A Zoning Administrator, or such deputies, shall be appointed by the City Manager and designated to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
The Zoning Administrator shall:
A.
Receive and review for completeness all applications for site plan review and special land use permits which the Plan Commission is required to decide under this chapter and refer such applications to the Plan Commission for determination.
B.
Receive and review for completeness all applications for appeals, variances, or other matters which the Zoning Board of Appeals is required to decide under this chapter and refer such applications to the Zoning Board of Appeals for determination.
C.
Receive and review for completeness all applications for amendments to this chapter and refer such applications to the Plan Commission for determination.
D.
Implement the decisions of the Plan Commission and City Commission related to this chapter.
E.
Coordinate enforcement of this chapter with the Enforcement Officer.
The Plan Commission shall have the authority to review and to approve, approve with conditions or reject all site plans.
A.
Where required.
(1)
Site plan review is required for all proposed uses and certain existing uses within the City where an alteration, addition, expansion, change or conversion constitutes an increase or reduction to the existing structure or use. Site plan review shall also be required for the paving of any off-street parking for any use for which off-street parking is required by this chapter.
(2)
Site plan review shall not be required for one- and two-family residential, or their customary accessory storage buildings.
(3)
The City shall not issue a building permit until a site plan has been approved and is in effect. A use, not involving a building or structure, shall not be commenced or expanded, nor shall the Zoning Administrator or duly appointed agent issue an occupancy permit for such use until a site plan has been approved and is in effect.
B.
Site plan.
(1)
Application. An applicant shall submit a request for site plan review by filing with the Zoning Administrator the required number of copies of a site plan as well as the data and exhibits required in the application, the review fee, and a complete application form. The Administrator, upon receipt of the complete application, shall transmit the site plan drawing(s) to the Plan Commission prior to its next regular meeting.
(2)
Information required. A site plan submitted for review and approval shall contain all of the information identified on the site plan review data check list prior to its submission to the City for review. Site plans shall consist of an overall plan for the entire development. Sheet size shall be 24 inches by 36 inches with plan view drawn to a scale of no greater than one inch equals 50 feet. The Zoning Administrator may also request copies of all plans and drawings in electronic form and at a reduced size format.
(3)
Standards for review. In reviewing the site plan, the Plan Commission shall determine whether the plan meets the following specifications and standards:
(a)
The plan conforms to the approved preliminary site plan, when applicable, and with all Zoning Ordinance regulations;
(b)
All required information is provided;
(c)
The proposed use will not be injurious to the surrounding neighborhood and protects the general health, safety, welfare and character of the City;
(d)
There is a proper relationship between major thoroughfares and proposed service drives, driveways and parking areas. Proper access to all portions of the site and all sides of any structure is provided. All structures or groups of structures shall be so arranged as to permit emergency vehicle access by some practical means to all sides;
(e)
The location of buildings is such that the adverse effects of such uses will be minimized for the occupants of that use and surrounding areas;
(f)
Natural resources will be preserved to the maximum extent possible in the site design;
(g)
Sites which include storage of hazardous materials or waste, fuels, salt, or chemicals will be designed to prevent spills and discharges of polluting materials to the surface of the ground, groundwater or nearby water bodies in accordance with Article
VII, county and state standards;
(h)
Landscaping, including grass, trees, shrubs and other vegetation, are provided to maintain and improve the aesthetic quality of the site and area; and
(i)
The proposed use is in compliance with all City ordinances and any other applicable laws.
C.
Supplemental information requirements.
(1)
The following supplemental information shall be submitted in connection with all site plan applications for nonresidential uses:
(a)
A scaled drawing of the interior layout, showing the total square footage of floor space, and the location and use of all rooms. If the use has several floors or areas with typical design, such design may be submitted along with an explanation of its general application in specified areas of the building.
(b)
On the drawing, or on separate sheets that may be referenced to particular areas of the drawing, for each use there shall be a description with regard to the specific services provided and/or goods to be stored, sold or displayed, and a specification relative to each type of services or goods as it relates to each type of services or goods:
[1]
The approximate percentage of the total square footage space to be used for each type of service and goods; and
[2]
The approximate percentage of total gross receipts anticipated to be generated with regard to each type of service and goods.
(c)
A written business plan, which shall be in narrative or other format, describing all uses and business activities to be undertaken on the premises.
(d)
Additional reasonable information required by the Planning Department for the purpose of determining the nature of the use planned for the premises.
(2)
Following submission and approval of the site plan based upon the information provided in accordance with this subsection, the Planning Department shall retain the supplemental application on file in connection with the property. In the event there is a material change in the information that would indicate a new or different use, a different percentage of space or receipts, or otherwise alter the understanding of the various aspects of the use and/or business, the applicant shall provide the Planning Department with a revision of the earlier submission so as to ensure a file that is current in its reflection of the use of the property. The revised information shall be filed with the Planning Department within 30 days following the applicant's knowledge of such change.
(3)
Plan Commission action. The Plan Commission shall study the site plan and shall determine whether the site plan be approved, approved with conditions or denied. The Plan Commission may suggest and/or require modifications to the proposed site plan as are needed to gain approval. The Plan Commission shall state in the record of its proceedings the grounds for the action taken upon each site plan submitted for its approval.
(4)
Effect of approval. Approval of a site plan authorizes issuance of a building permit or, in the case of uses without buildings or structures, issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance. All plans submitted for building permit review shall incorporate all contingencies required by the Plan Commission as part of its approval. No plans shall be accepted by the Building Department that do not contain all site plan contingencies.
(5)
Expiration of approval. Unless otherwise specified by the Plan Commission, any site plan approved or approved with contingencies under this section shall be null and void unless the development proposed shall have its first building permit within one year from the date of the granting of the permit. The Zoning Administrator may grant an extension(s) thereof for good cause.
D.
Administrative review
for site plans involving minor modifications. Administrative review may be conducted by the Zoning Administrator
for site plans that involve minor modifications, as defined herein. Such minor modifications shall constitute an alteration, addition or expansion to the existing structure and/or use of less than 500 square feet or 10% of the gross floor area, whichever is less. Minor modifications involving the change or conversion of a use shall be allowed if determined to be less intense by the Zoning Administrator. All plans submitted
for administrative review shall comply with §
770-12B, Site plan, and §
770-12C, Supplemental information requirements. However, the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to take any site plan before the Plan Commission.
E.
Amendment of approved site plan. The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to determine if a proposed change requires an amendment to an approved site plan. A site plan may be amended upon application and in accordance with the procedure herein for a site plan. The Zoning Administrator may approve minor changes in an approved site plan, provided that a revised site plan drawing(s) be submitted showing such minor changes, for purposes of record.
F.
Modification of site plan during construction. All improvements shall conform to the site plan. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to notify the Zoning Administrator of any such changes. If the applicant makes any changes during construction in the development in relation to the approved site plan, such changes are at the applicant's risk without any assurances that the Zoning Administrator or Plan Commission will approve the changes. The Plan Commission or Zoning Administrator may require the applicant to correct the changes so as to conform to the approved site plan.
G.
Phasing of development. The applicant may, at his or her discretion, divide the proposed development into two or more phases. In such case, the site plan shall cover the entire property involved and shall clearly indicate the location, the size, timing, and character of each phase.
H.
Inspection. The Building Inspector shall be responsible for inspecting all improvements for conformance with the approved site plan. All subgrade improvements such as utilities, a subbase installation for drives and parking lots, and similar improvements shall be inspected and approved prior to covering. The applicant shall be responsible for requesting the necessary inspection.
I.
Violations. The approved site plan shall regulate development of the property and any violation of this article, including any alteration or improvement not in conformance with the approved site plan, and any use of the property inconsistent with the file information provided as required under §
770-12C, Supplemental information requirements, above, shall be deemed a violation of this chapter as provided in §
770-18, Violations and penalties; abatement of nuisances, and shall be subject to all penalties specified therein.
J.
Public hearing requests. A public hearing for a site plan shall be established in accordance with Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended, or in either of the following events:
(1)
When at least three members of the Plan Commission deem it necessary; or
(2)
When requested by the applicant seeking site plan review and approval.
From time to time, the City Commission may employ planning, engineering, legal, traffic or other special consultants to assist in the review of special land use permits, site plans, rezonings or other matters related to the planning and development of the City.
In the interest of insuring compliance with the Zoning Ordinance provisions, protecting the natural resources and the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City and future users or inhabitants of an area for which an application for a proposed use has been submitted, the City official administering the application shall require the applicant to deposit a performance guaranty as set forth herein. The performance guaranty shall be required for the following purposes: to insure completion of improvements connected with a proposed use as required by this chapter, including but not limited to streets, lighting, utilities, sidewalks, drainage, fences, screens, walls, and landscaping; to ensure that property is secured and stabilized in the event active development ceases; and to provide security in connection with the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy in order to ensure completion of development plans.
A. In general. Subject to the exceptions and special provisions set forth in Subsection
B, below, a performance guaranty shall mean a cash deposit, certified check or irrevocable bank letter of credit in the amount of 125% of the estimated cost of the improvements
for which the guaranty is required, as determined by the
applicant and verified by the City. If the amount of such estimated cost is not reasonably ascertainable by the City, the
applicant may be required by the department administering the performance guaranty to submit a certified estimate prepared by the
applicant's licensed engineer or architect; or, alternatively, a bona fide contract
for the work to be performed, including a provision authorizing enforcement of the contract by the City in the event of a default by the
applicant. To the extent that amounts required to be deposited are in excess of $250,000, such amounts may be posted in the form of a corporate surety bond approved as to form and substance by the City official administering the
application, such bond to contain terms and provisions to promote a certain and efficient entitlement to such funds by the City in the event of the need
for such funds in order to carry out the intent of the security. A letter of credit and corporate surety bond shall cover a time period equal to or longer than the time anticipated to complete improvements or take other actions, as
applicable, and shall require 30 days' advance written notice to the City official administering the
application prior to termination. The City shall be authorized to employ the City Engineer and Building Official to review cost estimates and conduct periodic inspections of progress relative to required improvements and/or actions.
B. Exceptions and special provisions.
(1) Commercial, multifamily residential and mixed-use projects.
(a) The performance guaranty posted in connection with the proposed construction shall be in an amount equal to 20% of the amount estimated and certified by the applicant's licensed engineer or architect for completion of improvements to streets, lighting, utilities, sidewalks, drainage (including retention or retention facilities, if any), fences, screens, walls and landscaping, or any other portion of the project determined by the Building Official to have an impact upon the public interest, infrastructure or upon the health, safety or welfare of the general public.
(b) The 20% shall be posted either in cash or by letter of credit, the form and substance of which shall be approved by the Building Official, whose approval shall not unreasonably be withheld. As a condition of approval of a site plan, special land use, and/or planned unit development, the Plan Commission may require a higher performance guaranty be posted prior to building permits being issued but in no case shall it exceed 125% of the estimated costs of improvements. The first 20% of any such amount shall be posted either in cash or by letter of credit, and the balance, 80% shall be in the form of cash, letter of credit or a surety bond, the form and substance of which shall be approved by the Building Official, whose approval shall not unreasonably be withheld.
(2) One- and two-family dwellings. In connection with the issuance of a building permit for one single-family detached dwelling or a two-family dwelling, the Building Official shall be authorized to require a performance guaranty in an amount not to exceed 5% of estimated construction cost. Such amount may be utilized by the City to secure and stabilize the property and avoid hazards in the event construction ceases, and to complete any improvements specified in the introductory paragraph to this section.
(3) City-funded projects. In connection with the issuance of a building permit for a City-funded project, the Building Official shall be authorized to require no performance guaranty.
C. Building occupancy. If the person to whom a building permit has been issued requests a temporary certificate of occupancy or is approved to occupy the building during site improvements, the condition
for such issuance shall include the posting of a performance guaranty in the form of cash or letter of credit as contemplated in this section. The amount of the performance guaranty shall be equal to 125% of the cost of satisfying all conditions specified
for securing a permanent certificate of occupancy. The first 20% of any such amount shall be posted either in cash or by letter of credit, and the balance, 80% shall be in the form of cash, letter of credit or a surety bond, the form and substance of which shall be approved by the Building Official, whose approval shall not unreasonably be withheld. Such amount shall be determined by the
applicant and verified by the City, and, if such amount is not reasonably ascertainable by the City, the
applicant may be required by the department administering the certificate of occupancy to provide a certification of amount by the
applicant's licensed engineer or architect, or, alternatively, a bona fide contract
for the work to be performed, including a provision authorizing enforcement of the contract by the City in the event of a default by the
applicant. The posting of a performance guaranty under this Subsection
C shall be accompanied by an agreement, as referenced in Subsection
E, below. If a performance guaranty enforceable by the City is otherwise posted
for one or more of the purposes
for which a performance guaranty is required under this subsection, the amount of the guaranty under his subsection may be reduced accordingly in order to avoid a duplication of security
for identical purposes.
D. Terms and provisions of performance guaranties.
(1) An acceptable surety bond shall be issued:
(a) By a company licensed to do business in the State of Michigan by the Department of Consumer and Industry Services, Office of Financial and Insurance Services;
(b) By a company with a rating of not less than "A" as determined by A.M. Best Company or a similarly recognized rating agency;
(c) In a form that does not require the City of Royal Oak to expend money to complete the project bonded and thereafter seek reimbursement from the surety company;
(d) By a company with additional qualifications or in a form containing additional provisions or restrictions as may reasonably be required by the Building Official based upon the need for provisions to protect the City under the particular facts and circumstances; and
(e) With a provision specifying that any dispute on whether and/or the amount of payment to be made by the surety, shall be resolved by binding arbitration.
(2) A performance guaranty under this section shall be deposited with the City Treasurer prior to the issuance of the requested permit or certificate.
(3) The approval by the City, building permit, temporary certificate of occupancy, and the like, shall prescribe the period of time before completion of the improvements and/or actions for which the performance guaranty has been required.
(4) The City, upon written request of the applicant, shall rebate portions of the performance guaranty upon determination by the City that the improvements and/or actions for which the rebate has been requested have been satisfactorily completed in accordance with the approved plans, permits, temporary certificate of occupancy, and all other applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
(5) Upon satisfactory completion of all performance for which the guaranty was required, as determined by the City, the City shall return to the applicant the performance guaranty deposited, and any interest accrued thereon, provided the City generally is not anticipated to deposit the performance guaranty in an interest-bearing account.
(6) If the
applicant fails to timely complete all improvements and/or timely take the required action
for which the performance guaranty was required, the
applicant shall be deemed to be in default. Unless a shorter period has been specified by building permit, ordinance or code, "timely" completion of improvements shall mean not longer than two years from the date of issuance of the building permit; provided, however, a longer period of time may be specified in an agreement entered into as provided in Subsection
E, below, or in an amendment of such agreement.
(7) In the event of a default, the City shall, following notice to the applicant, have the right to use the performance guaranty deposited, including any interest earned thereon, to complete the improvements or take the appropriate actions to achieve completion, and the application for site plan approval, building permit, temporary certificate of occupancy, or the like, shall be deemed to have authorized the right of the City to enter upon the property to bring about such completion. A notice to an applicant given under this section may be provided by one or more of the following methods: regular mail, to the address on the application for permit; and/or by delivery of the notice to the applicant at such address, and/or by posting the property.
(8) In the event the performance guaranty posted is insufficient in amount to allow the City to complete the improvements and/or actions, the applicant shall be required to pay the City such additional costs as needed for the completion of such improvements and/or actions. Should the City use the performance guaranty, or a portion thereof, to achieve such completion, any amounts remaining shall first be applied to the City's administrative costs, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, planning consultant fees, engineering consultant fees, and the like, utilized in connection with securing the guaranty and completing the improvements and/or actions, and the balance remaining thereafter shall be refunded to the applicant.
(9) If the applicant has been required to post a performance guaranty with another governmental agency other than the City for the purpose of ensuring completion of an improvement, and the amount and terms of such performance guaranty are deemed adequate by the City, and are enforceable by the City, the applicant shall not be required to deposit with the City a duplicate performance guaranty for the same improvement.
E. Written agreement. At the time the performance guaranty is deposited with the City, and prior to the issuance of permits, approved occupancy of the building or temporary certificates of occupancy, the applicant may be required to enter into an agreement executed by the applicant and the City relative to the terms and provisions applicable to the use of the performance guaranty; provided, however, in the absence of such agreement, the terms and provisions of this section shall govern.
The City Commission shall establish a schedule of fees, charges, and expenses, for matters pertaining to this chapter, certificates of occupancy, appeals, and other matters pertaining to this chapter. The City shall have the authority to include fees for the use of engineering, planning, legal or other special consultants. The schedule of fees shall be posted in the City offices, and may be altered or amended only by the City Commission. No permit, certificate, special land use on approval, or variance shall be issued unless or until such costs, charges, fees, or expenses have been paid in full, nor shall any action be taken on proceedings before the Board of Appeals, unless or until preliminary charges and fees have been paid in full.
Uses of land, buildings, or structures, erected, altered, razed, or converted in violation of any provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be nuisances per se. The court having jurisdiction shall order such nuisance abated, and the owner and/or agent in charge shall be adjudged guilty of maintaining a nuisance per se. Any person, persons, firm or corporation, or any other acting on behalf of said person, persons, firm or corporation, violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter, or any of the regulations adopted in pursuance hereof, or who shall hamper, impede or interfere with the performance of the duties of the official or agent of the City of Royal Oak or other officer under the provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of a municipal civil infraction, and upon being found responsible therefor, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $250 for the first offense and $500 for a subsequent violation following the first offense. Each act of violation and every day upon which such violation shall occur shall constitute a separate offense.