The P public lands and open space district is intended to acknowledge the extensive publicly owned properties that presently exist with the township. Such a district applies to only those properties that are used or authorized for public and quasi-public use, in tax exempt status, are reserved open space or public recreation, all distinct from the standard residential and non-residential zoning classifications. The P district is therefore contingent upon ownership designation as opposed to a conventional zoning approach. Public lands as herein defined qualify for inclusion in this zone.

Commentary. The substantial public lands within Bath Charter Township pose a two-edged sword; while it means that many acres are reserved from taxation and future development, these same properties provide the open space and natural amenities that shape the community's character. The regulations contained herein are designed to promote land usage and development that are compatible with the preservation of natural amenities and open space areas and to regulate those items that would tend to detract from or negatively affect their natural character or adjoining properties.

(Ord. No. 31.32, § 5, 10-20-2003)

In the P public lands and open space district, no building or land shall be used and no building erected except for one or more of the following specified uses, unless otherwise provided in this ordinance. Performance criteria in excess of those regulations governing yards, lot size and the like may be specified for certain uses. Such provisions are cross-referenced to other provisions herein.

A.

Public conservation areas and structures for the development, protection and conservation of open space, watersheds, water, soil, forests and wildlife resources.

B.

Religious institutions including churches, convents, parsonages and other housing for religious personnel; see section 14.06.

C.

Educational institutions including public elementary and secondary schools; see section 14.06.

D.

Public recreational facilities of a non-commercial nature, including parks, playgrounds, camps, centers, parkways and similar recreational facilities; see section 14.06.

E.

Public buildings and public service installations, including federal, state or municipal, administrative or public service buildings, public service facilities and uses; see section 14.06.

F.

Public cemeteries; see section 14.06.

G.

Wildlife research centers.

(Ord. No. 31.32, § 5, 10-20-2003)

The following are permitted accessory uses:

A.

Accessory uses or structures, clearly incidental to any of the above permitted uses.

(Ord. No. 31.32, § 5, 10-20-2003)

The following uses of land and structures may be permitted in this district, by the application for and the issuance of a special use permit as provided for in article XIX.

A.

Other uses not specifically mentioned in section 10.02 [11.02] of a public or open space nature.

(Ord. No. 31.32, § 5, 10-20-2003)

The development standards and requirements shall be those as specified within the district said use is located, unless superseded by the provisions of the public lands and open space district.

(Ord. No. 31.32, § 5, 10-20-2003)