In its deliberations leading to the adoption of this chapter, the Cannon Township Board has recognized and concluded that the use of water resources, including the inland lakes situated in the Township, should be considered within a framework of long-term cost and benefits to the Township, and that it is desirable to retain and maintain the physical, ecological, cultural and aesthetic characteristics of lakes in the Township. Moreover, it has been recognized that, as the shorelines of lakes become further developed, the cumulative impact of the number of vessels secured or moored and the usage of docks, marine storage devices and rafts from each respective property must be regulated in order to preserve and protect the quality and safety of the lakes and shorelines and the rights of riparian owners and users as well as the Township as a whole. It has further been recognized that the lack of regulation shall result in a nuisance and unsafe condition and an impairment of these important and irreplaceable rights and natural resources of the Township, and shall further result in the destruction of property values and shall threaten the public health, safety and welfare of all persons making use of lakes within the Township and properties adjacent to lakes in the Township. Accordingly, it is the intent and purpose of the Township Board to adopt reasonable regulations for the number and securing or mooring of vessels and the placement and usage of docks, marine storage devices and rafts in the Township.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the "Cannon Township Boat Launching and Docking Regulation Ordinance," and shall hereinafter be referred to as "this chapter."