This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "City of Farmington Zoning Ordinance" and may hereinafter be referred to as "this chapter."

(Ord. No. C-746-2010, § 1, 4-19-10)

This chapter is based on the adopted City of Farmington Master Plan and any similar plans addressing development patterns and goals. It is intended to regulate the use of land, buildings and structures to promote the public health, safety and general welfare by accomplishing the following:

A.

Establishing zoning districts and regulations applicable to each district governing the use of the land, and dimensions for building and site development with such minimum regulations as are deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

B.

Accommodating and promoting land uses which are compatible with the city's character.

C.

Conserving the property values and long term stability of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and industrial areas.

D.

Encouraging use of land and natural resources in accordance with their character and capability, thus preserving the sensitive and important environmental features in the city, such as wetlands, topography, open space, mature vegetation and wildlife habitat; this chapter acknowledges the importance of these features on the long-term economic climate of all uses in the city and the overall quality of life for city residents.

E.

Limiting or prohibiting improper use of land.

F.

Reducing hazards to life and property.

G.

Promoting safe conditions for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists by maintaining an acceptable level of service along streets and at driveways within the city.

H.

Facilitating adequate and cost-effective infrastructure systems, and protecting the substantial public interest in those systems, including: transportation, sewage disposal, safe and adequate water supply, education and recreational facilities.

I.

Establishing controls over incompatible land uses and uses which may need particular regulations as special land uses to be compatible with surrounding development patterns and zoning.

J.

Promoting the gradual elimination of uses, buildings and structures which do not conform with the regulations and standards of this chapter.

K.

Providing for the administration of this chapter, including resolving conflicts with other chapters, collection of fees, procedures for petitions, hearings and appeals; and to provide for any other matters authorized by the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, P.A. 110 of 2006 as amended.

L.

Balancing the city's right to require compatible and quality development with the property owners' right to a reasonable rate of return on investment.

(Ord. No. C-746-2010, § 1, 4-19-10)

A.

Where any provision of this chapter imposes either greater or lesser restrictions, limitations, conditions, standards or requirements upon the use of buildings, structures or land; the height of buildings or structures; lot coverage; lot areas; yards; wetlands, woodlands or other open spaces; or any other use or activity which is regulated by this chapter, the provision or standard which is more restrictive or limiting shall govern.

B.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every building and structure erected; every use of any lot, building or structure established; every structural alteration or relocation of an existing building or structure; and every enlargement of, or addition to, an existing use, building or structure occurring after the effective date of this chapter shall be subject to all regulations of this chapter which are applicable in the zoning district in which such use, building or structure is located.

C.

No setback area or lot existing at the time of adoption of this chapter shall be reduced in dimensions or area below the minimum requirements set forth herein. Yards or lots created after the effective date of this chapter shall meet at least the minimum requirements established herein.

D.

This chapter shall not abrogate or annul any easement, bylaw, master deed, deed restriction, covenant or private agreement.

E.

The regulations herein established shall be the minimum regulations for promoting and protecting the public health, safety and general welfare. Any conflicting laws of a more restrictive nature shall supersede the appropriate provisions of this chapter.

F.

Uses that are contrary to or in violation of local, state, or federal law, ordinances, or other regulations are prohibited.

(Ord. No. C-746-2010, § 1, 4-19-10)

A.

Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require any change in the plans, construction, or designated use of any building upon which actual construction was begun prior to the enactment of this chapter, provided construction has lawfully begun, is being diligently carried on, and shall be completed within one (1) year of the effective date of this chapter.

B.

If a lot has an approved site plan, special land use or has been approved as a planned unit development (PUD) within six (6) months prior to the effective date of this chapter, such site plan, special land use or PUD shall remain valid if construction is begun within one (1) year and completed within two (2) years of the effective date of this chapter. If such construction has not commenced in such a time period, the approval is void.

(Ord. No. C-746-2010, § 1, 4-19-10)