(A) For the purpose of this chapter, zoning districts are hereby established as follows:
AC | Agricultural Conservation |
R-A | Rural Agricultural |
RS-R | Rural Suburban Residential |
S-R | Suburban Residential |
C | Commercial |
I | Industrial |
CON | Conservation |
VC | Village Commercial |
VR | Village Residential |
COSDO-OD | Conservation/Open Space Development Option Overlay |
CZAMB-OD | Coordinated Zoning Along Municipal Borders Overlay District |
(B) For the purposes of this chapter, the zoning districts named in division (A) above shall be of the number, size, shape and location shown on the Official Zoning Map.
(C) The following zoning districts are intended to serve the following purposes, in addition to the overall purposes and objectives of this chapter and the Comprehensive Plan:
(1) CON Conservation District. To provide for very low-intensity development in areas with significant important natural features, such as wetlands, flood-prone lands and very steeply sloped areas. To recognize that many of these areas have limited road access. To protect the water quality and habitats along creeks and their headwaters and promote ground water recharge. To provide incentives and a certain amount of flexibility in lot layout so that development can be clustered on the most suitable portion of a tract of land, while still avoiding overly intense development;
(2) AC Agricultural Conservation District. To promote the continuation and preservation of agricultural activities in those areas most suitable for such activities. This zone also intends to protect and stabilize the township’s viable agricultural economy by minimizing uses that are incompatible with farming, but permitting limited agricultural support businesses. Consequently, residential uses are limited and any future inhabitants in this zone must be willing to accept the impacts associated with normal farming practices;
(3) R-A Rural Residential District. To provide for rural types of development at a low overall density. To avoid conflicts with agricultural uses and recognize sewage limitations. To protect the water quality and habitats along creeks, and promote ground water recharge. To provide incentives and a certain amount of flexibility in lot layout through a conservation/open space development option so that development can be clustered on the most suitable portions of a tract of land, while avoiding overly intense development;
(4) RS-R Rural Suburban Residential District. To provide for low density residential neighborhoods that are primarily composed of single-family detached dwellings. To protect these areas from incompatible uses;
(5) S-R Suburban Residential District. To provide for medium density residential neighborhoods with a mix of housing types at a medium density. To protect these areas from incompatible uses. To meet requirements of state law to provide opportunities for various housing types;
(6) VR Village Residential District. To provide for residential uses that are similar in character to existing homes in the older villages of the township;
(7) VC Village Commercial District. To provide for a mix of housing and light business uses in a manner that avoids conflicts between homes and intensive commercial uses. To primarily provide for smaller-scale uses that will not be obtrusive in the landscape and that will not overload the road system;
(8) C Commercial District. To provide for a wide range of commercial uses. To carefully locate commercial areas and commercial driveways to minimize traffic safety and congestion problems along roads; and
(9) I Industrial District. To provide for a range of industrial uses in a manner that minimizes conflicts with homes and avoids serious nuisances and hazards and to avoid additional conflicts through a Coordinated Zoning Along Municipal Borders Development Option so that existing residential areas have a seamless, rather than shock, transition between uses.
(Ord. 126, passed 3-18-2010; Ord. 140, passed 5-7-2015; Ord. 157, passed 9-6-2018; Ord. 168, passed 8-18-2022)