(a) Intent and purpose. It is the primary purpose of this district to provide opportunities for the continuation of agricultural activities while also providing opportunities for single-family residential development patterns and lifestyles of a more rural and suburban character than provided elsewhere in the city. It is also expected that property within this district may transition to other more intensive uses. It is the intent of this district that development ensure a stable and healthy residential environment with suitable open spaces. The lot area requirements contained herein are minimum requirements but larger lot areas may be required where natural site conditions dictate and/or public sewer or water is not available. Persons considering residing within this district should be aware that the traditional odors, noises, dust, pesticide applications, and other generally recognized agricultural activities associated with farming may continue on a long term basis in this district. However, in light of the comparatively high-density character of the city and the associated concentration of persons and families, including school and religious facilities, intensive agricultural activities such as large concentrated livestock operations are not considered appropriate uses in this district.
(b) Uses permitted by right.
(1) Single-family dwelling.
(2) Farm as defined in chapter 1 that does not include farm animals except as specified in section 122(c).
(3) Public and private conservation areas and structures for the conservation of water, soils, open space, forest, and wildlife resources (refer to section 94-192(8)).
(4) Public areas, such as forest preserves, game refuges, forest type recreation areas, and similar public uses of low intensity residential recreational character (refer to section 94-192(8)).
(5) A state licensed residential facility, except adult foster care facilities for care and treatment of persons released from or assigned to or at adult correctional facilities (refer to section 94-192(8)).
(c) Permitted accessory uses.
(1) Accessory uses and structures as defined by this chapter.
(2) Home occupations (refer to section 94-173(a)).
(3) The keeping of customary farm animals, with the exception of hogs and poultry, on a parcel used wholly or in part as a single-family residence located outside of a platted or condominium subdivision, which is operated for non-commercial or hobby purposes involving five or less animal units, and which is sited and operated in accordance with generally accepted agricultural and management practices and regulations issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. No accumulation of refuse from animals is permitted within 150 feet of any public right-of-way or 75 feet of any property line.
(4) Roadside stands selling products grown or produced in Ingham County provided that contiguous space for off-street parking of customer vehicles is furnished.
(5) Rooming houses but not to exceed two rooming units.
(6) A family day care home licensed under the provisions of MCL 722.111 in which one but fewer than seven minor children are received for care and supervision in a private home for periods of less than 24 hours a day, unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage, or adoption.
(d) Uses authorized by special use permit.
(1) Religious institutions and structures for religious worship (refer to section 94-192(8)).
(2) Day care facility or foster care facility providing care for more than six but not more than 12 individuals in a state licensed residential facility, except adult foster care facilities for care and treatment of persons released from or assigned to or at adult correctional facilities (refer to section 94-192(8)).
(3) Public buildings including nonresidential governmental, utility, or public service use excluding storage yards, transformer stations, and substations (refer to section 94-192(8)).
(4) Public or private educational structures or uses (refer to section 94-192(8)).
(5) Cemeteries, public or private.
(6) Kennels, veterinary hospitals, veterinary clinics.
(7) Public event facilities and fair grounds (refer to section 94-192(8)).
(8) Public or private recreation facilities including parks, playgrounds, ball fields, athletic fields, swimming pools, community centers, golf courses, and country clubs (refer to section 94-192(8)).
(9) Planned residential developments (PRD) (refer to section 94-192(1)).
(10) Agricultural land uses, including farms with farm animals, livestock feeding operations and livestock production facilities, which are sited and operated in accordance with generally accepted agricultural and management practices and regulations issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. No accumulation of refuse from animals is permitted within 150 feet of any public right-of-way or 75 feet of any property line.
(11) Stables, riding stables and equestrian centers.
(12) Drilling and exploring operations for oil, gas, or other hydrocarbon materials.
(e) Development standards. Any use of land or structures in this district shall comply with the general development standards of section 94-121(c) of this chapter. In addition, the following standards shall also apply to any use of land or structures in this district.
(1) The roof pitch ratio of the principle structure shall be a minimum of four foot vertical rise to 12 foot horizontal run.
(2) The principle structure shall be attached to a solid foundation.
(3) A principle residential structure shall provide a minimum of 15% of the total living space area as non-living space available for storage.
(4) A principle residential structure shall be constructed to be compatible in design and appearance with conventional onsite constructed structures.
(Ord. No. 152, 5-1-2006; Ord. No. 157, 11-6-2006)