§ 2.01 ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS.

   A.   Scope of regulations. No structure or tract of land shall hereafter be used or occupied , and no structure , or part thereof, shall be erected , altered, or moved, except in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance. However, where a building permit for a building or structure has been issued in accordance with law prior to the effective date of this Ordinance and construction is begun within six months of the effective date, said building or structure may be completed in accordance with the approved plans. Furthermore, upon completion the building may be occupied under a certificate of occupancy for the use for which the building was originally designated, subject thereafter to the provisions of Article 3.00 concerning nonconformities . Any subsequent text or map amendments shall not affect previously issued valid permits.

   B.   Minimum requirements. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of public health, safety, convenience, comfort, morals, prosperity, and general welfare.

   C.   Relationship to other ordinances or agreements. This Ordinance is not intended to abrogate or annul any ordinance, rule, regulation, permit, easement , covenant, or other private agreement previously adopted, issued, or entered into and not in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance. However, where the regulations of this Ordinance are more restrictive or impose higher standards or requirements than other such ordinances, rules, regulations, permits, easements , covenants, or other private agreements, the requirements of this Ordinance shall govern.

   D.   Vested right. Nothing in this Ordinance should be interpreted or construed to give rise to any permanent vested rights in the continuation of any particular use, district, zoning classification, or permissible activities therein. Furthermore, such rights as may exist through enforcement of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be subject to subsequent amendment, change or modification as may be necessary for the preservation or protection of public health, safety, and welfare, to the extent that such rights are not protected by the nonconforming use provisions in Article 3.00.

   E.   Continued conformity with yard and bulk regulations. The maintenance of yards and other open space and minimum lot area legally required for a building shall be a continuing obligation of the owner of such building or of the property on which it is located, for as long as the building is in existence. No portion of a lot used in complying with the provisions of this Ordinance in connection with an existing or planned building , shall again be used to qualify or justify any other building or structure existing or intended to exist at the same time.

   F.   Division and consolidation of land. (revised 10/1/2002) The division and consolidation of land shall be in accordance with the Subdivision Control Act (Michigan Public Act 288 of 1967, being M.C.L.A. §§ 560.101 through 560.293, as amended), the Township Subdivision Control Ordinance, and the Township Ordinance to Regulate the Division of Land. No lot or parcel shall hereafter be divided into two or more lots and no portion of any lot shall be sold, unless all zoning lots resulting from each such division or sale conform to all regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located.

   G.   Unlawful buildings , structures , site designs, and uses. A building , structure , or use which did not lawfully exist at the time of adoption of this Ordinance shall not be made lawful solely by adoption of this Ordinance. In case any building , or part thereof, is used, erected , occupied , or altered contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance, such building or use shall be deemed an unlawful nuisance and may be required to be vacated, torn down, or abated by any legal means, and shall not be used or occupied until it has been made to conform to the provisions of this Ordinance. Public expenditures toward abating any such nuisance shall become a lien upon the land.

(Ord. passed 7-9-2013)