Article III General Provisions

No porches, decks, or similar structures, whether enclosed or not, may project into a required front yard. However, stoops or steps not exceeding five feet in width and five feet in depth may encroach up to five feet into the required front yard setback.

Architectural features such as fireplaces, bay windows, and ornamentation may project into the required front yard setback by not more than two feet, provided no projection shall comprise more than 25% of the wall surface from which it projects. Eaves may project two feet into a required front yard (Figure 390-9).

Projections into required side and rear yards.

Architectural features including, but not limited to, fireplaces and bay windows may extend or project into a required side or rear yard not more than two inches for each one foot of width of such yard, but may not extend into any required yard more than three feet. No projection shall comprise more than 25% of the wall surface from which it projects and in no instance shall any such projection extend closer than three feet to a side or rear lot line. Eaves may project not more than two feet into a required side or rear yard.

Open, unenclosed and uncovered attached or detached porches, decks, and paved terraces no more than seven inches in height above finished grade may extend into a required side or rear yard. Attached or detached porches, decks and paved terraces, any portion of which is more than seven inches above finished grade, shall not extend into a required side or rear yard unless otherwise permitted by this chapter.

Steps and ramps.

Steps or ramps which are designed to be an integral part of a deck, porch or terrace, and which are fully contained within the setback requirements for the district may extend across the full width and length of a deck, porch or terrace as an architectural feature and may be of any width or length provided the rise between steps or access platforms, meets local building codes.

Steps or ramp which cannot be contained within the setback requirements of the district and which are necessary to provide access to a deck, porch or terrace, may extend beyond the setback requirements through any yard to the property line, provided they do not exceed the minimum width, length, riser height or slope ratio as set forth in the building code for a conventional staircase or ramp way.

§ 390-10 Rental regulations.

[Added 1-16-2023 by Ord. No. 382]

Rentals that are longer than and thus do not qualify as short-term rentals are permitted by right in all zoning districts, as long as the use of the rented property is permitted by the terms of this chapter.

Notwithstanding any other provision in this section or in this chapter, all rental property in the Village must comply with all other Village ordinances, all Ottawa County requirements, and all applicable state and federal laws.

§ 390-11 Fences, walls, and screens.

[Amended 7-21-2025 by Ord. No. 397]

Unless otherwise stated in this section, fences, walls, and screens shall require a certificate of zoning compliance issued by the Zoning Administrator.

In all zoning districts, fences, walls, and screens must comply with the following requirements:

No fence, wall, or screen shall be erected within any public right-of-way.

No fence, wall, screen, or planting of any material shall be erected or maintained in such a way as to obstruct the vision of vehicle drivers within the triangular area formed by the intersection of the street right-of-way lines and a line connecting two points located on those intersecting right-of-way lines 25 feet from the point of intersection with the right-of-way lines (Figure 3.2).

All fences and screens shall comply with the following standards:

The use of electric current or charge on any fence or part thereof is prohibited.

No fence shall have any spikes or sharp points.

Unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission, all fences shall be constructed of typical or traditional fencing materials, including, but not limited to, wood or composite wood planks, aluminum, wrought iron, chain link, and polyvinyl.

Any lot that abuts or is directly adjacent to the water shall not have a fence, obscuring wall, or screen located within the required side yard or required front yard exceeding a height of four feet. Moreover, no such fence or screen shall be a solid barrier which completely obstructs view; rather, any such fence, wall, or screen shall allow at least 75% visibility through the fence, wall, or screen.

Unless specifically authorized elsewhere in this ordinance, a fence, obscuring wall, or screen located within the required side yard or required rear yard in any zoning district shall not exceed a height of six feet measured from the grade to the top of the fence or screen. Posts may extend a maximum of six inches above the fence.

The height of a fence, obscuring wall, or screen shall be measured from the grade to the top of the fence. The artificial raising of land to increase the functional height of the fence beyond the limitations of this section is prohibited.

Unless specifically authorized elsewhere in this chapter, no fence, obscuring wall, or screen located within the required front yard of a property in the SFR or MFR district shall exceed a height of four feet, or be more than 50% solid or impervious.

Fences within the C and CBD zoning districts shall have an ornamental character as well as a utilitarian function. All fences in the C and CBD districts shall comply with the following requirements:

Fencing is only permitted for the screening of parking areas and to accent or define landscaped areas. In all cases, fencing is only permitted when adjacent to at least five feet of landscaped area.

Unless specifically authorized elsewhere in this chapter, no fence, wall, or screen located within any yard shall exceed a height of four feet or be more than 50% solid or impervious.

Where a commercial district abuts a residential district, a six-foot tall solid fence may be permitted when located along a shared side and/or rear lot line.

Unless otherwise approved by the Village, fences within the C and CBD districts shall be constructed of wood, composite wood, rigid vinyl, wrought iron, or aluminum. Chain-link fences are prohibited.

Retaining walls must comply with the following standards:

All retaining walls shall require a zoning permit.

Retaining walls shall be designed in such a way that they do not alter drainage patterns. Excavation needed for the placement, location and design or a retaining wall shall not undermine the grade of adjacent properties.

Height:

The height of a retaining wall shall be measured from the ground level at the base (at the lowest side of the wall) to the top (at the highest point on the wall).

No portion of a retaining wall may exceed eight feet in height.

In the case of a series of retaining walls within close proximity to one another (i.e., less than 10 feet from one another) that serve as one retaining wall system, the height shall be measured from the ground level at the base of the lowest retaining wall (at the lowest side of the wall) to the top of the highest retaining wall (at the highest point on the wall). This distance may not exceed the various height limitations outlined in this section. Retaining walls spaced greater than 10 feet from one another shall be considered individual retaining walls.

Setbacks.

A retaining wall, which does not at any point exceed four feet in height, must have a setback of at least two feet from all lot lines.

For any portion of a retaining wall which exceeds four feet in height, such portion must meet the applicable rear setback and side setbacks for the lot in the designated Zoning District.

A retaining wall or series of retaining walls on a waterfront lot is common due to naturally existing conditions such as soil composition and significant elevation/topographical change between the top of the slope and the water's edge. Given these potentially unique circumstances, a retaining wall or series of retaining walls greater than four feet in height within the required Setbacks for the lot may be necessary to preserve the lot as well as provide adequate waterfront access. After review by the Township Engineer, the Zoning Administrator may approve the intrusion into the setback, provided the intrusion is the minimum amount necessary to preserve the lot and provide adequate waterfront access, retaining walls on waterfront lots are subject to the following additional regulations:

If the Zoning Administrator then determines that the proposed retaining wall or series of retaining walls is necessary to preserve the lot and its reasonable use, and will not cause unreasonable detriment to any adjacent lot, the Zoning Administrator will approve the retaining wall or series of retaining walls.

Replacement of an existing retaining wall or series of retaining walls exceeding four feet in height within the required setback of the lot may be permitted if reviewed by the Township Engineer, who shall consider if the replacement retaining wall or series of retaining walls maintains existing slopes on the lot that are consistent with adjacent property, and if then approved by the Zoning Administrator.

§ 390-12 Street access.

Any lot created after the effective date of this chapter shall have frontage upon a street right-of-way or legally recorded private road easement at least 24 feet in width.

Access driveways located on access easements or on a flagpole portion of a lot shall be surfaced with a durable pavement having an asphalt or cement binder and be constructed in width according to the following table:

Driveways Serving	Required Pavement Width
1 to 8 dwelling units	15 feet
9 or more dwelling units	Roadways shall be constructed in accordance with Ottawa County Road Commission specifications for local streets
Commercial lot or use	20 feet
Industrial lot or use	24 feet

Where possible, access driveways on opposite sides of a street shall either be directly aligned, or offset a minimum of 150 feet, measured between driveway center lines.

Separation distance between driveways and between driveways and street intersections shall be maximized. At a minimum, driveway-to-driveway spacing of at least 35 feet shall be provided, measured between driveway throats at their narrowest point. Driveway-to-intersection spacing of at least 10 feet shall be provided, measured from the edge of the driveway throat to its narrowest point, to the right-of-way of the intersecting street.

§ 390-13 Mechanical appurtenances.

Except in the CBD (Central Business) Zoning District, mechanical appurtenances, such as blowers, ventilating fans, and air-conditioning units, shall be placed not closer than 12 feet to any lot line.

Any mechanical appurtenances, including elevator housings, stairways, tanks, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment, and other similar apparatus, located on the roof of any building shall comply with the following standards:

Such apparatus shall be enclosed in a screening structure having walls constructed of material compatible in appearance with the main building to which it is attached.

The apparatus and enclosure shall not exceed a height of 10 feet above the surrounding roof surface, and shall not occupy greater than 15% of the total area of the roof of the building on which it is placed, unless otherwise permitted in § 390-8F.

§ 390-14 Essential public services.

The erection, construction, alteration, or maintenance of essential public services as defined herein shall be permitted in any zoning district. It is the intention thereof to exempt such erection, construction, alteration, or maintenance from the application of this chapter, provided that the Zoning Administrator finds that there will be no adverse effect upon surrounding adjacent property. Significant structures associated with essential services and proposed within a residential district may be referred to the Planning Commission as to architecture, landscaping, and screening suitable to the neighborhood.

§ 390-15 (Reserved)

§ 390-16 Recreational vehicle parking.

Parking of recreational vehicles may be permitted in the required front yard, provided the following restrictions are met (Figure 390-16):

Unless parked or stored in a completely enclosed garage, all recreational vehicles shall be stored or parked so that they are no closer than 17 feet to the edge of the traveled portion of any street.

Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection A(1), above, no recreational vehicle shall be parked so as to block any sidewalk.

§ 390-17 Storage and repair of vehicles.

Recreational vehicles parked or stored in a front yard shall be parked or stored in a designated driveway, the width of which shall not exceed at any point 1/3 of the lot width, or 20 feet, whichever is greater.

In the case of a waterfront lot, recreational vehicles shall be parked or stored no closer than 20 feet to the shoreline.

Recreational vehicles parked in the side yard or rear yard shall be placed at least three feet from the lot line.

Recreational vehicles, camping trailers, or tents may be used for living purposes when accessory to an existing single- or two-family dwelling unit. Such use shall only be permitted for a seven-day period and for no more than one such period in any 30 consecutive days.

Not more than two recreational vehicles shall be stored on a lot at any one time.

The carrying out of repair, restoration, and maintenance procedure or projects on vehicles in any residential zoning district, when such work is not conducted entirely within the interior of the vehicle, shall be subject to the following limitations:

Procedures or projects exceeding 48 hours in duration or which require the vehicle to be immobile or inoperable for more than 48 hours shall be carried out within a garage.

§ 390-20 Antennas and towers in residential zoning districts.

Inoperable vehicles and vehicle parts shall be stored inside a building.

It shall be unlawful for the owner, tenant, or lessee of any lot in any residential zoning district to permit the open storage or parking outside of a building of semitractor trucks and/or semitrailers, bulldozers, earth carriers, cranes, fire trucks, ambulances, buses, or any other similar equipment or machinery, unless parked thereon while in use in construction being conducted on such lot.

§ 390-18 (Reserved)

§ 390-19 Swimming pools.

[Amended 2-21-2022 by Ord. No. 375; 4-15-2024 by Ord. No. 390]

Every person owning land on which there is located a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or similar device (below-ground or aboveground) which contains 24 inches or more of water in depth at any point, shall erect and maintain thereon a fence or enclosure approved by the Building Official surrounding the device sufficient to make such device inaccessible to small children, except under the conditions of Subsection B below. Such fence or enclosure, including the gates, shall not be less than four feet or greater than six feet above grade. All gates shall be self-latching with latches placed no less than four feet above grade or otherwise made inaccessible from the outside to small children.

Where spas or hot tubs are equipped with a lockable safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 and swimming pools are equipped with a powered safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346, the areas where those spas, hot tubs, or pools are located shall not be required to comply with § 390-19A above.

Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and similar devices two feet or less above grade at any point shall not be located less than four feet from any lot line.

Swimming pools and similar devices in excess of two feet above grade at any point shall not be located less than 10 feet from any lot line.

Spas, hot tubs, and similar devices in excess of two feet above grade at any point shall not be located less than four feet from any lot line.

Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and similar devices shall not be located in any front yard except for waterfront lots in which these devices may be located in the waterfront yard.

Radio or television antennas or towers, including transmission or reception antennas below 300 watts of output, erected or installed in any residential zoning district shall comply with the following requirements:

Placement.

An antenna or tower shall be located only in a side or rear yard.

No portion of an antenna shall be located closer than five feet, measured on a horizontal plane, from any side or rear lot line.

Height.

The height of an antenna shall not exceed 50 feet above mean grade.

An amateur radio service station antenna may be erected at heights and dimensions necessary to accommodate amateur radio service communications.

General provisions.

The installation of an antenna shall require the issuance of a building permit prior to erection.

No advertising or identification display shall be placed on any portion of an antenna or tower.

No more than one antenna shall be located on the same lot as a principal building. Antennas are permitted only in connection with, incidental to, and on the same lot as a principal use or building.

§ 390-21 Principal use.

No lot may contain more than one principal building or use; provided that multiple-tenant or multiple-occupant commercial, industrial, or mixed use developments, including developments consistent of more than one building, residential above retail or office uses, and live/work structures may be regarded as single uses if deemed as such by the Zoning Administrator and if approved pursuant to the standards of this chapter.

§ 390-22 Accessory buildings and uses.

[Amended 9-18-2023 by Ord. No. 386; 7-21-2025 by Ord. No. 397]

Accessory uses and buildings are permitted only in connection with, incidental to, and on the same lot as a principal use or building which is permitted in the particular zoning district.

An accessory use or building must be in the same zoning district as the principal use on a lot.

No accessory use or building shall be occupied or utilized unless the principal structure to which it is accessory is occupied or utilized. No accessory building or use may be placed on a lot without a principal use or building.

Accessory buildings shall be constructed with durable, hard-sided materials, such as wood, metal, or pre-manufactured siding that are weather and rust-resistant. Accessory buildings that consist of construction materials such as a plastic tarp or other type of flexible fabric or similar material, stretched over a frame of poles or similar objects or devices, are prohibited.

Accessory buildings shall be regularly maintained so that they reasonably retain their original appearance and are free from mechanical or structural defects.

Location: No accessory building shall be constructed within any front yard.

Residential accessory buildings.

Size requirements: the floor area and total number of buildings of the allowed residential accessory buildings shall be dependent on the lot area, as outlined on the table below:

Residential Accessory Building Regulations
Property Size	Maximum Number of Buildings	Accessory Building Total Floor Area
< 0.5 Acre	2	950 sqft
0.5 to < 1 Acre	3	1,100 sqft
* Properties that are a minimum of one acre in size are allowed an additional 150 sqft and one accessory building per acre of lot area.

The term "total floor area" as used in this subsection means the sum total floor area of the ground floor of all accessory buildings situated or permitted on a lot.

Total floor area also includes the area under an attached lean-to structure, or roof overhang greater than three feet, or other similar sheltered area. However, an attic level where the floor-to-ceiling height is less than six feet shall not count towards the total floor area.

Building height. A residential accessory building shall be no greater than one story or 16 feet, whichever is less.

Residential accessory buildings and structures shall be set back in accordance with the following table:

Residential Accessory Building Setback Regulations
Total Floor Area of the Accessory Building	Front Yard Setback	Side Yard Setback	Rear Yard Setback	Setback from all other Structures
200 sqft or less	25'*	3'	3'	3'
201 to 600 sqft	25'*	5'	5'	5'
601 sqft or greater	25'*	8'	8'	8'
*The front yard setback for an accessory building may be reduced in compliance with § 390-26A. However, at no point shall the accessory building have a lesser front yard setback than the existing dwelling.

For accessory buildings on the street side of waterfront lots, the accessory building must have a minimum setback of 20 feet from the street right-of-way.

Setbacks shall be measured from the foundation of the accessory building or structure. A cantilever or roof overhang may extend no more than three feet into the required setback.

Permitted attachments to principal buildings. Under the following circumstances, an accessory building may be permitted to connect to a principal building and shall still be considered a detached accessory structure rather than part of the principal building.

The principal building is in existence at the effective date of this ordinance.

The accessory building may be connected to the principal building by an unenclosed breezeway, consisting of only a roof structure without walls, screens, or other enclosure, subject to the following dimensional standards:

The unenclosed breezeway shall be no wider than five feet in width.

The unenclosed breezeway shall extend no further than 15 feet between the principal building and the accessory building.

[3]

No more than one connection between two buildings shall be permitted per property.

[4]

The unenclosed breezeway shall not be used for storage purposes.

The total roofed area of the unenclosed breezeway shall be included in the calculation of the accessory building's total floor area under § 390-22G.

The enclosed breezeway shall use roofing materials and support structures that are aesthetically similar and compatible to what is used for the principal building.

Applications for unenclosed breezeways meeting these criteria may be processed administratively by the Zoning Administrator. If the Zoning Administrator determines the unenclosed breezeway is not compatible with the existing Principal Building, then the Planning Commission shall review the structure for compliance with the above standard.

Any other alterations to the detached accessory building, aside from the addition of the unenclosed breezeway, must comply with all zoning code requirements for new construction.

Non-residential accessory buildings:

Non-residential properties may have up to two accessory buildings, which individually shall not exceed 200 sqft.

Building height. A non-residential accessory building shall be no greater than one story or 16 feet, whichever is less.

Setbacks. An accessory building must be a minimum of three feet from all lot lines.

An accessory building that meets the requirements described above may be processed administratively by the Zoning Administrator if the accessory building does not have a discernable impact on any required site design elements, including but not limited to lighting, landscaping, and parking.

In cases where the accessory building would impact site design elements, the proposed building will be subject to site plan review by the Planning Commission.

§ 390-23 Regulations applicable to single-family dwellings.

Any building that exceeds the size or height requirements described above shall be considered a principal building and will be subject to site plan review. Principal buildings are subject to the dimensional standards for the applicable zoning district.

Any single-family dwelling, whether constructed and erected on a lot, a manufactured home, or a pre-manufactured or pre-cut building, shall be permitted only if it complies with all of the following requirements:

All buildings used or proposed to be used as a dwelling shall comply with all applicable building, electrical, plumbing, fire, energy, and other similar codes as adopted by the Village, and all state and federal standards or regulations. Where such state or federal standards or regulations are different from those imposed by the Village codes, the more restrictive standards or regulations shall apply. Appropriate evidence of compliance with such standards or regulations shall be provided to the Building Official.

The dwelling unit shall comply with all restrictions and requirements of this chapter, including, without limitation, lot area, lot width, residential floor area, required yard, and building height requirements for the zoning district in which it is located.

The dwelling unit shall be firmly attached to a permanent continuous foundation constructed on the building site, which has a wall of the same perimeter dimensions as the dwelling unit and is constructed of such materials and type as required by the building code for on-site constructed single-family dwellings.

The dwelling unit shall have a minimum horizontal dimension across any front, side, or rear elevation of at least 20 feet.

A storage area within a building with an area of no less than 120 square feet shall be provided. This storage area may consist of a basement, closet area, attic, or attached garage in a principal building, or in a detached accessory building that complies with all other applicable provisions of this chapter pertaining to accessory buildings.

Permanently attached steps or porch areas at least three feet in width shall be provided where there is an elevation difference of greater than eight inches between the first-floor entry of the dwelling unit and the adjacent grade.

The exterior finish of the dwelling unit shall not cause reflection that is greater than that from siding coated with clean, white, gloss exterior enamel.

The dwelling unit shall have no less than two exterior doors, with one being in either the rear or side of the dwelling unit.

The use of any portion of the basement of a partially completed building or accessory building for dwelling or sleeping purposes in any zoning district is prohibited.

Manufactured homes. If the dwelling unit is a manufactured or mobile home, the following standards shall also apply:

Dwellings located in a mobile home park regulated pursuant to Act 96 of 1987 (the Mobile Home Commission Act),[1] as amended, shall comply with the terms of this chapter as applicable and the terms of that Act and all rules promulgated under it.

Editor's Note: See MCLA § 125.2301 et seq.

If the mobile home is new, it must be certified by the manufacturer and/or appropriate inspection agency as meeting the Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, as amended, or any similar successor or replacement standards which may be promulgated; or

If the mobile home is used, it must be certified by the manufacturer and/or appropriate inspection agency as meeting the standards referenced in Subsection J(1) above, and found, on inspection by the Building Official or his designee, to be in excellent condition and safe and fit for residential occupancy.

The mobile home shall be installed with the wheels removed.

The mobile home shall be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's setup instructions and shall be secured to the building site by an anchoring system or device complying with the rules and regulations, as amended, of the Michigan Mobile Home Commission, or any similar or successor agency having regulatory responsibility for mobile home parks.

The foundation or skirting of a mobile home shall fully enclose the chassis, undercarriage, and towing mechanism.

§ 390-24 Private boat docks.

No more than one dock per dwelling unit shall be permitted for single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings.

No more than one boat slip per dwelling unit shall be permitted for multiple-family dwellings.

Boat docks and boat slips shall be used only by persons residing on the premises or their guests, and shall not be leased, rented or otherwise used for compensation except in conjunction with the lease or rental of the dwelling unit on the same lot, unless approved as a marina as a special land use, pursuant to Article XVIII.

§ 390-25 Nonconformities.

[Amended 2-16-2026 by Ord. No. 400]

Intent. Upon the adoption of this chapter or subsequent amendments, there may exist lots, structures, and uses of land and structures which were lawful prior to the adoption of this chapter, or amendment thereto, but which are not in conformance with the provisions of this chapter, or amendment thereto. It is the intent of this section to permit these nonconforming lots, structures, and uses to continue, but not to encourage their prolonged existence. Because nonconforming lots, structures, and uses, so long as they exist, prevent the full realization of the goals and objectives of the Village of Spring Lake Master Plan, the spirit of this chapter is to reduce, rather than increase, such nonconformance.

Nonconforming lots.

Lots of record. Any platted and/or recorded lot of record, which does not abut any other lot or lots of record in the same ownership, existing as the effective date of this chapter may be used for any principal use permitted in the district in which the lot is located whether or not such lot complies with the lot area and/or width requirements of this chapter. Such use may be made provided that the lot is in compliance with all other requirements of the zoning ordinance.

Combining nonconforming lots. If two or more abutting lots of record in single ownership individually do not meet the requirements for lot area and/or lot width of the zoning district in which the lots are located, such lots shall be combined and considered as one lot for the purposes of this chapter.

Nonconforming buildings and structures. Buildings and structures that are lawfully in existence on the effective date of adoption this chapter, or amendment thereto, which do not meet the requirements of this chapter may be continued even though such building or structure does not conform with the provisions of this chapter, so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions:

Nonconforming buildings or structures may only be expanded, enlarged, or altered in a way that does not increase the degree of its nonconformance.

Nonconforming buildings or structures may be expanded, enlarged, or altered in a way that increases the degree of its nonconformance only if approved by the Planning Commission as a special land use pursuant to Article XVIII. To approve such a special land use, the standards of § 390-134 must be met, along with the following additional standards:

Whether the proposed expansion, enlargement, or alteration of the nonconformity would have an adverse impact on adjoining properties or the general welfare of the Village.

Whether there are reasonable alternative means to achieving the desired expansion, enlargement, or alteration in a manner that does not increase the degree of nonconformance.

The expansion or alteration does not exceed 50% of the value of the existing structure as determined by the Zoning Administrator or their designee.

Except as elsewhere provided in this chapter, in the event any nonconforming building or structure is damaged or destroyed by fire, wind or an act of God or the public enemy, it may be rebuilt or restored provided the cost of restoration does not exceed 50% of the replacement value as determined by the Building Official. If the cost of restoration exceeds 50% of the replacement value as determined by the Building Official, the building or structure shall only be rebuilt in conformance with all provisions of this chapter.

If the cost of restoration does not exceed 50% of the replacement value as determined by the Building Official, it may be reconstructed or restored to its prior nonconforming condition, provided that a building permit for such reconstruction or restoration is issued within one year of the occurrence of such damage.

If any nonconforming building or structure is altered or modified to eliminate, remove, or reduce any or all of its nonconforming characteristics, then such nonconforming characteristics shall not be later reestablished or increased.

Nonconforming uses of land and structures. Where, at the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter, a lawful use of any land or structure exists that is made no longer permissible under the terms of this chapter as adopted or amended, such use may be continued, so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions:

Any nonconforming use may be extended throughout any parts of a building which were manifestly arranged or designed for such use at the effective date of adoption of this chapter, or amendment thereto, but no such use shall be extended to occupy any land outside such building.

No such nonconforming use shall be enlarged, increased, constructed, reconstructed, moved, structurally altered, nor extended to occupy a greater area of land than was occupied on the effective date of this chapter, or amendment thereto, except in changing the use to a use permitted in the zoning district in which it is located.

No such nonconforming use shall be moved in whole or in part to any other portion of the lot occupied by such use on the effective date of adoption of this chapter, or amendment thereto, unless so doing shall make the use less nonconforming.

If any such nonconforming use of land or structure ceases for any reason for a period of more than six months, then any subsequent use of such land or structure shall conform to the requirements of this chapter. Seasonal uses of land, such as boat storage, shall be exempt from this provision.

Removal, discontinuation, or abandonment.

If a nonconforming use of any land or structure is terminated and replaced by a permitted use, such nonconforming use shall not be later reestablished.

When a nonconforming use of land, a structure, or a structure and land in combination, is discontinued or abandoned for six consecutive months, any subsequent use of such land, structure, or structure and land in combination, shall not thereafter be used except in conformance with the regulations of this chapter. Structures occupied by seasonal uses shall be exempt from this provision.

Nonconforming use shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator to be abandoned if one or more of the following conditions exists:

Utilities, such as water, gas, and electricity to the property, have been disconnected.

The property, buildings, and grounds, have fallen into disrepair.

[3]

Signs or other indications of the existence of the nonconforming use have been removed.

[4]

Removal of equipment or fixtures that is necessary for the operation of the nonconforming use.

[5]

Other actions, which in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator constitute an intention of the part of the property owner or lessee to abandon the nonconforming use.

Where nonconforming use status applies to a structure and land in combination, removal or destruction of the structure shall eliminate the nonconforming status of the land.

Repairs and maintenance.

On any nonconforming building or structure, or any building or structure devoted in whole or in part to any nonconforming use, work may be done in any period of 12 consecutive months on ordinary repairs, or on repair or replacement of nonbearing walls, fixtures, wiring or plumbing, to an extent not exceeding 10% of the current replacement value of the structure, provided that the structure is not enlarged, extended, moved, or structurally altered.

Nothing in this article shall be deemed to prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any structure or part thereof declared to be unsafe by any official charged with protecting the public safety, upon order of such official.

Structures under construction. Any structure on which substantial construction as defined, herein, was lawfully begun prior to the effective date of this chapter, or amendment thereto, shall be considered existing and lawful. Nothing in this article shall be deemed to require any change in the plans, construction, or use of such structure.

Change of ownership. A change of tenancy, ownership or management of any existing nonconforming lots, uses of land, buildings or structures, or of lots, uses of land, buildings or structures in combination, shall be permitted.

§ 390-26 Permitted setback reductions.

Front yard setbacks.

Where the front yards for existing principal buildings in the vicinity of, and in the same zoning district as a subject lot are less than the required front yard for the zoning district of the subject lot, the required front yard for the subject lot shall be the average front yard of existing main buildings on the same side of the street and entirely or partially within 200 feet of the side lot lines of the subject lot, subject to Subsections B and C, below (Figure 390-26).

The front yard reduction shall only be permitted if there are two or more lots occupied by main buildings within the area described above for computing the average front yard.

Side yard setbacks.

For parcels in existence as of the effective date of this chapter that do not meet the lot width standards for the underlying zoning district, the Zoning Administrator may approve a reduction of three inches in each of the minimum required side yards for each one foot of reduced lot width, provided that in no instance shall any such reduced side yard be less than three feet.

Waterfront setbacks.

The following requirements shall apply to Waterfront Lots to protect and retain waterfront views. In any SFR or MFR zoning district where the average depth of the two front yards of existing adjacent Lots is greater than the minimum front yard setback required, then the required front setback shall be modified to be no less than the average depth of the existing adjacent front yards as measured from the closest point of the foundation of the principal building, not including unenclosed decks and patios, to the ordinary high watermark (Figure 390-26A).

All structures exceeding a height of three feet above the floor of the first floor above grade, and all structures with fixed or attached accessories or extensions (including, but not limited to, pergolas, retractable awnings and trellises) that exceed a height of three feet above the floor of the first floor above grade, shall comply with the average depth calculated in Subsection C(1) above, or the required front yard setback for that zoning district, whichever is greater.

If the Zoning Administrator determines that there is an unusual shoreline configuration, unusual topographical problem or unusual circumstance, then the matter shall be referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals for interpretation. In establishing such setback requirements, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall consider the following standards:

The location of buildings on adjoining properties;

The effect of construction on the lot in question on the view from adjoining properties;

The potential effect of erosion and flooding from high water on the lot in question;

The effect, if any, of the proposed building and any related improvements on existing sea wall or other flood control or erosion devices located on adjoining properties;

The relative proximity of the proposed building to adjoining properties specifically including proximity to occupied dwellings; and

The effect of the proposed building on adjoining properties and the surrounding neighborhood.

§ 390-27 Temporary buildings, structures, and uses.

Structures that measure three feet in height or less that project beyond the setback average may not project more than 15 feet into the required front (waterfront) yard. Decks and patios without railings below seven inches above grade, docks, boat hoists, shore stations, and similar structures are exempt from this requirement.

Temporary buildings and structures.

Temporary buildings and structures may only be used for the storage of construction materials, tools, supplies, and equipment, for construction management and supervision offices, and for temporary on-site sanitation facilities, related to construction activity on the same lot. No temporary building or structure shall be used as a dwelling unit.

The placement of temporary buildings and structures shall be in conformance with the requirements of this chapter. Fabric- or plastic-covered framework or metal-roofed temporary buildings or structures shall be prohibited. A certificate of zoning compliance shall be required prior to installation of a temporary building or structure.

Temporary buildings and structures shall be removed from the lot within 15 days after an occupancy permit is issued by the Building Official for the permanent structure on such lot, or within 15 days after the expiration of a building permit issued for construction on such lot.

Temporary uses.

Registry. The Zoning Administrator shall maintain a registry of authorized temporary uses as provided herein.

Temporary sales. Sidewalk, tent or seasonal sales of goods are permitted in accordance with the following restrictions:

Temporary sales shall be permitted in the C and CBD districts only.

Registration. Any person, organization, or business desiring to utilize property for a use authorized by this section shall first register with the Zoning Administrator, on a form to be provided, and shall pay a fee for registration in an amount as established by the Village Council. The registration form shall be accompanied by a sketch plan identifying:

The shape, location and dimensions of the lot, including the shape, size and location of all existing buildings or other structures on the lot, off-street parking layout, and the location of any designated fire lanes.

§ 390-28 Timely completion of construction required.

The shape, size and location of all buildings or structures to be erected or moved onto the lot, including tents, tables, stands or display racks.

[3]

Registration for a temporary tent or sidewalk sale related to a permitted principal use otherwise occurring on the lot shall be effective for no longer than seven days. There shall be a minimum seven-day gap between subsequent sales. No more than three such temporary uses may occur on a particular lot within a single calendar year. Temporary tent or sidewalk sales may not occur on a lot for consecutive time periods.

[4]

Registration for a seasonal sale of goods, not related to a permitted principal use otherwise occurring on the lot (e.g., t-shirts, Christmas trees, sunglasses or fireworks) shall be effective for no longer than 30 days. No more than one such seasonal sale shall be permitted on a lot within a single calendar year or at a time.

[5]

A temporary tent or sidewalk sale permitted in accordance with this section shall comply with all applicable requirements for the zoning district in which it is to be located.

[6]

Sidewalk sales shall not be situated so as to obstruct the flow of pedestrian traffic. A minimum width of at least eight feet shall be maintained at all times.

[7]

A temporary structure used in conjunction with such use may be located in a front yard, but no closer than 1/2 the distance between the right-of-way and the principal building.

[8]

When a seasonal sale of goods is to be conducted on an otherwise vacant or unused lot, the use shall comply with all applicable zoning regulations for the district in which it is to be located, including all requirements pertaining to lot size, height, setback, open space ratio, maximum percentage of covered lot area and off-street parking.

[9]

The Village council may issue permits for the temporary use and occupancy of property for uses not otherwise provided for in this chapter (carnivals, special events, flea markets, environmental testing devices) and which do not require the erection of any structures requiring foundations or connection to public water or sewer. For the purpose of this section, a temporary activity shall not extend for more than six weeks in any year. There shall be no minimum duration for a temporary activity.

[10]

Private garage sales, yard sales, or estate sales, sales of personal items from a private residence or church, or civil organization events such as car washes shall not require a temporary activity permit or temporary use registration if such activity or event does not extend for more than three days in any ninety-day period or occur more than once in any ninety-day period.

Following the initiation of the construction, erection, reconstruction, modification, expansion or enlargement of any building or other structure authorized under the provisions of this chapter, completion of such work shall be diligently pursued and completed in a timely manner. Unless otherwise specified as a condition of approval of a site plan, special land use, planned unit development, or other development by the Planning Commission or Council, any construction authorized under the provisions of this chapter shall be completed within one year from the date of issuance of a building permit for such construction.

§ 390-29 Keeping of animals.

The keeping of domesticated animals is permitted as an accessory use in any residential zoning district. However, no more than three dogs or cats, six months of age or older, in any combination thereof, shall be kept or housed in or at one dwelling unit.

The keeping of animals not normally considered to be domesticated animals, including, but not limited to, horses, pigs, sheep, cattle, horses, and wild or exotic animals, is prohibited in all zoning districts.

The keeping of up to six chickens is permitted in the SFR district only, and is subject to the following requirements:

The minimum lot area is two acres.

Roosters shall not be permitted.

The slaughtering of any chicken is prohibited.

Chickens must be provided with and kept within a covered enclosure at all times. Chickens shall not be allowed to roam the lot or any other property.

The enclosed area where the chickens are kept shall be located within the rear yard and shall be setback at least 20 feet from any side or rear lot line.

The enclosed area where the chickens are kept shall be maintained in a clean and neat manner at all times.

Materials used to construct the enclosed area shall exclude tarps, plastic, fabric, rubber, paper cardboard, or other nontraditional building materials.

(8)

Chicken feed must be kept in rodent-proof, sealed containers.

The keeping of bees (apiaries) is permitted in the SFR district only, and is to the following requirements:

The minimum lot area shall be two acres.

Not more than two hives shall be permitted per lot.

A constant supply of water shall be provided for all hives.

All hives shall be located at least 35 feet from any dwelling on a neighboring property and at least 25 feet from any property line.

For hives within 100 feet of the property line, a hedge, shrubbery, solid fencing or other device at least six feet in height suitable to cause bees to maintain a sufficiently high flight path so as to be above the head of an average human being when exiting and entering their hives shall be provided.

Hives shall not be located in a front yard.

§ 390-30 Solar energy facilities.

[Added 2-21-2022 by Ord. No. 375]

Roof-mounted solar panel arrays. Roof-mounted arrays shall be considered permitted accessory structures in all Zoning Districts and shall be subject to the following standards:

Roof-mounted arrays shall not be counted towards the maximum accessory building allowance.

Roof-mounted arrays shall be mounted flat against the surface and shall not project beyond the eaves of the roof or beyond the peak of a pitched roof.

The total height of the structure, including the array, shall not exceed the maximum height for the zoning district in question.

If the array is located on an accessory structure, then the total structure shall not exceed the maximum height for accessory structures in the district in question.

Ground-mounted solar arrays. Ground-mounted arrays shall be considered a special land use in all districts and shall observe all applicable requirements for an accessory building.

Ground-mounted arrays shall be counted towards the accessory structure allowance.

Maximum lot coverage shall not be exceeded.

Foundations shall be pile driven, not poured concrete.

Large-scale solar panel arrays: Ground-mounted solar panel arrays that exceed the accessory structure allowance or that are located on lots without a principal building shall be permitted by special land use in the CBD and CC districts and shall be subject to the following standards. All arrays meeting the description in this section and not explicitly exempted by the Michigan Right to Farm Act (Public Act 93 of 1981) shall be required to obtain a special use permit prior to construction.

In determining whether a given site is appropriate for a large-scale solar panel array the Planning Commission shall consider the following.

Proximity to existing electric transmission lines, and feasibility of connecting to the existing transmission network, which may require the applicant to bring an expert to provide this information.

Existing physical features of the site that would be impacted by the new solar arrays, including wildlife.

Aesthetic impact of the solar panel arrays.

Shall not be located in the required front yard.

Large scale solar panel arrays must meet all required setbacks for a principal building in the district they are located within.

The Planning Commission may permit lot coverage standards to be exceeded, provided that adequate land is given for setbacks, maneuvering, and any non-solar panel uses.

Ground-mounted solar panel arrays may not exceed 25 feet in height measured from the natural grade below the collector to the highest point at full tilt.

Energy storage facilities must be set back at least 20 feet from the nearest lot line and 100 feet from the nearest residential dwelling.

The Planning Commission may require screening for views of solar arrays and associated equipment from residential properties or public rights-of-way.

The applicant must submit a plan for connecting the solar panel arrays to the electrical transmission grid, including the design and routing of electrical transmission lines on and off the site; as well as written permission from the impacted transmission company.

(8)

A glare study, completed by a qualified third-party professional, shall be submitted, and shall show that no glare will impact public roadways or residential dwellings.

(9)

Foundations shall be pile driven, not poured concrete.

(10)

Decommissioning. A decommissioning plan signed by the responsible party and the landowner (if different) addressing the following shall be submitted to the Village prior to approval:

Defined conditions upon which decommissioning will be initiated (i.e., end of land lease, no power production for 12 months, abandonment, etc.).

Removal of all non-utility-owned equipment, conduit, structures, fencing, roads, solar panels, and foundations.

Restoration of property to condition prior to development of the system.

The time frame for completion of decommissioning activities.

Description of any agreement (e.g., lease) with landowner regarding decommissioning, if applicable.

The entity or individual responsible for decommissioning.

Plans for updating the decommissioning plan.

(h)

The decommissioning plan must include a bond of no less than 10% of the construction costs of the array to be set aside for decommissioning by the Village, if necessary. As a part of the decommissioning plan, the responsible party shall provide at least two cost estimates from qualified contractors for full removal of the equipment, foundations, and structures associated with the facility. These amounts will assist the Village when setting the performance guarantee amount. The performance guarantee shall be valid throughout the lifetime of the facility. Bonds and letters of credit shall be extended on a regular basis with expiration dates never less than two years from the annual anniversary of special land use approval.

§ 390-31 Access management.

The standards of this section shall apply to all uses for which site plan review and approval is required according to Article XVII.

In reviewing a site plan, the Village may:

Require service drives;

Limit the number of driveways for a lot;

Require that parking areas on adjacent lots be connected;

Require driveways for adjacent lots be shared;

Require driveways on opposite sides of a street be directly aligned or have proper offsets; and

Require the closing, relocation, or redesign of a driveway or access point.

Number of driveways.

General access. Unless otherwise warranted or required in the opinion of the Village, access to any street or for an individual lot, or access to any street from contiguous lots under the same ownership, shall be limited to a single two-way driveway.

Additional driveways. For a lot with frontage on a street of more than 300 feet, an additional driveway may be allowed for each additional 300 feet frontage, provided that driveways meet the spacing standards of this section.

Dual frontage. Where lots have dual frontage on both a higher and lower classification of roadway (i.e., Savidge Street and another Village street) access shall be provided from the lower classification roadway. If the lot has a minimum of 300 feet of frontage, additional access may be allowed if the access meets the spacing standards of this section.

Shared driveways. In cases where shared driveways are proposed or required, the shared driveway shall be constructed as nearly as practical to straddle the common property line. A written easement and maintenance agreement, to be approved by the Village, shall be provided and legally recorded with the Ottawa County Register of Deeds that allows traffic to travel across one lot to access another, and to access the street.

Service drives and parking lot connections.

Where a proposed parking lot is adjacent to an existing parking lot, there shall be a vehicular connection between the two parking lots where possible, as determined by the Village.

Lots may be required to include a rear yard service drive, especially where connection to a second street is available.

If a lot with an established commercial use is divided to allow for an additional commercial use, an additional driveway for that use will only be permitted if the driveway spacing requirements of this section are met. The original and the additional commercial use shall have adjoining connected parking lots and may be required to construct a connecting rear yard service drive.

Construction of service drives.

Service drives shall have a minimum width of 24 feet, measured from face to face of the curb, with an approach approved by the Village Engineer.

The geometrics of rear yard or front yard service drive intersections with streets shall be approved by the Village or MDOT, as applicable.

Service drives shall have a minimum of 50 feet of stacking space or throat length for entering and exiting vehicles at the intersection of the service drive and the street.

Parking shall generally be prohibited along service drives. However, one way or two way service drives designed with additional width for parallel parking may be allowed if such traffic studies demonstrate that such parking will not significantly affect their safety or operation. Perpendicular or angled parking along either side of a designated service drive shall be prohibited.

Directional signs and pavement markings may be required to help promote safe and efficient circulation. The property owner(s) shall be required to maintain all pavement markings and signs. All directional signs and pavement markings shall conform to the standards contained in the current "Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices."

Curb radii.

Driveways shall be designed with at least 25 feet radii where primarily passenger vehicle traffic is expected.

Driveways shall be designed with at least 35 feet radii where primarily truck vehicle traffic is expected.

§ 390-34 Site preparation and excavation.

Where necessary, a site plan shall illustrate proposed circulation patterns on a site to ensure safe movement of vehicular traffic, trucks, and delivery vehicles.

Acceleration, deceleration and bypass lanes. Acceleration, deceleration, and/or left turn bypass lanes may be required, as determined by the Village or MDOT.

§ 390-32 Building demolition.

No building shall be demolished until a permit has been obtained from the Building Official who shall be authorized to require a performance bond in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for each 1,000 square feet or fraction thereof of floor area of the building to be demolished. That bond shall be conditioned on the applicant completing the demolition within such reasonable period as shall be prescribed in the permit and complying with such regulations as to health and safety as the Building Official may prescribe, from time to time, including filling of excavations and proper termination of utility connections.

Utility disconnections shall be completed prior to the issuance of a permit.

If the building is safely demolished and the site cleaned as specified in the permit, then the bond shall be returned within 30 days of completion of the demolition. If the demolition is not accomplished according to the terms of the approval, then the Village shall access the performance bond and use the money to restore the site to a safe and stable condition. Costs in excess of the bond shall be charged back to the property owner and placed as a lien on the property if not paid in a timely fashion.

Structures shall be demolished in such a manner as to avoid hazards to persons and property, interference with the use of adjacent buildings, and interruption of free passage to and from such buildings.

During the demolition of any building or structure the work shall be kept thoroughly wetted down to prevent the spread of dust. The owner or contractor shall provide water and necessary connections therefor. The Building Official may require construction of a suitable fence around the work site where conditions indicate that the safety of the public requires such fence.

All buildings and structures to be demolished shall be completely razed and all materials shall be removed from the site and disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. All materials, including, without limitation, every installation, part of a building or accessory building or other improvement on the premises, whether above or below grade, shall be completely removed from the site. No part of any basement or infrastructure below grade, including any underground storage tanks, shall remain.

The premises shall be cleared of all debris and components of the building or structure, and the site filled, leveled and seeded within seven days of completion of the demolition.

§ 390-33 (Reserved)

Land filling, mining, and other landform contour changes to create a buildable area or to remove or stockpile topsoil, sand or earth shall not be undertaken, except in conformance with the requirements of this chapter and applicable county, state, and federal requirements. No person shall undertake any activity such as grading, clearing, cutting, and filling, excavating, or tree removal in preparation for a use or structure which requires site plan review and approval until the proposed use or structure is authorized by the Village.

Any excavation or foundation to be left open overnight and/or for more than 24 hours must be fenced to prevent endangerment of life or property.

§ 390-35 Outdoor lighting.

Intent and purpose. To create and maintain safe nighttime environments for both pedestrians and drivers on public and privately owned roadways and rights-of-way, by minimizing brightly lit surfaces and lighting glare, to preserve the restful quality of nighttime, by eliminating intrusive, artificial light and lighting that unnecessarily contributes to "sky glow," and to reduce light pollution from lighting luminaires and light trespass onto adjacent properties. The following requirements shall be considered by the Planning Commission, Planner, and/or Zoning Administrator in the review of all site plans submitted for approval under the terms of this chapter.

General standards.

Regulated lighting. All exterior lighting shall be regulated by this section, including, but not limited to, the following types:

Parking lot lighting and site lighting for commercial, industrial, and institutional developments.

Canopy lighting.

Multiple-family development parking lot lighting and site lighting.

Privately owned roadway lighting.

Building facade lighting.

Residential yard lights.

Other forms of outdoor lighting which, in the judgment of the Zoning Administrator, or, at his discretion, the Planning Commission, are similar in character, luminosity and/or glare to the foregoing.

Lighting plan. The following information must be included for all site plan submissions and where site plan approval is not required, some or all of the items may be required by the Zoning Administrator prior to lighting installation:

A site plan drawn to a scale of one inch equaling no more than 30 feet showing the buildings, landscaping, parking and service areas, and location and type of all proposed outdoor lighting.

Analyses and luminance level diagrams showing that the proposed installation conforms to the lighting level standards in this section. Diagrams shall indicate illumination levels at ground level based on no greater than a twenty-five-foot on-center grid and shall project 25 feet onto adjacent properties or to the setback limit line, whichever is greater. Illumination levels should also be measured for all surrounding streets at the public right-of-way.

Specifications for all proposed lighting fixtures, including mounting heights, photometric data, designation as Illumination Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) "cutoff" fixtures, Color Rendering Index (CRI) of all lamps (bulbs), and other descriptive information on the fixtures.

The lighting plan shall provide a design for illuminations in accordance with this section.

Standards. All exterior lighting, including freestanding, canopy, pole and building-mounted, shall be fully shielded and directed downward to prevent off-site glare. Lighting shall be designed and constructed to meet the following standards (Figure 390-26C):

Lighting design shall ensure that direct or directly reflected light is confined to the development site and pedestrian pathways.

Lamps and luminaires shall be shielded, hooded and/or louvered to provide a glare-free area beyond the property line and beyond any public right-of-way, and so the light source is not directly visible from beyond the boundary of the site.

Canopy lighting shall be fully recessed.

The light from any illuminated source shall be designed so that the light intensity or brightness shall not exceed 10 footcandles within any part of the site and one footcandle at any property line, except where the property abuts a residential district or use where a maximum of 0.5 footcandle is permitted.

All light fixtures, including building-mounted fixtures, shall be full cutoff fixtures as defined by IESNA and shall have 100% cutoff above the horizontal plane at the lowest part of the point light source. The light rays may not be emitted by the installed fixture at angles above the horizontal plane.

No light fixture may be mounted higher than 20 feet above the average grade of the site, except for approved outdoor recreation area lighting.

Outdoor recreation area lighting may use standard color metal halide sources and standard sports lighting fixtures if they are mounted at a sufficient height and properly equipped with baffling, glare guards or lenses to meet the requirements of this section. Outdoor recreation area lighting requires site plan approval by the Planning Commission.

(h)

There shall be no lighting of a blinking, flashing, or fluttering nature, including changes in light intensity, brightness, or color.

(i)

Beacon, strobe, and search lights, laser light sources or any similar high-intensity lights for outdoor advertisement or entertainment are prohibited.

(j)

No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices.

(k)

On-site lighting shall be the minimum necessary to comply with Michigan Building Code requirements for safe egress. Parking lot lighting shall not be operational after business hours. Limited security lighting is permitted.

(l)

Unshielded floodlights are prohibited.

Exempted areas and types. The following types of outdoor lighting are exempt from the provisions of this section, provided that such lighting uses a one-hundred-watt or less incandescent bulb and except where such lighting creates a hazard or nuisance from glare or spill light:

Residential decorative lighting such as porch lights, low-level lawn lights and special seasonal lights such as Christmas decorations and similar lighting associated with single-family detached housing.

Sign lighting as regulated in Article XV hereof.

Lighting necessary for road or utility construction or emergencies.

Streetlights located within a public right-of-way.

Lighting for a permitted temporary event such as a circus, fair, carnival, or civic event.

§ 390-36 Home occupations.

Purpose. The purpose and intent of this section is to establish regulations intended to ensure that home occupations remain subordinate to the residential use, that the residential viability of the dwelling is maintained, and to ensure that home occupations shall not be a detriment to the character and livability of the surrounding neighborhood. It is recognized that excessive commercial activity, such as traffic, odors, deliveries, and signage may undermine the residential character of a neighborhood. Therefore, a home occupation shall meet the standards set forth in this section, and shall be located and constructed so that the average neighbor, under normal circumstances, will not be aware of its existence.

Requirements.

All home occupations shall be registered with the Zoning Administrator on forms provided by the Village and may require a fee as determined by Village Council. The registration form shall be accompanied by such information as is necessary to demonstrate compliance with this section.

Home occupations must be conducted entirely within the confines of a residential building, an accessory structure, or a rental dwelling unit. The home occupation must not be evident in any way from the street or from any neighboring premises. For all home occupations that will be conducted in a rental dwelling unit, the operator of the home occupation shall provide a signed statement from the property owner which states that the property owner knows the type and scope of the home occupation to be conducted on their property and granting the tenant permission to operate the home occupation.

There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the dwelling or any other visible evidence of the conduct of the home occupation, including, but not limited to, exterior alterations, or construction features not customary in dwellings or new external entrances to the space devoted to the home occupation.

The operator of the home occupation shall make the dwelling unit within which the home occupation is conducted his/her legal and primary residence, where all activities such as sleeping, eating, entertaining and other functions and activities normally associated with home life are conducted.

The home occupation shall use only mechanical and electrical equipment which is similar in power and type to that used for household purposes and hobbies.

No equipment or process shall be used in the home occupation which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, or odors detectable to the normal senses off of the premises on which the home occupation is located. In addition, no equipment or process shall be used in the home occupation which causes visual or audible interference in any radio, television, cellular, or wireless service off the premises or causes fluctuation in the line voltage off the premises.

No person, other than members of the family residing in the dwelling, shall be engaged in the conduct of the home occupation.

(8)

The home occupation shall not devote more than 20% of the principal building and accessory buildings to such home occupation.

(9)

The home occupation shall not require parking in excess of two spaces, located in the driveway or on the street directly adjacent to the property. Suitable off-street parking shall be located without utilizing any portion of any required yard.

(10)

The home occupation shall not generate traffic in a greater volume than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood, or in any case no more than 10 vehicular trips per day.

(11)

On-site sale of merchandise shall be limited to:

Items commonly traded or collected or occasionally bought and sold by hobbyists such as stamps, coins, comics, etc., but not including motor vehicles or firearms.

Crafts and artistic products produced on site.

(12)

No outdoor storage or display of materials, equipment, merchandise, or products shall be permitted.

(13)

No sign is permitted for a home occupation.

(14)

No more than two customers, clients, students, or patients shall be on the premises in which a home occupation is located at any one time.

(15)

Visits by customers, clients, students, or patients to the premises in which a home occupation is located shall be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

(16)

Home occupations shall at all times comply with all federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, building, housing, property maintenance, fire and other codes and ordinances.

(17)

Primary caregivers. A home occupation shall include an individual's ability to operate as a registered primary caregiver, as defined by and in compliance with the General Rules of the Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan Admin Code, R 333.101 through R 333.133 (the General Rules), the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, P.A. 2008, Initiated Law, MCLA § 333.26421 et seq. (the "Act") and the requirements of this section. Nothing in this section, or in any companion regulatory provision, adopted in any other provision of this Code, is intended to grant, nor shall they be construed as granting, immunity from criminal prosecution for growing, sale, consumption, use, distribution, or possession of marihuana not in strict compliance with that Act and the General Rules. Also, since federal law is not affected by that Act or the General Rules, nothing in this section, or in any companion regulatory provision, adopted in any other provision of this Code, is intended to grant, nor shall they be construed as granting, immunity from criminal prosecution under federal law. The Act does not protect users, caregivers, or owners of the properties on which the medical use of marihuana is occurring under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. The following additional requirements for a registered primary caregiver shall apply:

The medical use of marihuana shall comply at all times and in all circumstances with the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act and the General Rules of the Michigan Department of Community Health, as they may be amended from time to time.

A registered primary caregiver must be located outside of a 1,000-foot radius from any school, or library, as defined by the Michigan Public Health Code, 1978 P.A. 368, as amended, MCLA § 333.7410, to ensure community compliance with federal "Drug-Free School Zone" requirements.

Not more than one primary caregiver shall be permitted to service qualifying patients per dwelling unit.

No qualified patient, other than one qualified patient who resides on the premises with the primary caregiver, shall be served on the premises of the licensed primary caregiver.

At no time shall more than one qualified patient and one licensed primary caregiver be present on any property in the Village.

All medical marihuana shall be grown, processed, and contained within the main building in an enclosed, locked facility inaccessible on all sides and equipped with locks or other security devices that permit access only by the registered primary caregiver or qualifying patient, as reviewed and approved by the Village of Spring Lake Zoning Administrator and the law enforcement agency serving the Village. Marihuana plants grown on the premises as part of the home occupation shall not be visible outside of the enclosed, locked facility in which they are grown.

All necessary building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits shall be obtained for any portion of the residential structure in which electrical wiring, lighting and/or watering devices that support the cultivation, growing or harvesting of marihuana are located.

(h)

If a room with windows is utilized as a growing location, any lighting methods that exceed usual residential periods between the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shall employ shielding methods, without alteration to the exterior of the residence, to prevent ambient light spillage that may create a distraction for adjacent residential properties.

(i)

The outdoor growth and/or cultivation of medical marihuana plants is prohibited.

(j)

Nothing in this section shall be construed to encourage or condone violations of state or federal law.

(k)

A licensed primary caregiver shall be permitted as a home occupation in the Village of Spring Lake only as long as the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act[1] permits the activity. Changes to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act may invalidate the home occupation permit. Because the state Act is not under the control of the Village of Spring Lake, the home occupation permit for a licensed primary caregiver does not grant the operator of the home occupation any vested property rights or nonconforming use rights that would serve as a basis for failing to comply with this chapter or any amendment to this chapter.

Editor's Note: See MCLA § 333.26421 et seq.

(l)

Based on the interpretation of the Michigan Department of Community Health, no "marihuana dispensary," "growing cooperative" or "compassion club," as these terms are commonly used in reference to the use and dispensation of medical marihuana, shall be permitted anywhere in the Village of Spring Lake.

§ 390-37 Funneling/keyholing.

It is the intent of this section to promote the integrity of the lakes within the Village of Spring Lake while preserving the quality of recreational use of the lakes and rivers; to protect the quality of the lakes by limiting excess use; to promote the ecological balance of the water by limiting incompatible land use of the wetlands associated with the lakes; and maintain the natural beauty of the lakes by minimizing man-made adjustments to the established shorelines. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit lake or waterway access to the general public by way of a public park or public access site provided or maintained by any unit of state, county, or local government.

In any zoning district, waterfront lots may only be used for the purposes listed below if the standards of this section are met:

As common open space held in common by a subdivision, condominium or site condominium association, planned unit development or associations or similar agencies; or

Held in common by virtue of the terms of a plat of record; or

Common use under deed restrictions of record; or

Access by owners of those residing in two or more dwelling units located away from the waterfront; or

As a residential development for one or more dwelling units as permitted in the Township zoning ordinance; or

By easement, park, common fee ownership, single-fee ownership, condominium arrangement, license, or lease; or

Any combination of the above.

Waterfront lots used for the purposes listed above shall contain a minimum of 5,000 square feet; 50 lineal feet of water frontage for each individual dwelling unit or each single family unit to which such privileges are extended or dedicated, and a minimum depth of 100 feet. Frontage shall be measured by straight line which intersects each side lot line at the ordinary high water mark.

Waterfront lots used for the purposes listed above shall not consist of a swamp, marsh, or bog as shown on the most recent U.S. Geological Survey Maps, or the Michigan Department of Natural Resources MIRIS map, or have otherwise been determined to be wetland by the Michigan Department of environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). In no event shall a swamp, marsh, or bog be altered by dredging, the addition of earth or fill material or by the drainage of water for the purpose of increasing the water frontage required by this section.

Waterfront lots used for the purposes listed above shall not abut a man-made canal or channel for purposes of funneling nonriparian owners onto a lake. Where said lot(s) contain dwelling units, then the 50 linear feet of water frontage shall apply for each individual dwelling unit. In no case shall such canal or channel be excavated for the purpose of increasing the water frontage required by this regulation.

Waterfront lots used for the purposes listed above shall not be used as a residential lot for the purpose of constructing a dwelling and/or accessory structure(s), or for any commercial use.

Piers or docks may be constructed on waterfront lots used for the purposes listed above, provided that the following standards are met:

Piers or docks shall not be closer than 50 feet from another pier or dock