(A) Purpose and intent. The purpose of this section is to provide for the use of lands that have significant gravel and/or sand deposits and which, if mined for such deposits under the regulations of this subchapter and this chapter, would not constitute a hazard to the public health, safety and welfare. The regulations are intended to result in: mining and excavation operations that will not be detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare; and operations that will be conducive to and result in the reclamation of the land so that it will be suitable for other purposes, including single-family residential and agricultural uses and purposes. Further, it is the intent of these provisions to preserve the natural resources of the township.
(B) Zoning districts. Mining and mineral extraction shall be allowed in any zoning district if approved by the Planning Commission as a special use.
(C) Site plans. A site plan for the proposed mining or mineral extraction operation (together with a reclamation plan) shall be filed with the township and shall be reviewed and approved, approved with conditions or denied by the Planning Commission as part of the special use review process.
(D) Standards. In order to approve a special use for mining or mineral extraction, the Planning Commission must find that no very serious consequences would result from the mining or mineral extraction operation, use or activities. In making that determination, all of the following factors may be considered if applicable:
(1) The relationship of extraction and associated activities with existing land uses;
(2) The impact on existing land uses in the vicinity of the property involved;
(3) The impact on property values in the vicinity of the property involved and along the proposed hauling route serving the property involved, based on credible evidence;
(4) The impact on pedestrian and traffic safety in the vicinity of the property involved and along the proposed hauling route serving the property involved;
(5) The impact on other identifiable health, safety and welfare interests in the township; and
(6) The overall public interest in the extraction of the specific natural resources on the property involved.
(E) Conditions. If the Planning Commission approves a special use for a mining or mineral extraction use, activity or operation, the Planning Commission can attach reasonable conditions to such approval regarding the following areas and topics:
(1) Hours of operation;
(2) Noise;
(3) Dust control;
(4) Blasting hours; and
(5) Traffic.
(Ord. passed 7-12-2012, § 4.28)