An ordinance to establish zoning regulations for the Township of Casco, Allegan County, Michigan including regulations governing nonconforming uses, structures and buildings, to provide for the administration, enforcement and amendment of such regulations, to prescribe penalties for the violation of such regulations, and to provide a method for resolving conflicts with other ordinances or regulations, all in accordance with the provisions of Michigan Act 110 of 2006, as amended.

The Township Of Casco, Allegan County, Michigan, Ordains:

This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the "Casco Township Zoning Ordinance".

The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote and safeguard the public health, safety, morals, prosperity and general welfare of the people and to support the Master Plan. The provisions are intended to, among other things, encourage the use of lands, waters and other natural resources in the Township in accordance with their character and most suitable use; to limit the improper use of land and resources; to provide reasonable terms under which the lawful use of nonconforming buildings, structures, and land may be continued; to reduce hazards to life and property; to provide for orderly development within the Township; to avoid overcrowding of the population; to provide for adequate light, air and health conditions in dwellings and buildings hereafter erected or altered; to lessen congestion on the public roads and streets; to protect and conserve natural recreational areas, agricultural, residential, and other areas naturally suited to particular uses; to facilitate the establishment of an adequate and economic system of transportation, sewage disposal, safe water supply, education, recreation and other public requirements; and to conserve the expenditure of funds for public improvements and services to conform with the most advantageous uses of land, resources, and properties as described in the Master Plan.

A.

For the purpose of this Ordinance, except as hereafter specifically provided, no lot, land or premises shall be used, maintained or occupied, and no building or structure or part thereof shall be constructed, erected, moved, placed, maintained, reconstructed, used, extended, enlarged or altered, except in conformity with the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located; these limitations being the minimum legislation necessary to promote and protect the general safety and welfare of the community.

B.

In case any land, building, structure, or part thereof is used, erected, altered or occupied contrary to law or to the provisions of this Ordinance, such use of land, building or structure shall be unlawful and shall be declared a nuisance and such use of land may be required to cease and buildings or structures may be required to be vacated, torn down, or abated by any legal means and such land, building, or structure shall not be used or occupied until brought into conformance.

C.

If construction on a building or structure is lawfully begun prior to adoption of this Ordinance, or an amendment to the Ordinance, nothing in this Ordinance as amended shall be deemed to require any change in the planned or designed use of any such building, provided that actual construction is being diligently carried on, and further provided that such building shall be entirely completed for its planned or designed use within one year from the effective date of this Ordinance or an amendment to this Ordinance.

D.

Nonconforming buildings, uses, and lots shall be governed by the provisions of Section 3.28 of this Ordinance.

This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to Michigan Act 110 of 2006, as amended.