(A) The areas and boundaries of such zoning districts are hereby established to scale as shown on the map entitled “Zoning Map of Sparta Township”, and referred to herein as the “zoning map”. Said zoning map, together with everything shown thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be an integral part of this chapter. Regardless of the existence of copies of the zoning map that may be made or published, the official zoning map shall be located at the township office and shall be the final authority as to the current zoning district status in the township.
(B) When uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of zoning districts as shown on the zoning map, the following rules shall apply.
(1) Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerline of rivers, waterways, roads, streets, highways or alleys shall be construed to follow such centerlines.
(2) Boundaries indicated as approximately following platted or unplatted lot lines shall be construed to follow such lot lines.
(3) Boundaries indicated as approximately following township boundaries shall be construed to follow township boundaries.
(4) Boundaries indicated as following shorelines, stream beds or the perimeter of a waterbody or waterourse shall be construed to follow the general established seasonal high water limit of such shoreline or stream bed, and in the event of a more than temporary or seasonal change in shoreline or stream bed shall be construed as moving with the newly formed/established seasonal high water limit.
(5) The zoning boundary or limit of the Rogue River Zoning District shall be defined as a line at least 300 feet from the ordinary high watermark of the river and which said line runs parallel to it.
(6) Distances not specifically indicated on the official zoning map shall be determined by the scale of the official zoning map.
(7) Where physical or cultural features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown on the zoning map, the Zoning Administrator shall interpret the zoning district boundaries. Upon appeal, the Zoning Board of Appeals has the authority to review and uphold or override the interpretation of the Zoning Administrator.
(C) (1) Where disputes arise as to the location of the flood hazard area boundary or the limits of flood risk Zones A1-30, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall resolve the dispute and establish the boundary location. In all cases, the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be based upon the most current floodplain studies issued by the Federal Insurance Administration. Where Federal Insurance Administration information is not available, the best available floodplain information shall be utilized.
(2) Where a dispute involves an allegation that the boundary is incorrect as mapped and Federal Insurance Administration floodplain studies are being questioned, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall modify the boundary of the flood hazard area or the zones defining the floodway only upon receipt of an official letter of map amendment issued by the Federal Insurance Administration.
(3) All parties to a map dispute may submit technical evidence to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(Ord. passed 7-12-2012, § 3.2; Ord. passed 1-13-2022)
(Ord. passed 7-12-2012, § 3.2)