(A) The purpose of this chapter is to provide definitions, standards and procedures for the regulation of earth-changing activities (e.g., mining excavation and the like) in the township, in accordance with the provisions of the Township Rural Zoning Act, Public Act 184 of 1943, being M.C.L.A. §§ 125.271 through 125.301, as amended. The intent of this chapter is to discourage undesirable land uses which create unsafe or nuisance conditions or destroy the utility of site and adjoining land. This chapter provides for the issuance of permits, the imposition of conditions on the performance of such activities and penalties for the violation of standards and permit conditions. Owners and occupants of property in or adjoining Agricultural and R-1 Zoning Districts will be affected, principally.
(B) (1) Mining-related activities are currently allowed without any regulation in the Agricultural and R-1 Zoning Districts. Such activities are beneficial in most circumstances; provided that, they do not create the undesirable conditions referred to above.
(2) Some property owners of Hopkins and nearby townships have been negatively affected by earth-changing activities recently. Some areas of the township adjoining lakes and residential area are especially vulnerable to environmental damage. The township has suffered a diminution of property value and tax revenue in one such instance and desires to avoid any recurrence of that experience.
(Prior Code, Ch. XXIV) (Ord. 1992-3, passed - -; Ord. 2001-1, passed 7-17-2001)