitted and acted upon in accordance with the following procedures:
A. Application. Applications for a special use are requested to be submitted
20 days prior to the next scheduled Planning Commission meeting through
the Zoning Administrator, who will review the application for completeness,
then transmit the application to the Planning Commission. Each application
shall be accompanied by the payment of a fee in accordance with the
schedule of fees adopted by the Township Board to cover the costs
of processing the application. No part of this fee shall be refundable.
B. Required information. An application for a special use permit shall
be accompanied by the following documents and information:
(1)
An application form, supplied by the Zoning Administrator, which
has been completed in full by the applicant.
(2)
A site plan, as specified in Article
XVI, Site Plan Review.
C. Public hearings. Upon receipt of an application for a special land use that requires a decision of the Planning Commission, a notice that a request for special land use approval has been received, and a public hearing shall be scheduled with notice provided pursuant to §
380-21.06.
D. Planning Commission review and approval. Within a reasonable time
following the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall review
the application for a special use, comments received at the public
hearing, the site plan, and other materials submitted in relation
to the application, and deny the application, approve the application,
or approve the application with conditions. The decision on a special
land use shall be incorporated in a statement of conclusions relative
to the special land use under consideration. The decision shall specify
the basis for the decision, in the form of findings and conclusions,
and report any conditions imposed. The decision of the Planning Commission
on the special use application shall be made in accordance with the
criteria for approval stated in this article.
[Amended 9-20-2017 by Ord. No. 6B]
Prior to approval of a special use application, the Planning
Commission shall ensure that standards specified in this article,
as well as applicable standards established elsewhere in this chapter,
shall be satisfied by the completion and operation of the special
use under consideration.
A. General standards. The Planning Commission shall review the particular
circumstances of the special use application under consideration in
terms of the special use standards, and shall approve a special use
only upon a finding in compliance with each of the following standards,
as well as applicable standards established elsewhere in this chapter.
(1)
The special use shall be designed, constructed, operated and
maintained in a manner harmonious with the character of adjacent property
and the surrounding area.
(2)
The special use shall not change the essential use of the surrounding
area.
(3)
The special use shall not be hazardous to adjacent property,
or involve uses, activities, materials, or equipment which will be
detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of persons or property
through the excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke, fumes or
glare.
(4)
The special use shall not place demands on public services and
facilities in excess of current capacity.
(5)
The special use is in compliance with the Three Oaks Township
Master Plan.
B. Conditions. The Planning Commission may require reasonable conditions
in conjunction with approval of a special land use. The conditions
may include conditions necessary to ensure that public services and
facilities affected by a proposed land use or activity will be capable
of accommodating increased service and facility loads caused by the
land use or activity, to protect the natural environment and conserve
natural resources and energy, to ensure the compatibility with adjacent
uses of land, and to promote the use of land in a socially and economically
desired manner.
C. Termination. If any special use is not utilized within one year of
the date of approval by the Planning Commission, is discontinued through
vacancy of the premises, lack of operation or otherwise for a continuous
period of one year or if it is conducted contrary to conditions or
other ordinance imposed by the Planning Commission, then the special
use shall lapse and be null and void. Future use of said property
shall conform in its entirety to the provisions of this chapter; however,
the Planning Commission, for good cause, may grant an extension for
time to comply or to continue the special use if, in its judgment,
such extension is necessary in order to avoid injustice or undue hardship
to the owners of the property.
In addition to the general review standards set forth in §
380-15.03, the Planning Commission shall apply any specific review standards set forth in this article for any named special use. In the event this article does not set forth specific review standards for the special use under consideration, pursuant to §
380-12.20, the Zoning Administrator may propose, and the Planning Commission may incorporate, specific review standards for such use; provided, however, that any such standards adopted and any such conditions applied shall conform with the requirements of §
380-15.03B herein.
Bed-and-breakfast operations shall be subject to the following
provisions:
A. A residential structure shall not be converted to more rental rooms
than the number of bedrooms which exist at the time of enactment of
this chapter, and adequate living space must be preserved for the
manager or owner's quarters. A common room for guest relaxation is
required in these facilities. Unless owner-occupied, the manager must
reside on and have more than a nominal equity interest in the premises.
B. Off-street parking for one vehicle for each bedroom to be rented
must be available in addition to requirements for residential family
vehicles.
C. Bathrooms must be furnished for guest rooms, one bathroom not to
serve over four guest rooms.
D. No separate cooking facilities are allowed for a bed-and-breakfast
operation if only a continental breakfast is served.
E. In residential districts, one sign shall be permitted pursuant to Article
XIV of this chapter. No off-site signage shall be permitted.
F. Inspection and approval by the Zoning Administrator is required prior
to occupancy of bed-and-breakfast facilities. Berrien County Health
Department approval is required if other than continental breakfast.
G. The letting of bed-and-breakfast rooms shall be limited to short-term
occupancy, not to exceed 30 continuous days.
H. A residence must contain a minimum of 2,400 square feet of floor
area to be converted into a bed-and-breakfast facility.
Single-family dwellings, when treated as a special land use
under this chapter, shall be subject to the following regulations:
A. A single-family dwelling shall comply with the minimum square footage
requirements of this chapter for the zone in which it is located.
B. A single-family dwelling shall have a minimum front building dimension
measured at the foundation line of 33 feet, measured perpendicular
at the foundation line running not less than 33% of the length of
the longest wall, and complies in all respects with the Township Building
Code, including minimum heights for habitable rooms. Where a
dwelling is required by law to comply with any federal or state standards
or regulations for construction and where such standards or regulations
for construction are different than those imposed by the building
code adopted by the Township, then and in that event, such federal
or state standard or regulation shall apply.
C. A single-family dwelling shall be firmly attached to a permanent
foundation constructed on the site in accordance with the Building
Code and shall have a wall of the same perimeter dimensions of the
dwelling and constructed of such materials and type as required in
the applicable building code for single-family dwellings. In the event
that the dwelling is a mobile home, defined herein, such dwellings
shall be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's setup instructions
and shall be secured to the premises by an anchoring system or device
complying with the rules and regulations of the Michigan Mobile Home
Commission and shall have a perimeter wall as required above.
D. In the event that a dwelling is a mobile home as defined herein,
each mobile home shall be installed with the wheels removed. Additionally,
no dwelling shall have any exposed towing mechanism, undercarriage
or chassis.
E. A single-family dwelling shall be connected to a public sewer and
water supply or to such private facilities approved by the Berrien
County Health Department.
F. A single-family dwelling shall contain a storage-capability area
in a basement located under the dwelling, in an attic area, in closed
areas, or in a separate structure of standard construction similar
to or of better quality than the principal dwelling, which storage
area shall be equal to 10% of the square footage of the dwelling or
120 square feet, whichever shall be less.
G. A single-family dwelling shall contain a parking pad, garage or covered
parking as required by this chapter.
H. A single-family dwelling shall be aesthetically compatible in design
and appearance with other residences in the vicinity, with either
a roof overhang of not less than six inches on all sides or, alternatively,
with windowsills or roof drainage systems concentrating roof drainage
at collection points along the sides of the dwelling; has not less
than two exterior doors with the second one being in either the rear
or side of the dwelling unit; and has steps connected to each exterior
door area or to porches connected to said door areas where a difference
in elevation requires the same. Compatibility of design and appearance
shall be determined by the Township Zoning Administrator upon review
of the plans submitted for a particular dwelling. The decision of
the Zoning Administrator may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals
by an aggrieved party. Any determination of compatibility shall be
based upon the standards set forth in this definition of "dwelling"
as well as the character, design, and appearance of the majority of
residential dwelling located outside of mobile home parks within 1,200
feet of the subject dwelling where such area is developed with dwellings
to the extent of not less than 20% of the lots situated within said
area or, where said area is not so developed, by the character, design
and appearance of one or more residential dwellings located outside
of mobile home parks throughout the village or Township. The foregoing
shall not be construed to prohibit innovative design concepts involving
such matters as solar energy, view, unique land contour or relief
from the common or standard designed home.
I. The dwelling contains no additions or rooms or other areas which
are not constructed with similar quality workmanship as the original
structure, including permanent attachment to the principal structure
and construction of a foundation as required herein.
J. The dwelling complies with all pertinent building and fire codes.
In the case of a mobile home, all construction and all plumbing, electrical
apparatus and insulation within and connected to said mobile home
shall be of a type and quality conforming to the "Mobile Home Construction
and Safety Standards" as promulgated by the United States Department
of Housing and Urban Development, being 24 CFR Part 3280, and as from
time to time such standards may be amended. Additionally, all dwellings
shall meet or exceed all applicable roof snow load and strength requirements.
K. The foregoing standards shall not apply to a mobile home located
in a licensed mobile home park except to the extent required by state
or federal law or otherwise specifically required in the ordinance
of the Township pertaining to such parks.
L. All construction required herein shall be commenced only after a
building permit has been obtained in accordance with the applicable
Township Building Code provisions and requirements.
M. All construction shall conform with health, safety, and welfare specifications
of the adopted building code for emergency egress, rescue windows
and smoke detectors.
A place of public assembly shall be considered a large facility
if it has either 2,000 square feet or more in gross floor area, total
seating capacity of more than 100 in the largest room intended for
public assembly, or the capability to expand to meet these standards
in the future. For the purposes of this section, a capability to meet
these standards may be demonstrated by sufficient available land owned
by the applicant or an entity associated with the applicant, a building
designed to readily accommodate an expansion or a declaration by the
applicant of future intent to expand the facility to meet these standards.
A. A large place of public assembly shall be located on a parcel of
land with a minimum area of five acres; provided, however, that such
facility shall meet the maximum lot coverage requirements of this
chapter.
B. A large place of public assembly shall take its primary vehicular
access from an all-season county road.
C. For a large place of public assembly, the Zoning Administrator may require special studies or research under the terms of §
380-16.04D of this chapter.
D. All signs shall be in compliance with the provisions of Article
XIV of this chapter.
E. All off-street parking shall be in compliance with Article
XIII of this chapter.
F. Landscaping and buffering shall be provided in accordance with §
380-12.11 of this chapter.
Roadside stands that exceed a floor area of 32 square feet and/or
are operated for more than eight weeks in any twelve-month period
shall be subject to the following requirements:
A. The total floor area of the roadside stand shall not exceed 200 square
feet.
B. Only fruits, cut flowers, honey, vegetables or other products that
have been grown or produced on the premises shall be sold in a roadside
stand.
C. No part of the roadside stand, sales area or parking area shall be
located within a road right-of-way.
D. All structures associated with the roadside stand shall be portable
and shall be removed when not in use.
E. Only one roadside stand shall be permitted on any one parcel.
F. The Planning Commission shall give due consideration to the nature
of the proposed use and its potential impact on the surrounding land
uses and may establish appropriate site conditions to assure that
the use will generate no detrimental impacts on surrounding property.
G. A roadside stand shall be permitted not more than one sign with a
surface area of 32 square feet. Such sign shall not be lighted.
H. A minimum of two off-street parking spaces shall be provided for
each roadside stand.
Within the AG-RR District, the owner of property may elect to
develop an open space preservation development in accord with the
terms of this section. A maximum of 50% of the parcel's buildable
area may be divided into new parcels averaging not less than one acre
in area. The remaining 50% of the parcel shall be kept as usable open
space in perpetuity by conservation easement, plat dedication, restrictive
covenant, or other legal means acceptable to the Planning Commission.
A. Minimum open space requirement. The development density which would
normally be realized on the entire parcel shall be transferred to
the area of the parcel which is not the 50% area of the parcel which
shall be kept as usable open space in perpetuity by conservation easement,
plat dedication, restrictive covenant, or other legal means.
B. Determining maximum allowable parcel divisions. The maximum number
of new lots which may be created within the parcel shall be the same
number that would be permitted on the site under the provisions of
the AG-RR District. To determine this density, the applicant shall
either:
(1)
Submit a conceptual plan of division of the parcel. This conceptual
plan shall contain proposed parcels, roads, rights-of-way, areas which
are not in the buildable area, and other pertinent features in compliance
with Township ordinances and stipulations. This plan must be drawn
to scale; or
(2)
Multiply the buildable area of the parcel, as defined herein,
by 85% to account for rights-of-way, and divide the result by the
minimum parcel area in the AG-RR district.
C. Siting criteria for new parcels. Creativity and originality in parcel
layout shall be encouraged to achieve the best possible relationship
between buildable land and open space.
(1)
The parcels shall be no smaller than one acre in gross area,
unless the Zoning Board of Appeals or similar body determines this
to create a significant hardship upon the applicant due to natural
features or easements.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
(2)
All parcels shall be accessed from a public or private road,
and have a minimum frontage of 100 feet.
(3)
If more than one parcel is divided, the parcel shall be contiguous
unless the Planning Commission finds that the physical characteristics
of the property, including the environmental conditions and property
configuration, or other circumstances beyond the control of the applicant
make this impractical.
(4)
Where residential parcels exist on adjacent properties of an
area less than 10 acres, the parcels to be split shall be adjacent
to such existing residential lots.
(5)
The parcels shall meet County Health Department requirements
for well and sanitary septic systems.
D. Density bonus. A 10% density bonus may be considered by the Planning
Commission in approving the open space preservation development when
two or more of the following standards are met:
(1)
Protection and preservation of floodplain areas or slopes over
25%.
(2)
Maintenance of a significant upland buffer of natural native
species vegetation adjacent to wetlands and surface waters.
(3)
Protection of prime farmland areas where soils are suitable
for agriculture.
(4)
Preservation of scenic views and vistas unblocked and uninterrupted,
particularly as seen from adjacent roads.
(5)
Protection of wildlife habitat areas of species listed as endangered,
threatened or of special local concern.
(6)
Protection and preservation of sites of historic, archaeological,
or cultural value.
(7)
Provision of reasonable and contiguous open space areas that
are attractive and useful for future residents and the larger community.
E. Application and site plan review process. A preapplication conference shall be held involving the applicant and the Zoning Administrator to discuss the applicant's objectives and how these may be achieved under this provision. Engineering, site plans, or surveys shall not be required for the preapplication conference and shall not be accepted or reviewed at the preapplication conference. If necessary, a site visit may be scheduled during the preapplication conference. All open space preservation developments shall be processed in accordance with Article
XVI, pertaining to site plan review.
[Amended 9-14-2015 by Ord. No. 50]
A. Definition. A commercial enterprise related to farming operated for
the enjoyment and education of the public that may also generate additional
farm income by promoting farm products and which may include farm
product retailing and sampling, educational and/or outdoor recreational
programs, an accommodation use, farm tours, horseback riding, and
similar activities.
B. Regulations and conditions.
(1)
An application for an agritourism establishment shall include a complete site plan in accordance with Article
XVI with detail on parking, sanitation, refuse and solid waste management, on site lighting, fencing, crowd control, on-site vehicular and pedestrian circulation, details on any public address system and equipment, signage and related facilities, existing and proposed. In addition, the application shall include a complete written description of the proposed use, the services to be provided, the maximum number of patrons anticipated on site at any time, hours of operation, activities to be conducted and any other information necessary to properly convey the nature of the facility proposed. Such written description shall be considered a part of the special land use application to be relied upon by the Township in granting any approval.
(2)
The Planning Commission shall evaluate the proposed agritourism
establishment and the activities proposed to determine whether it
will be compatible with neighboring and allowed uses in the vicinity.
(3)
If an agritourism establishment is intended to include any overnight
accommodations, that element of the use shall comprise only a small
part of the property, so that the farm use of the site is predominant
and the accommodation use is secondary. The Planning Commission may
approve a proposed departure from this requirement if it finds that
the proposed accommodation use is substantially farm-related or that
the use and its activities would not have impacts on the vicinity
similar to impacts generated by a commercial business, including consideration
of traffic, light pollution, noise, blowing trash, signage, odor,
and aesthetics.
(4)
Farm markets with a country theme dealing with products grown
on site, locally grown products as well as related items produced
elsewhere, whether operating year-round or seasonally, shall be considered
an agritourism establishment under this section; provided, however,
that roadside stands and markets for the sale of products primarily
grown or produced upon the premises with no more than 600 square feet
dedicated to retail sales shall not be considered an agritourism establishment
subject to the terms of this section.
(5)
Tasting rooms and related food-service activities shall at all
times comply with any and all requirements of the Berrien County Health
Department and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
(6)
Periodic or permanent recreational or entertainment activities
or facilities, such as, but not limited to, rodeo demonstrations,
tractor pull events, hay rides, corn mazes, concerts, haunted houses
and similar features or events shall be clearly described in any application
for special land use approval and must be authorized in advance pursuant
to this section.
(7)
The Planning Commission may impose requirements on the placement
of the facility on the site to protect adjacent properties from its
impacts and to maintain rural views from public roads. The facility
and all of its outdoor ancillary structures and activities, such as
parking and gathering space, shall be located at least 50 feet from
property lines. The Township may approve a proposed departure from
this requirement if it finds that locational and layout attributes,
buffers, adjacent uses and site configurations, and other features
of the subject site and nearby property work together to minimize
impacts of the proposed use, provided that other applicable dimensional
requirements of this chapter are met.
(8)
The Township may require submittal of a traffic impact study,
the purpose of which shall be to analyze the effect of traffic generated
by the proposed use on the capacity, operations, and safety of the
public road system and to propose mitigation measures.
(9)
The Township may require landscaping and other features to screen
the use from adjacent properties, and the Township may impose limitations
on the operation of the facility to protect adjacent properties from
its impacts. Such limitations may pertain to hours of operation, outdoor
lighting, outdoor activities, noise, and other elements.
(10)
The applicant shall demonstrate that all vehicular parking will
occur on the site. A pervious parking surface is preferred, and the
applicant shall demonstrate that dust would be controlled.
[Added 9-20-2017 by Ord.
No. 6B]
A. Purpose. It is the intent of this section to regulate those wireless
communication towers and antennas in accordance with the Federal Telecommunications
Act of 1996, the Sequestration Act of 2012 and the Michigan Zoning
Enabling Act, PA 110 of 2006, as amended. Within the general parameters of these laws,
this section also intends to reduce the impact of these communication
elements on adjacent land uses by reasonably regulating their location,
height, safety, general appearance, and eventual removal. Additionally,
this section intends to promote and encourage the co-location of attached
communication antennas on existing towers and support structures.
B. Applicability.
(1)
All new wireless communication facilities in the Township shall
be subject to these regulations, except as provided for below:
(a)
Preexisting towers or antennas. Preexisting towers and preexisting
antennas shall not be required to meet the requirements of this section
unless modified.
(b)
Exempt towers or antennas. The following types of wireless communications
antenna may be administratively approved in the Township:
[1] Amateur radio station operators. Any tower, or
the installation of any antenna, that is under 125 feet in height
and is owned and operated by a federally licensed amateur radio station
operator may be approved by the Zoning Administrator as an accessory
use.
[2] Co-location. The following uses of wireless communication
antennas may be administratively approved after review by the Zoning
Administrator:
[a] Locating or co-locating antennas on existing structures
or towers.
[b] A tower that is modified or reconstructed to accommodate
the co-location of an additional antenna, provided that it is of the
same tower type as the existing tower.
[c] An existing tower may be modified or rebuilt to
a taller height, not to exceed 30 feet over the tower's existing height,
to accommodate the co-location of an additional antenna.
[3] Antenna placement on publicly-owned facilities.
Wireless communication antennas or towers may be installed on publicly
owned water towers or other facilities, and their accessory equipment
and shelters may be installed on publicly owned property in any zoning
district, with a lease approved by the Township Board and subject
to the requirements of the site plan review.
[4] Towers placed by Township and towers placed for
emergency services. The placement of towers or antenna dedicated to
public safety and/or emergency services is permitted in any district,
subject to site plan review and approval by the Planning Commission.
(2)
For Subsection
B(1)(b)[2] and
[3] above, the Zoning Administrator shall review the application in accordance with the standards of this section and shall either approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application within 60 days of receipt of all required information, as determined by the Zoning Administrator. If the application is not approved, approved with conditions, or denied within 60 days, the application shall be considered approved and the Zoning Administrator shall be considered to have made any determination required for approval.
C. New facilities. A new wireless communication facility is permitted
in the Industrial (I) or Agricultural - Rural Residential (AG-RR)
District if authorized by the Planning Commission as a special land
use. Such facilities shall comply with the following conditions:
(1)
Height. The maximum height for a wireless communication tower
shall be 199 feet, unless a radio frequency engineer or similarly
qualified professional demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Planning
Commission that a taller tower is necessary.
(2)
Construction. The applicant shall provide all appropriate engineering
information site plans and drawings to the Zoning Administrator at
the date of application. No building other than the associated support
building or cabinet, sidewalk, parking lot or other area with anticipated
pedestrian or vehicular traffic shall be permitted within the self-collapsing
or "fall zone" area.
(3)
Compatibility. The wireless communication facility and associated
buildings or structures shall be aesthetically and architecturally
compatible with the surrounding environment and be in full compliance
with all local, state and federal regulations and laws. The Planning
Commission may require the use of residentially compatible materials,
such as wood, brick and stucco, for associated support buildings or
structures, designed to architecturally match the exterior of residential
structures within the neighborhood. Further, the Planning Commission
may require fencing and/or landscaping around accessory buildings
or cabinets, guy wire anchor points, or other parts of the facility
to screen them from view from adjacent property or roadways.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
(4)
Review requirements. In addition to the requirements of this
section, an application for a new wireless communication facility
shall include the following information:
(a)
Name, address, phone numbers and signatures of the applicant,
proposed operator and property owner of the site.
(b)
Name and address, including phone number, of the person responsible
for determining feasibility of co-location as provided in this section.
(c)
The existing form of technology being used and any changes to
that technology.
(d)
Documentation that the applicant has investigated the potential
of co-location with other wireless communication service providers
or owners of wireless communications support structures located in
the Township or neighboring communities and which may meet the coverage
needs of the applicant.
(e)
Written materials which document the need for the proposed location.
(f)
A set of drawings sealed by a professional engineer of all proposed
wireless communications equipment, wireless communications support
structures, buildings, structures and cabinets, including elevations
and renderings, showing the proposed facility from four vantage points
located not less than 200 feet nor more than 500 feet from the proposed
tower location.
(g)
A description of a maintenance plan relating to the proposed
wireless communications equipment, wireless communications support
structures, buildings, structures, cabinets and surrounding landscape.
(h)
Radio-frequency propagation or coverage maps showing signal
strength information for the vicinity, both with and without the proposed
tower.
(i)
Registered engineer's certification of the design and safety
of the proposed tower, which shall set forth the fall zone area for
the proposed tower. If such fall zone area is less than that of a
circle whose radius is equivalent to the height of the proposed tower,
such certification shall provide structural calculations and detail
sufficient to demonstrate the accuracy of such lesser fall zone area
determination. Such certification shall be provided by an engineer
licensed to practice in Michigan.
(j)
Method of fencing and finished color and, if applicable, the
method of camouflage and illumination.
(k)
A statement signed by the applicant, indicating the number and
type of additional antenna the proposed facility will accommodate
through co-location.
(l)
Each applicant shall provide an inventory of existing towers,
tall structures, antennas, or sites approved for towers or antennas,
that are either within the Township or within one mile of the border
thereof, including specific information about the location, height,
and design of each tower or tall structure.
(m)
The separation distance from other towers described in the inventory
of existing sites shall be shown on an updated site plan or map. The
applicant shall also identify the type of construction of the existing
tower(s) and the owner/operator of the existing tower(s), if known.
The applicant shall also demonstrate the reasons such existing towers
or tall structures cannot be used in lieu of the proposed communication
tower.
(n)
Third-party review and additional studies:
[1] A qualified, independent third-party review of
the special land use application, or any or all additional studies,
may be required by the Planning Commission. Further, the Planning
Commission may require additional studies not specifically required
by this section if the Commission determines that such additional
studies will aid in the evaluation and review of the proposed wireless
communication facility. The fees of the independent third-party review
and for any additional studies required by the Planning Commission
shall be paid for by the applicant.
[2] Once all required materials are submitted, the
Planning Commission shall review the application in accordance with
the standards of this section and shall either approve, approve with
conditions, or deny the application for a new wireless communication
facility within 90 days of receipt of all required information, as
determined by the Zoning Administrator. If the Planning Commission
does not approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application
within 90 days, the application shall be considered approved and the
Planning Commission shall be considered to have made any determination
required for approval.
(5)
Location criteria.
(a)
Facilities shall be sited to minimize views from residential
areas or the public right-of-way.
(b)
The structure shall be located on a site of sufficient size
such that the entire fall zone is located on the parcel where the
wireless communication antenna is proposed.
(c)
Minimum spacing between towers shall be at least two miles unless
the applicant demonstrates to the Planning Commission's satisfaction
that such spacing is not feasible.
(6)
Development and design standards.
(a)
All wireless communication towers shall be of a monopole design,
unless the applicant demonstrates to the Planning Commission's satisfaction
that a guyed or lattice tower design is needed.
(b)
All wireless communication towers, facilities, structures, cabinets,
and equipment shall comply with all applicable state construction
and electrical codes and local building permit requirements. Wireless
communication towers and all associated equipment and accessory structures,
including cabinets, guy wires, and related structures, shall be set
back from any lot line a minimum of 150 feet, or a distance equal
to or greater than the height of the tower, whichever is greater.
(c)
Wireless communication facilities shall be painted in unobtrusive
colors.
(d)
Wireless communication towers shall be designed to prevent unauthorized
climbing.
(e)
When the FAA or other federal or state authority requires lighting,
it shall be the minimum required to meet regulations. It shall be
oriented inward so as not to project onto surrounding properties.
If not required by the FAA or MDOT, the wireless communication tower
shall not be lit.
(f)
The Planning Commission may require anti-climbing devices and
security fencing of at least six feet preventing access to the associated
building, cabinet or structures, tower, and/or guyed wires.
(g)
Signs and logos are prohibited on the tower.
(h)
Electric, telephone and other utilities servicing a facility
shall be buried underground.
(i)
Towers shall be located so that they do not interfere with television,
radio, or shortwave radio reception in nearby residential areas.
(j)
Existing on-site vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum
extent practicable. However, the site shall be maintained in harmony
with the surrounding properties.
(k)
Where the property line of a site containing a wireless communication
facility abuts a residential zoned or used area, the operator shall
provide a plant screen sufficient in density and height so as to have
an immediate buffering impact on adjacent property.
(l)
There shall be no employees located on the site on a permanent
basis to service or maintain the facility. Occasional or temporary
repair and service activities are excluded from this restriction.
(m)
Antenna and metal towers shall be grounded for protection against
a direct strike by lightning and shall comply as to electrical wiring
and connections with all applicable Township, county, state, and federal
statutes, regulations, and standards.
(n)
Towers with antenna shall be designed to withstand a uniform
wind loading as prescribed in the Building Code.
(o)
Structures shall be subject to current state and federal regulations
concerning nonionizing electromagnetic radiation. If more restrictive
state or federal standards are adopted in the future, the antenna
shall be made to conform. Cost for testing and verification of compliance
shall be borne by the operator of the antenna.
(p)
All wireless communication towers associated with the wireless
communication facility shall be located on the property owned or leased
by the communications company operating the facility, including all
guyed wires and anchors relating thereto.
(q)
The access road leading to the facility shall be constructed
of gravel and/or aggregate sufficient to maintain adequate access
to the site. A driveway permit, where necessary, will be sought and
received by the applicant prior to issuance of any building permit.
(r)
The applicant is responsible for seeking and receiving any and
all permits required for the site location, including but not limited
to FAA, Michigan Aeronautics Commission, Berrien County Road Commission,
or other federal, state, or local agencies.
(s)
Wireless communication equipment and wireless communication
support structures shall be regulated and permitted pursuant to this
section. They shall not be regulated or permitted as essential services,
public utilities, or private utilities.
(t)
All new wireless communication facilities shall be designed
within the applicable ANSI standards.
(7)
Co-location and construction. Any proposed tower shall be designed
and constructed to accommodate future co-location. Towers must be
designed to allow for future arrangement of antennas upon the tower
and to accept not less than three antennas mounted at varying heights.
Whenever possible, proposed wireless communication facilities shall
co-locate on existing buildings, structures, and existing wireless
communication towers. If an owner/operator of an existing tower fails
to or refuses to permit co-location, such a structure shall be a nonconforming
structure and shall not be altered or expanded in any way and shall
be prohibited from receiving approval for a new tower within the Township
for a period of five years from the date of the failure or refusal
to permit the co-location. As a condition of the special land use,
the applicant will be requested to allow co-location of municipal
antennas on the tower for fire and police use.
(8)
Discontinuance and removal.
(a)
A condition of every approval of a wireless communication facility
shall be adequate provision for removal of all or part of the facility
by users and owners when a wireless communication tower has not been
used for a period of 90 consecutive days.
(b)
Upon the occurrence of the discontinuance of a wireless communication
facility specified above, the property owner or persons who had used
the facility shall immediately apply or secure the application for
any required demolition or removal permits, and immediately proceed
with and complete the demolition/removal, restoring the premises to
an acceptable condition as reasonably determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(9)
Removal guarantee required.
(a)
At the time of approval of a wireless communication facility, the applicant shall submit a financial guarantee of an amount to be determined by the Township, to cover the cost for removal of the wireless communication facility pursuant to this Subsection
C(9). This removal guarantee shall be in place as long as the wireless communication facility is active and operational and shall be reviewed at least every 10 years to ensure the amount of the guarantee sufficiently covers the cost of removal.
(b)
If the required removal of a facility or a portion thereof has
not been lawfully completed within 60 days of the applicable deadline,
and after at least 30 days' written notice, the Township may remove
or secure the removal of the facility or required portions thereof,
with its actual cost and reasonable administrative charge to be drawn,
collected and/or enforced from or under the removal guarantee posted
at the time application was made for establishing the facility.
(10)
Performance guarantee. The Planning Commission may require a performance guarantee pursuant to §
380-21.07 of this chapter.
[Added 6-12-2023 by Ord. No. 62]
A. Purpose and intent. The purpose of this section is to protect the
public health, safety, and welfare, protect neighborhood character,
minimize negative community impacts, and enact effective regulatory
and enforcement controls through minimum land use requirements for
adult use marihuana establishments and facilities in Three Oaks Township.
Marihuana establishments, as defined pursuant to Section 3 (h) of
the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA), include a marihuana grower, safety compliance facility,
processor, microbusiness, retailer, or a secure transporter, or other
establishment types permitted by applicable Rules for Adult Use Marihuana
Establishments, as amended, promulgated by the State of Michigan Department
of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and the Cannabis Regulatory
Agency (CRA) or Marihuana facilities as defined pursuant to the Medical
Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA).
B. Establishments permitted. Adult use marihuana establishments, marihuana
facilities, and marihuana grower may only be permitted as a special
land use in accordance with provisions of this section and only those
facilities listed in the table below may be permitted in the zoning
districts indicated. Adult use marihuana establishments, facilities,
and growers not specifically listed in the table below are prohibited
in Three Oaks Township.
Establishment/Facility Type
|
Zoning Districts Permitted
|
---|
Marihuana retailer
|
C-1 Commercial
|
Marihuana provisioning center
|
N/A
|
Marihuana microbusiness (any class)
|
C-1 Commercial
|
Marihuana processor
|
C-1 Commercial or I Industrial
|
Marihuana safety compliance facility
|
I Industrial
|
Marihuana secure transporter
|
I Industrial
|
Marihuana grower (any class)
|
I Industrial or AG-RR Rural Residential Agriculture
|
C. License required.
(1)
In addition to the special land use permit required by this
section, a municipal permit issued by Three Oaks Township pursuant
to Ordinance 63 shall be required prior to operating any adult use marihuana
establishment or facility in Three Oaks Township, along with any other
licenses or permits required by any other federal, state, or local
agency having jurisdiction. It shall be unlawful for any person to
operate an adult use marihuana establishment or facility in the Township
without obtaining both a municipal permit and a special land use permit
pursuant to the requirements of this section.
(2)
The issuance of a special land use permit pursuant to this section
does not create an exception, defense, or immunity to any person regarding
any potential civil or criminal liability.
(3)
A separate special land use permit shall be required for each
geographic location.
(4)
The Planning Commission may approve a special land use permit
for multiple marihuana establishments or facilities at the same geographic
location and/or in one building, provided that all appropriate licenses
are obtained from LARA and the Three Oaks Township.
D. Application requirements. An application for an adult use marihuana
establishment or facility special land use shall be accompanied by
a site plan pursuant to Article 16, along with any additional information
necessary to describe the proposed establishment or facility. At a
minimum, the following materials shall be submitted as part of an
application for an adult use marihuana establishment or facility:
(1)
Verification. A signed statement by the applicant indicating
the proposed establishment type or facility type, including any requested
special licenses, provided that such special licenses are authorized
by Three Oaks Township and by applicable Rules for Adult Use Marihuana
Establishments or facilities, as amended, promulgated by LARA.
(2)
Consent. A notarized statement by the property owner that acknowledges
the use of the property for a marihuana establishment or facility
and an agreement to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Township,
its officers, elected officials, agents, employees, and insurers,
against all liability, claims, or demands arising out of, or in connection
with, the operation of a marihuana establishment. Written consent
shall also include approval of the owner and operator for the Township
to inspect the establishment at any time during normal business hours
to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
(3)
State license required. A copy of a prequalification letter
issued by the State of Michigan indicating that the applicant has
successfully completed the application for a state operating license
and has obtained prequalification status.
(4)
Municipal permit required. A copy of the complete application
for a municipal permit pursuant to Ordinance 63. When a municipal permit from the Township has not yet
been obtained prior to applying for a special land use, the Planning
Commission shall require a municipal permit from Three Oaks Township
as a condition of special land use approval.
(5)
Performance guarantee required. If a new building is being constructed,
the applicant shall provide a performance guarantee in a form acceptable
to the Township to ensure completion of the project in conformance
with Township requirements.
E. Site plan requirements. In addition to compliance with all license and application requirements, including, but limited to, §
380-16.04, the following information shall also be submitted:
(1)
A map, drawn to scale, containing all K-12 public or private schools, preschools, and child-care centers near the proposed marihuana establishment location and a 1,000-foot isolation radius drawn around the proposed location to show an appropriate setback distance, measured from the property lines, in accordance with Subsection
F(2) below.
(2)
A narrative describing how the enclosed areas with marihuana
have been secured and how permitted individuals will be given access.
(3)
A detailed security plan that addresses all security measures
of the marihuana establishment or facility in compliance with all
applicable Rules for Adult Use Marihuana Establishments, as amended,
promulgated by LARA.
(4)
A lighting plan showing the lighting outside of the marihuana establishment for security purposes and compliance with §
380-12.12 and any other applicable requirements.
(5)
Existing and proposed building elevations, including building
materials, descriptions of glass to be used, and other pertinent information
that describes building construction or structural alterations.
(6)
A floor plan of the marihuana establishment detailing the locations
of the following:
(a)
All entrances and exits to the establishment or facility;
(b)
The location of any windows, skylights, and roof hatches;
(c)
The location of all cameras, and their field of view;
(d)
The location of all alarm inputs (door contacts, motion detectors,
duress/hold up devices) and alarm sirens;
(e)
The location of the digital video recorder and alarm control
panel, including the location of the off-site storage or network service
provider for storage of the required copies of surveillance recordings;
and
(f)
Restricted and public areas.
(7)
The applicant's procedures for accepting delivery of marihuana
at the establishment or facility, including procedures for how and
where it is received, where it is stored, and how the transaction
is recorded.
(8)
An odor control plan demonstrating compliance with Subsection
F(3) hereof.
(9)
A complete landscape plan pursuant to §
380-12.11 of this chapter meeting the requirements of Subsection
F(4) below.
(10)
A utility plan for the provision of water service to the site
and wastewater disposal, along with proposed pretreatment methods.
(11)
Any site plan for a marihuana establishment in Industrial Zoning that includes a plan for retail is subject to, and must comply with, special land use requirements set forth in Chapter
380, Article
X, including §
380-10.03 and §
380-15.24.
F. General requirements: All adult use marihuana establishments or facilities
shall be subject to the following additional requirements:
(1)
Security. The marihuana establishment shall comply with all
applicable security requirements contained in applicable Rules for
Adult Use Marihuana Establishments, as amended, promulgated by LARA.
(a)
All marihuana and marihuana accessories shall be located within
an enclosed, locked area, inaccessible on all sides, and equipped
with locks that permit access only by the licensed operator or their
employees, agents of LARA, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel,
and other authorized individuals designated by the Township.
(b)
Adult use marihuana establishments or facilities subject to
the provisions of this section shall not grow marihuana outdoors.
(c)
Marihuana establishments and facilities shall use commercial-grade,
nonresidential door locks on all points of entry and exit to the permitted
premises.
(d)
Security cameras are required to be installed and operated in
marihuana establishments and facilities 24 hours per day, 365 days
per year, and shall be directed to record only the subject property.
Required security cameras may not be directed to public rights-of-way
as applicable, except as required to comply with applicable Rules
for Adult Use Marihuana Establishments, as amended, promulgated by
LARA.
(2)
Separation distances. The distances described in this subsection
shall be computed by measuring a straight line from the nearest property
line of the land used for the purposes stated in this subsection to
the nearest property line of the parcel used as a marihuana establishment
or facility. A marihuana establishment or facility shall not be located
within:
(a)
One thousand feet of a preschool or child-care center, whether
or not it is within Three Oaks Township; or
(b)
One thousand feet of a public or private K-12 school, whether
or not it is within the Three Oaks Township.
(3)
Odors. The marihuana establishment or facility shall be designed
to provide sufficient odor-absorbing ventilation and exhaust systems
so that any odor generated inside the establishment or facility is
not detectable outside the building in which it operates, on adjacent
public rights-of-way, private road easements, or within other units
located within the same building as the establishment or facility
if it occupies only a portion of the building.
(4)
Required landscaping.
(a)
Where a rear or side yard of a property used for an adult use
marihuana establishment district abuts a property used for residential
purposes or within a residential zoning district, an obscuring wall
not less than six feet or more than eight feet in height shall be
provided in such a manner to buffer the residential use from the adult
use marihuana establishment. The obscuring wall shall meet the following
requirements:
[1] The wall shall be constructed along the property
line.
[2] The wall shall be continuous, unless an opening
is required by the building inspector or department of public safety.
[3] The wall shall be constructed of privacy fence,
split-face block, brick, stone, or a similarly opaque material with
the finished side facing adjacent property.
(b)
In addition, any yard of an adult use marihuana establishment
or facility facing a public or private street shall contain a landscaped
area at least 10 feet in depth. This area shall contain at least one
deciduous tree and three shrubs at least three feet in height for
each 30 lineal feet of frontage.
(c)
Parking lot landscaping shall be provided pursuant to §
380-13.04 of this chapter.
(d)
All parking, loading, maneuvering, and delivery areas shall
be surfaced with asphalt or concrete.
(5)
The Township may require pretreatment of stormwater or wastewater
serving a marihuana establishment, which shall be reviewed by the
Township Engineer.
(6)
The marihuana establishment or facility shall be operated and
maintained at all times so that any by-products or waste of any kind
shall be properly and lawfully kept and disposed of so as to preclude
any risk of harm to the public health, safety, or welfare.
(7)
The marihuana establishment or facility shall not be operated
out of a residence or any building used wholly or partially for residential
purposes.
(8)
A marihuana establishment shall not be operated within a business
that also sells alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.
(9)
Any portion of the structure where energy usage and heat exceed
typical residential use, such as a grow room, and the storage of any
chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers shall be
subject to inspection and approval by the Fire Department to insure
compliance with applicable fire codes. Any fuel, fertilizer, pesticide,
fungicide, rodenticide, herbicide, or other substance toxic to wildlife,
children, or pets shall be stored in a secured and locked area and
be in compliance with state pesticide laws and regulations.
(10)
All necessary building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical
permits shall be obtained for any portion of the structure which contains
electrical wiring, lighting, and/or watering devices that support
the cultivation, growing, and/or harvesting of marihuana.
(11)
The marihuana establishment or facility shall comply at all
times and in all circumstances with the MMFLA and/or MRTMA, and the
Rules for Adult Use Marihuana Establishments, as amended, promulgated
by LARA.
(12)
In the event of any conflict, the terms of this section are
preempted and the controlling authority shall be the statutory regulations
set forth by the MMFLA and/or MRTMA or the adopted Rules for Adult
Use Marihuana Establishments, as amended, promulgated by LARA.
G. Effect of permit.
(1)
A special land use permit for a marihuana establishment or facility
is valid only for the location identified on the license and cannot
be transferred to another location within the Township without a new
special land use permit.
(2)
A special land use permit does not prohibit prosecution by the
federal government of its laws or prosecution by state authorities
for violations of the act or other violations not protected by the
MMFLA and/or MRTMA.
(3)
Compliance with all Township ordinances and state statutes is
a condition of maintenance of a special land use permit.
(4)
Nothing contained herein is intended to limit the Township's
ability to prosecute code violations that may have been the cause
of the suspension or any other code violations not protected by MMFLA
and/or MRTMA.
H. Violations. Failure to comply with the requirements of this section
shall be considered a violation of the zoning ordinance.
(1)
Request for revocation of state operating license. If at any
time an authorized establishment or facility violates this section
or any other applicable Township ordinance, the Township may request
that LARA revoke or refrain from renewing the establishment or facility's
state operating license.
(2)
Any approval granted for an adult use marihuana establishment
may be revoked or suspended automatically for either of the following
reasons:
(a)
Revocation or suspension of the licensee's authorization
to operate by LARA.
(b)
A finding by LARA that a rule or regulation has been violated
by the licensee. After an automatic revocation of a special land use
approval, a new special land use application shall be required for
an establishment or facility to commence operation at the same location.
(3)
Other violations of the Zoning ordinance, special land use permit,
or conditions imposed thereon by the Planning Commission.
[Added 1-14-2019 by Ord.
No. 6C]
A. All site ingress and egress shall be directly from a paved public
road.
B. Outdoor storage areas for vehicles, materials, and equipment used
in connection with the business shall be fully enclosed by a fence,
wall, or landscaped area not less than six feet in height. The Planning
Commission may waive this requirement if existing vegetation adequately
screens the use from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.
C. A contractor storage yard shall be located on a parcel at least five
acres in area.
D. Except for temporary staging, retrieving, and storage of materials
and equipment within a fenced and screened outdoor storage area, all
work associated with the business shall be conducted indoors.
E. Storage of fuel or other hazard substances must be within EPA-approved
containers and located in such a manner to avoid spilling or contaminating
groundwater.
F. The Planning Commission may establish hours of operation and require
other operational conditions for contractor storage yards.
[Added 8-10-2020 by Ord. No. 61]
A. Site ingress and egress shall be directly from a paved public road.
B. The Planning Commission shall establish hours of operation and may
require other operational conditions for a restaurant.
C. Within the AG-RR District, restaurants when conducted as an accessory
use to an existing recreational facility may be permitted where the
Planning Commission finds that a restaurant shall not undermine the
fundamental agricultural character of the district.
D. The restaurant activity shall be conducted in part as an ancillary
element to the recreational facility while being open to the public.
E. The total floor area of the restaurant shall not exceed 50% of the
building which hosts the recreational facility.