Driveways may be constructed within required front, side and rear yards.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   At-grade patios may be constructed within required side and rear yards.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   (a)   The height of all structures, including, but not limited to, monuments, water towers and commercial radio and television transmission towers, shall not exceed the height limit of the district in which they are located unless variance is granted by the Board of Appeals. Each residential unit and commercial and industrial building shall be limited to a maximum of two antenna support structures located on its roof.

      (1)   Amateur (Ham) radio antennas, licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other government-authorized agency, may be located on residential property. Roof-mounted antenna support structures shall not exceed a height of five feet above the peak of the roof upon which they are mounted. Roof-mounted antennas shall be vertical, omni-directional antennas, not to exceed a height of 20 feet.

      (2)   Residential properties shall be limited to one ground-mounted antenna support structure, not to exceed an over-all height of 75 feet, including antennas. Said structure shall be located only in the rear yard, a minimum of ten feet from any property line. All antenna support structures shall require building permits and inspection by the Department of Building. Said structures shall meet all applicable requirements of the Michigan Building Code and/or Michigan Residential Code in addition to all safety requirements specified by the manufacturer.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   Any lot of record on the effective date of this Zoning Code may be used for any principal use (other than uses permitted subject to special conditions, for which specific lot area requirements are contained in this Zoning Code) permitted in the district in which such lot is located, whether or not such lot complies with the lot area requirements of this Zoning Code, provided that compliance is made with all regulations, other than lot area requirements, as prescribed in this Zoning Code, and provided that not more than one dwelling unit shall occupy any lot, except in conformance with regulations of this Zoning Code for required lot area for each dwelling unit.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   In calculating the area of a lot which adjoins an alley or lane, for the purpose of applying lot area requirements of this Zoning Code, one-half the width of such alley abutting the lot shall be considered as part of such lot. When reasonable compliance cannot be made with yard requirements on lots of record on the effective date of this Zoning Code, or on lots of peculiar shape, topography or architectural or site arrangement, the Board of Appeals may grant a variance to such requirements.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   An unenclosed, uncovered porch or deck (one that does not have a roof and/or walls) may project into a required front yard for a distance not to exceed eight feet and into a required rear yard for a distance not to exceed 12 feet. Such porch or deck shall not occupy more than 30% of any required rear yard plus 20% of any non-required rear yard. The porch or deck shall not encroach into any easement and shall conform with applicable side yard setback requirements.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   Architectural features, such as, but not limited to, window sills, cornices, eaves, wingwalls, bay windows, chimneys or other vertical projections may extend or project into a required side yard not more than two inches for each one foot of width of such required side yard and may extend or project into a required front yard or rear yard not more than three feet. Architectural features shall not include those details which are nominally demountable.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   (a)   Satellite dish antennas shall be installed only upon issue of a permit by the Clinton Township Department of Building upon condition that the mounting and support for such antenna meet the requirements of the current edition of the Michigan Building Code as adopted by the State of Michigan.

   (b)   Satellite dish antennas shall meet all manufacturer's specifications, be of corrosion-resistant material and be erected in a secure wind-resistant manner.

   (c)   Satellite dish antennas shall not exceed a diameter of 12 feet.

   (d)   In a One-Family or Two-Family Residential Zoning District, a satellite dish antenna may be permitted, subject to the following:

      (1)   A satellite dish antenna shall be located in the rear yard of a lot or a parcel of property.

      (2)   In the event that a satisfactory satellite signal cannot be received by locating the satellite dish antenna in the rear yard, the Board of Appeals may grant a variance to permit location of the satellite dish antenna in the front yard, in the side yard or upon the roof of a principal or accessory structure. A finding by the Board of Appeals that a suitable signal cannot be obtained shall be deemed sufficient proof of practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship to authorize the granting of a variance in its sole discretion.

      (3)   Roof or pole-mounted antennas shall not exceed the height requirements of the One-Family or Two-Family Residential District in which they are located.

      (4)   Roof-mounted antennas shall be of mesh construction.

   (e)   In all other zoning districts, satellite dish antennas are permitted, subject to the following:

      1)    Satellite dish antennas shall be permitted either at ground level, on a pole or on a roof. Satellite dish antennas shall be placed so as not to exceed the height limit of the district in which they are located.

      (2)   Satellite dish antennas shall not be placed in any required setback nor in a required parking area.

      (3)   In the event that a satisfactory satellite signal cannot be received by compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (e)1. and 2. hereof, the Board of Appeals may grant a variance to permit the location of the satellite dish antenna in the front yard, in the side yard or upon the roof of a principal or accessory structure. A finding by the Board of Appeals that a suitable signal cannot be obtained shall be deemed sufficient proof of practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship to authorize the granting of a variance in its sole discretion.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   (a)   In R Districts, entranceway structures, including, but not limited to, walls, columns and gates marking entrances to one-family residential or multiple-family residential developments, may be permitted and be located in a required yard, except as provided in Section 1294.10, provided that entranceway structures shall comply with all codes and ordinances of the Township, with proper permits issued.

   (b)   Entranceway structures shall refer only to the development on the land upon which they are located.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   No fence, wall, shrubbery, sign or other obstruction to vision, above a height of three feet from the established street grades, shall be permitted within the triangular area formed at the intersection of any thoroughfare right-of-way lines by a straight line drawn between said right-of-way lines at a distance along each line of 25 feet from their point of intersection.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   The following standards shall apply to dumpsters or waste receptacles:

   (a)   Waste receptacles or dumpsters shall be located in the rear yard or non-required side yard.

   (b)   Waste receptacles or dumpsters shall be easily accessed by refuse vehicles without damaging the enclosure or automobiles parked in designated parking spaces.

   (c)   The base of the receptacle or dumpster shall be at least one foot wider than the enclosure with a concrete apron projecting outward at a minimum of ten feet from the gate. The base shall be constructed with a minimum six inch, reinforced concrete.

   (d)   Each waste receptacle or dumpster shall have an enclosing lid or cover.

   (e)   The dumpster shall be screened on all sides with a masonry wall and gate at least one foot higher than the dumpster, but no less than six feet in height, whichever is higher, and at least three feet larger than the dumpster. An opaque fence may be substituted for the masonry wall at the discretion of Planning Commission or the Township Board.

   (f)   Materials of the enclosure shall be similar or compatible with the appearance of the principal building materials.

   (g)   Landscaping shall be provided within three feet of the perimeter of the dumpster enclosure and shall consist of evergreen shrubs consistent with the standards in Chapter 1295.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   Mechanical systems and utilities shall be completely screened from public view and the following standards shall apply:

   (a)   Areas shall be completely enclosed by opaque screening on three sides and an operable opaque door for access on one side.

   (b)   These areas shall be located in the rear or side of buildings to minimize or eliminate their appearance from public view.

   (c)   Opaque fending or a combination of opaque fencing and masonry shall be used.

   (d)   Screening shall be at least five feet tall.

   (e)   Landscaping and planting around the screening and enclosures is required if the area is visible from public parking areas or from the street.

   (f)   Where equipment is located on the roof, screening shall only apply to equipment that is within 15 feet of the rooftop edge or where it extends more than five feet above the roof grade.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   There shall be provided in all districts, at the time of erection or enlargement of any main building or structure, automobile off-street parking space with adequate access to all spaces. The number of off-street parking spaces in conjunction with all land or building uses shall be provided, prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, as hereinafter regulated.

   (a)   Off-street parking for other than residential use shall be either on the same lot or within 300 feet of the building it is intended to serve as measured from the nearest point of the building to the nearest point of the off-street parking lot. Ownership shall be shown of any lot or parcel intended for use as parking by the applicant.

   (b)   Residential off-street parking spaces shall consist of a driveway or garage or combination thereof and shall be located on the premises which they are intended to serve. Such parking shall be paved to provide at least two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit. Parking shall be restricted to the paved areas.

   (c)   In multiple-family residential districts, off-street parking shall not be permitted in any required front yard. In any non-residential district, off-street parking shall not be permitted in any required front yard unless otherwise provided in this Zoning Code.

   (d)   Any area once designated as required off-street parking shall not be changed to any other use until equal facilities are provided elsewhere and reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the Township Board.

   (e)   Off-street parking existing on the effective date of this Zoning Code in connection with the operation of an existing building or use shall not be reduced to an amount less than hereinafter required for a similar new building or new use.

   (f)   Buildings containing one or more uses, and sites containing one or more buildings, shall provide parking spaces equal to not less than the sum of the number required for the buildings or uses as computed separately. Such parking spaces shall be located as near as possible to the uses which they are intended to serve.

   (g)   The dual function of off-street parking spaces, where operating hours of uses do not overlap, may be permitted after public hearing and approval of the Board of Appeals.

   (h)   The storage of merchandise, motor vehicles or trucks or the repair of vehicles is prohibited, except where permitted elsewhere in this Zoning Code.

   (i)   For those uses not specifically mentioned, the requirements for off-street parking facilities shall be in accordance with the use which is similar in type.

   (j)   When units or measurements determining the number of required parking spaces result in the requirement of a fractional space, any fraction up to and including one-half shall be disregarded, and fractions over one-half shall require one parking space.

   (k)   All parking areas, including driveway, drive aisles, and storage lots, shall be paved in accordance with Township standards.

   (l)   The minimum number of off-street parking spaces, by type of use, shall be determined in accordance with the following schedule:

 

   (m)   Wherever the off-street parking requirement requires the construction of an off- street parking facility, except for one-family residential developments, or where P Parking Districts are provided, such off-street parking lots shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the following standards and regulations:

      (1)   Off-street parking facilities shall be in accordance with the following minimum requirements:

 

 

      (2)    All spaces shall be provided adequate access by means of maneuvering lanes. Backing directly onto a public right-of-way shall be prohibited.

      (3)   Adequate ingress and egress to a parking lot by means of clearly limited and defined drives shall be provided for all vehicles.

      (4)   Ingress and egress to a parking lot in an area zoned for other than one-family residential use shall not be across land zoned for one-family residential use.

      (5)   All maneuvering lane widths required in division (a)(1) hereof shall permit only one-way traffic movement, except that the 90 degree pattern may permit two-way traffic. However, a 24 foot maneuvering lane must be provided.

      (6)   Each entrance and exit to and from any off-street parking lot located in an area zoned for other than one-family residential use shall be at least 20 feet distant from any adjacent property located in any One-Family Residential District.

      (7)   Off-street parking areas shall be provided with a continuous and completely obscuring wall, in accordance with the specifications of Chapter 1294, on all sides where the adjacent district is a Residential District, except where such parking area abuts a major thoroughfare and except in those instances where the Planning Commission and the Township Board determine that such wall would serve no useful purpose or that a landscaped berm or greenbelt would be more appropriate.

      (8)   In all cases where a wall extends to any alley which is a means of ingress to or egress from an off-street parking area, the Planning Commission and the Township Board may permit the wall to end not more than ten feet from such alley line to provide for a wider means of access to the parking area.

      (9)   All parking areas shall be graded and drained so as to dispose of all surface water accumulated within the area in such a way as to not drain onto adjacent property or buildings. The off-street parking lot shall be surfaced within one year from the date on which the permit for the main building or use is issued and spaces shall be clearly identified or marked by means of a painted stripe and shall be properly maintained.

      (10)   Service drive widths in all nonresidential districts shall be no less than 24 feet for two-way traffic and 18 feet for one-way traffic, except for drive-through lanes servicing banks, fast-food restaurants, etc., which shall be no less than ten feet. For all Residential Districts, only two-way service drives, having a minimum width of 27 feet, shall be allowed.

      (11)   Except where otherwise stated, the minimum distance between parking areas and buildings in the RM Districts shall be 15 feet.

      (12)   In accordance with Act 230 of the Public Acts of 1972, as amended, all off-street parking facilities required in Section 1296.01 shall provide parking spaces for the physically handicapped in the ratio prescribed by statute. Such spaces shall be dimensioned 12 feet wide and 20 feet long, located as nearly as possible to building entranceways and identified by signs as being reserved for physically handicapped persons.

   (n)   The two off-street parking spaces required by Section 1296.01 for one-family residential developments shall be in accordance with the following minimum requirements:

      (1)   At least one space, a minimum of 20 feet in length, shall be provided in the side or rear yard which is beyond the front building line. Parking spaces shall be a minimum of nine feet in width.

      (2)   Each space shall be provided access from the adjoining right of way by a full paved lane a minimum of ten feet in width.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   (a)   Future development, redevelopment, or changes of uses of private property, as specified below, shall be required to provide bike parking:

 

 

   (b)   The following table specifies the total number of bike parking spaces required based on the type of use:

 

 

   (c)   The following design standards shall apply to bike parking spaces:

      (1)   Bicycle racks must provide a stable structure to which the bicycle frame may be conveniently secured in two places, such as the inverted-U, post and loop, or another type of rack that meets these standards.

      (2)   The rack shall be securely anchored to the ground or a building.

      (3)   Bicycle racks that support the wheel but not the frame of the bike may not be used to fulfill a bicycle parking requirement.

      (4)   The required minimum dimensions of each space shall be two feet in width by six feet in length with seven feet overhead clearance.

      (5)   Bicycle racks shall be installed so as not to obstruct pedestrian traffic as specified under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992.

      (6)   Signs shall be posted in a prominent place at each entrance to the building or structure stating where bicycle parking spaces are located.

   (d)   The following standards shall apply related to maintenance and liability of bike parking spaces:

      (1)   The property owner shall provide and maintain all required bike parking spaces.

      (2)   Maintenance includes keeping all racks and spaces clear of snow, ice, debris and any other obstructions, and replacement in the event of damage that renders any racks or spaces unusable.

      (3)   Bike racks are the responsibility of the property owner, not the tenant. If property is sold, responsibility transfers to new owner.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   (a)   Electric Vehicle Charging Stations may be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following requirements:

      (1)   Electric Vehicle Charging Station Levels, are permitted as follows:

         A.   Level-1 and Level-2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are permitted in all zoning districts, when use is an accessory to the primary use. Stations located in residential zoning districts, shall be designated as private use only.

         B.   Level-3 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are permitted in all commercial and industrial zoning districts, when use is an accessory to the primary use.

      (2)   Stations shall follow all applicable local and state code requirements.

      (3)   Stations shall use a standard size parking space but designed to accommodate the charging station elements.

      (4)   Stations shall be located within the off-street parking or parking facility at desirable locations to encourage the use of electric vehicles.

      (5)   Station equipment shall be protected by the use of bollards or similar equipment protection methods, to prevent damage of the station equipment.

      (6)   Stations, when provided for public use, shall be reserved for the parking, and charging of electric vehicles only.

      (7)   Stations, other than for private residential use, shall have posted signage identifying:

         A.   Voltage and Amperage Levels.

         B.   Hours of Operations, if applicable to site.

         C.   Usage Fees.

         D.   Safety Information.

         E.   Contact Information, for reporting equipment issues.

      (8)   Station shall be adequately lit if station is public and available during evening hours.

      (9)   Station equipment and parking space shall be maintained in all respects, including the functioning of the charging equipment.

   (b)   Five percent of required off-street parking spaces may be reduced for every two Electric Vehicle Charging Stations provided on site. No more than 15 percent of required off-street parking spaces may be reduced with this provision.

   In addition to off-street parking requirements, uses that provide drive-through facilities shall provide adequate stacking spaces with a defined stacking lane, subject to the following requirements:

 

 

   (b)   Vehicle stacking lanes shall not cross any maneuvering lane, drive or sidewalk.

   (c)   Vehicle Stacking lanes shall be clearly marked and not interfere with the on-site circulation, to promote pedestrian and vehicular safety.

   (d)   A vehicle stacking space shall be ten feet wide by 20 feet long.

   (e)   Vehicle Stacking Lanes shall be designed with an abutting ten foot wide bypass lane, to allow other vehicles to pass around vehicles.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   On the same premises with every building, structure or part thereof involving the receipt or distribution of vehicles, materials or merchandise, there shall be provided and maintained on the lot adequate space for standing, loading and unloading in order to avoid undue interference with the use of public rights-of-way. Such space shall meet the following requirements:

   (a)   All spaces in OS or B Districts shall be provided in dimension of at least ten feet by 30 feet or 300 square feet in area. However, where semitrailer or full-trailer combination vehicles would be servicing the use, the required dimensions shall conform to the requirements of subsection (b) hereof.

   (b)   All spaces in I-1 and I-2 Districts shall be provided in dimension of at least ten feet by 50 feet or 500 square feet in area.

   (c)   Any building with 18,000 square feet or more of floor area, in a nonresidential district which abuts a Residential District, shall provide either a loading ramp or a sub-grade loading door for delivery and transmission of material so as to eliminate noise and lights from vehicles from penetrating abutting Residential Districts.

   (d)   All spaces shall have a clearance of at least fourteen feet in height. Loading space approaches shall be provided with a pavement having an asphaltic or Portland cement binder so as to provide a permanent, durable and dustless surface.

   (e)   All spaces shall be provided in the following ratio of spaces to floor area:

 

 

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   (a)   All parking areas, walkways, driveways, building entryways, and off-street parking and loading areas shall be illuminated to ensure the safety and security on the site.

   (b)   Exterior lighting shall be located and shielded to reduce glare. All outdoor lighting in all use districts shall be directed toward and confined to the ground areas of lawns and parking lots. The lighting source shall not be visible from adjoining properties and particular care shall be taken to reflect light away from all adjacent Residential Districts and/or adjacent residences. These provisions are not intended to apply to public street-lighting.

   (c)   The following standards shall apply to exterior lighting sources:

      (1)   Only white, non-glare lighting such as metal halide, color-corrected high-pressure sodium, or other types of lighting which achieve the same effect shall be permitted.

      (2)   The light intensity provided at ground level should be a minimum of 0.3 footcandles anywhere in the area to be illuminated. Light intensity shall average a minimum of 0.5 footcandles over the entire area, but no more than a maximum of ten footcandles, measured five feet above the surface. Not more than one footcandle shall be allowed at the property line.

      (3)   For residential uses or the portions of a nonresidential use adjacent to residential areas, lighting fixtures shall not exceed a height of 15 feet. In all other cases, light fixtures shall not exceed a height of 25 feet. Height shall be measured from the parking lot surface to the centerline of the lighting source.

   (d)   All lighting in nonresidential districts used for the external illumination of buildings, so as to feature said buildings, shall be placed and shielded so as not to interfere with the vision of persons on any trafficway or adjacent properties.

   (e)   Illumination of signs shall be directed or shaded downward so as not to interfere with the vision of persons on any trafficway or adjacent properties.

   (f)   All illumination of signs and any other outdoor feature shall not be a flashing, moving or intermittent type. Artificial light shall be maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)

   (a)   Solar Energy Systems (SESs) may be permitted in any Commercial or Industrial District, subject to the following requirements:

      (1)   Solar Energy Systems may be roof-mounted on a principal or accessory structure, subject to the following requirements:

         A.   Exterior lighting shall be limited to that required for safety and operation purposes and shall follow any applicable exterior lighting standards.

         B.   Shall not exceed ten feet above the finished roof and shall be exempt from any rooftop equipment or mechanical system screening.

         C.   Shall be integrated, to the extent possible, with the architectural character of the structure on which the system is affixed.

         D.   A roof-mounted SES installed on a non-conforming building, structure, or use shall not be considered an expansion of the nonconformity.

      (2)   Solar Energy Systems may be ground-mounted, subject to the following requirements:

         A.   The area of the solar array shall not exceed 25% of the square footage of the primary building of the property. A Ground-Mounted SES shall not count towards the maximum number of square footage of an accessory structures allowed on site.

         B.   Ground-mounted SES are permitted in the side or rear yards and shall be a minimum of ten feet from the property line. Setback distance is measured from the property line to the closest point of the SES at minimum tilt.

         C.   Shall not exceed 16 feet in height measured from the ground to the top of the system when oriented at maximum tilt.

   (b)   Solar Energy Systems (SESs) may be permitted in any Residential District, subject to the following requirements:

      (1)   Solar Energy Systems may be roof-mounted on a principal or accessory structure, subject to the following requirements:

         A.   Shall not exceed five feet above the finished roof.

         B.   Shall be integrated, to the extent possible, with the architectural character of the structure on which the system is affixed.

         C.   A roof-mounted SES installed on a non-conforming building, structure, or use shall not be considered an expansion of the nonconformity.

   (c)   Solar Energy Systems, regardless of zoning district, are subject to the following requirements:

      (1)   All non-residential SES applications must include a site plan. Applications for Roof-Mounted SES must include horizontal and vertical elevation drawings that show the location and height of the SES on the building and dimensions of the SES.

      (2)   All Solar Energy Systems shall comply with building codes and other applicable Township, County, State and Federal requirements.

      (3)   Solar Energy Systems that cease to produce energy on a continuous basis, shall be removed no later than six months after final energy production occurs.

      (4)   Solar Energy Systems shall be installed, maintained, and used in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

      (5)   If a Solar Energy System is connected to an electric utility, all connections shall comply with any applicable Township, County, State and Federal requirements.

      (6)   Solar Energy Systems shall be installed in a location/configuration that prevents glare/reflection onto adjacent properties.

(Ord. Passed 10-30-23.)