Prior to construction or physical development of a proposed special use, as specified by this chapter, an application for a special use approval must be obtained. An application for a special use approval must be made to the Zoning Administrator.
(A) Contents of application. Among the data to be supplied by the applicant and that shall constitute the application package, the following shall be included:
(1) Names and address of applicant or applicants;
(2) Location, shape, area and dimension of the lot and of the proposed structure or improvement (shown on the site plan);
(3) Description of proposed use and of the building (dwelling, structure, barn, garage and the like) or improvement;
(4) The proposed number of sleeping rooms, dwelling units, occupants, employees, customers and other users;
(5) The yard, open space and location of parking spaces (as shown on the site plan); and
(6) A required site plan that must be approved before any granting of a special use permit.
(B) Fee. A fee or fees as set by the Township Board shall accompany any plans or applications in order to defray the cost of administration and inspection.
(C) General procedural steps. Upon submission of an application for a special use approval:
(1) The Zoning Administrator.
(a) Reviews application package:
1. To make sure that it is the right application for zoning action requested;
2. To see that all required information is submitted; and
3. To make sure that the proposed use is permitted in a particular district by special use permit.
(b) Takes one or more of the following actions:
1. Requests from the applicant that any omitted or necessary information now be submitted;
2. If necessary, seeks ordinance interpretation from the Board of Appeals;
3. Make advisory comments about the site plan based on site plan review standards; and/or
4. Forwards the complete application with comments to the Planning Commission for review and approval.
(2) The Planning Commission.
(a) Reviews the site plan according to the site plan review standards, as set forth in this chapter;
(b) Reviews the proposed special use according to standards for special use permits, as set forth in this chapter;
(c) Reviews for compliance with any and all additional site facility design requirements and standards, as may be required by this chapter; and
(d) Holds a public hearing pursuant to § 154.424 of this chapter.
(D) Final approval, denial or approval with conditions to be in writing. When an application for a special use is finally approved, denied or approved subject to conditions, the decision must be incorporated into an official written statement that contains the conclusions relative to the special use permit request. The decision shall specify the basis for the decision and any conditions that may be imposed in the case of approvals.
(E) Utilization. An approved special use must be utilized within one year during which time construction of the approved special use must begin. A valid special use approval is eligible for one additional one-year extension granted by the Planning Commission as a reasonable length of time within which to begin construction.
(F) Inspection. At least two site inspections by the Zoning Administrator must be held: one during development and one before the use or structure is occupied. If development is phased or in stages, then one inspection per phase or stage shall be made.
(G) Appeals. No appeal shall be allowed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the denial of a special use approval or for any conditions of approval.
(Ord. passed 7-12-2012, § 7.10)