Pursuant to section 52 of article 4 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan and the Township Rural Zoning Act, Michigan Public Act No. 184 of 1943 (MCL 125.271 et seq.), as amended, the regulations in this district are intended to conserve, protect and enhance the natural resources, natural amenities, natural habitats of wildlife, watershed and reservoir areas, agricultural capabilities, and public recreation areas, in the interest of the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents and property owners of the township and the people of the State of Michigan.

More specifically, the intent of the wetlands conservation district is to:

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Support, encourage, and provide for the conservation of the township's natural resources, and

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Establish guidelines under which natural resource areas may be developed without causing substantial, immeasurable, permanent, or irreparable injury or damage to the natural resources, the inhabitants, or the land.

Furthermore, it is the intent of the wetlands conservation district to accomplish the following objectives:

1.

Protect soils capable of providing necessary infiltration for the maintenance of aquifer stability.

2.

Prevent damage caused by erosion, scarification, sedimentation, turbidity, or siltation.

3.

Protect against the loss of wildlife, fish, or other aquatic organisms, as well as the destruction of habitat for these species.

4.

Prevent conditions which increase the susceptibility of floods and pollution.

An area may be designated as a wetlands conservation district if it contains at least ten contiguous acres (not necessarily under single ownership) and is in compliance with one or more of the following criteria:

1.

At least 50 percent of the area shall have been inundated by water either permanently or periodically within any continuous ten-year period.

2.

The district shall contain areas designated as bogs, marshes, swamps, or muck lands on the most recent United States Geological Survey Map or United States Soil Conservation Service Map.

3.

The district shall have surface or subsurface soil characteristics which either contribute to the replenishment of the subsurface water supply, or are self-contained water resources relating directly to wildlife, fish, or other aquatic organisms, vegetation, or to the natural habitat of such species.

A.

Principal uses and structures. In all areas zoned WC, wetlands conservation district, no building or part of a building shall be erected, used, or structurally altered, nor shall the land or premises be used in whole or in part, except for one or more of the following principal permitted uses:

1.

Forestry.

2.

Wildlife sanctuaries, woodland preserves, or arboretums.

3.

Hunting, fishing, and the preservation of scenic, historic, or scientifically significant lands.

4.

Uses and structures accessory to the above, subject to the provisions in section 2.03.

B.

Special land uses. The uses listed below may be permitted by the township board, subject to the conditions specified for each use; review and approval of the site plan and application by the planning commission and township board; the imposition of special conditions which, in the opinion of the planning commission or township board, are necessary to fulfill the purposes of this ordinance; and, the provisions set forth in section 27.03.

In addition, the applicant shall be required to submit all necessary data to permit the township board to thoroughly consider the following issues prior to approval of a special land use application:

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The township board shall consider the size and characteristics of the wetlands area with respect to the intent and objectives of this article.

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The township board shall consider the extent to which the proposed use or development could affect or destroy the character of the wetland area, particularly as it relates to the intent and objectives of this article.

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The township board shall consider the possible short- and long-term dangers, shortcomings, and nuisance conditions which could be generated by the proposed use or development.

Subject to the above, the following special land uses may be permitted in this district:

1.

Single-family dwellings.

2.

Compatible agricultural activities, including the raising or growing of crops such as marsh hay, ferns, moss, wild rice, berries, tree fruits, and tree seeds.

3.

Raising or growing of plants, trees, shrubs, and nursery stock.

4.

Use of land as pasture or for grazing of livestock.

5.

Outdoor recreation uses, including play and sporting areas; field trails for nature study and hiking; horseback riding; swimming; boating; trapping; and, hunting and fishing where legally permitted and regulated, subject to the provisions in section 6.02, subsection R.

6.

Buildings used solely in conjunction with raising waterfowl, minnows, and similar lowland animals, fowl, or fish, subject to the requirements set forth for the R-1, single-family residential zoning district concerning lot size, building height, and yard setbacks.

7.

Essential services, subject to the provisions in section 2.16, subsection A.

A.

Site plan review. Site plan review and approval is required for all uses in the wetlands conservation district in accordance with section 27.02.

B.

Area, height, bulk, and placement requirements. Buildings and uses in the wetlands conservation district are subject to the area, height, bulk, and placement requirements in article 26.00, Schedule of Regulations.

C.

Planned development. Planned development may be permitted in the wetlands conservation district, subject to the standards and approval requirements set forth in section 27.04.

D.

General development standards. Buildings and uses in the wetlands conservation district shall be subject to all applicable standards and requirements set forth in this ordinance, as specified below and more generally in section 8.06.