The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter.
AGRICULTURAL LAND. Substantially undeveloped land devoted to the production of plants and animals useful to humans, including forage and sod crops; grains, feed crops and field crops; dairy and dairy products; poultry and poultry products; livestock, including breeding and grazing of cattle, swine and similar animals; berries; herbs; flowers; seeds; grasses; nursery stock; fruits; vegetables; Christmas trees; and other similar uses and activities.
CONSERVATION VALUES. The agricultural, natural, open space, scientific, biological and ecological values of a parcel of property that are found to be worthy of protection.
DEVELOPMENT. An activity that materially alters or affects the existing conditions or use of any land.
DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS. The rights to develop land to the maximum intensity of development authorized by law.
DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS EASEMENT. A grant, by a legal instrument, whereby an owner relinquishes to the public the right to develop the land except as expressly reserved in the instrument, and which contains a covenant running with the land describing the easement terms, conditions and development rights.
FULL OWNERSHIP. Fee simple ownership, or outright ownership of real property, including the ownership of all aspects of title, including the ability to transfer the totality of the title.
INTENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT. The height, bulk, area, density, setback, use and other similar characteristics of development.
OTHER ELIGIBLE LAND. Land that has a common property line with agricultural land from which development rights have been purchased and that is not divided from that agricultural land.
OWNER. The party or parties who has/have legal title to or an equitable interest in the property.
PARCEL. A measured portion of land that is described by virtue of a proposal to include the parcel in an agreement to acquire or transfer development rights, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
PERMITTED USE. Any use reserved within a development rights easement essential to the farming operation thereon or which does not alter the open space character of the land.
SUBSTANTIALLY UNDEVELOPED LAND. Land on which there is no more than one residential dwelling unit (exclusive of migrant housing units) for each 20 acres of land.
SUPERVISOR. The Williamstown Township Supervisor.
TOWNSHIP BOARD. The Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer and Trustees of Williamstown Township, Ingham County, Michigan.
VALUE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS. The difference between the fair market value of full ownership of the land (excluding buildings thereon) and the fair market value of the agricultural rights plus any residential development rights to be retained by the owner.
(Ord. passed 6-29-1999)