It is the intent of this chapter to require a minimum setback from natural features and to regulate property within such setback in order to prevent physical harm, impairment and/or destruction of or to a natural feature. It has been determined that, in the absence of such a minimum setback, intrusions in or onto natural features would occur, resulting in harm, impairment and/or destruction of natural features contrary to the public health, safety and general welfare. The regulation provided for in this chapter is based on the police power for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, including the authority granted in the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.
It is the purpose of this chapter to establish and preserve minimum setbacks from natural features in order to recognize and make provision for the special relationship, interrelationship and interdependency regarding physical location, plant species, animal species and an encouragement of diversity and richness of plant and animal species; over land and subsurface hydrology; water table; water quality; and erosion or sediment deposition.
(Ord. 191. Passed 6-13-94; Ord. 2006-03. Passed 11- 13-06.)