The Township of Buchanan, Berrien County, Michigan, is hereby divided into zoning districts, as named and described in the following articles. The boundaries of these zoning districts are established as shown on the Township of Buchanan Zoning Map as established in § 300-3.03 of this chapter.

For the purpose of this chapter, the Township of Buchanan, Berrien County, Michigan, shall be divided into the following zoning districts, which shall be known by the names and symbols here shown.

The boundaries of the Township of Buchanan zoning districts shall be depicted on a map adopted by the Township of Buchanan Board of Trustees. The map shall be entitled "The Zoning Map of the Township of Buchanan" and shall bear the date of the most recent amendment. It shall be the duty of the Township Supervisor and Township Clerk to authenticate such records by placing their official signatures thereon. Such map, with all accompanying explanatory matter, is hereby made a part of this chapter and shall be, as such, a part of this chapter as if the matters and information set forth thereon were all fully described herein.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, erection of buildings and uses of land shall conform to the specific provisions for the zoning districts in which they are located. No land shall be developed, redeveloped, use commenced, expanded or continued within the Township except as specifically, or by necessary implication, as authorized by this chapter. Lawful nonconforming structures and uses existing at the time of passage of this chapter are specifically governed by Article XXV, and generally governed by this chapter.

Land uses are permitted specifically in the various zoning districts of this chapter. Where not specifically permitted, uses are thereby specifically prohibited unless construed to be similar to a use expressly permitted in a zoning district. (See § 300-1.05.) No land contained within any zoning district within the Township of Buchanan shall be used for any purpose other than those uses specifically set forth in the following sections, except as permitted by Article XXV, Nonconforming Uses and Structures.

Permitted uses are recognized as uses of land and buildings in certain districts which are harmonious with other such uses which may lawfully exist within the same district. A permitted use is subject to the general provisions, parking regulations, landscaping, district intent, permit, certificate and site plan requirements found elsewhere in this chapter, but otherwise is considered to be a lawful use not requiring special or extraordinary controls or conditions, unless otherwise indicated herein.

The uses identified as special uses covering each district are recognized as possessing characteristics of such unique and special nature (relative to location, off-site impacts, design, size, public service, utilities needs, and other similar characteristics) as necessitating individual standards and conditions in order to safeguard the general health, safety and welfare of the community. Article XXIV, regarding procedure and requirements for special use permits, shall apply to these uses.

Whenever any street, alley or other public way within the Township shall be vacated, such street, alley or other public way or portion thereof shall automatically be classified in the same zoning district as the property to which it is attached consistent with Act 288 of 1967, the Land Division Act, MCLA § 560.227a, as amended.

In every case where land has not been included within a district on the Zoning Map, such land shall be so designated in the AG Zoning District until officially acted upon and designated by the Township Board as provided for in this chapter.