Fennville City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 2
Toolbox
§ 450-201 Purpose and intent.
A.
Intent. The intent of this Toolbox Article is to provide tools to be used to answer the most commonly asked questions. While this article is designed to be standalone from a regulatory standpoint, there are cross references to more detailed information provided in this chapter. In the event that there is a conflict between this article and another section elsewhere in this chapter, the other section shall govern.
B.
Site plan review process. The following flow chart describes the process from application to construction.
 |
§ 450-202 Review and permitting entities.
A.
Once an applicant receives site plan approval from the Planning Commission (and City Commission if applicable), the applicant must obtain a permit and/or review from the following entities prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(1)
The City Zoning Administrator and/or City Administrator.
(2)
The City Fire Department.
(3)
The City Police Department.
(4)
The City Engineer.
(5)
The City Attorney.
(6)
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), if applicable.
(7)
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), if applicable.
(8)
Allegan County Environmental Health Department.
(9)
Allegan County Drain Office.
(10)
Allegan County Road Commission, if applicable.
(11)
Any other local, county, state, or federal agencies as deemed appropriate.
§ 450-203 Frequently asked questions.
A.
Responses to frequently asked questions about the Zoning Ordinance can be found in this section.
(1)
How do I know where I can construct a structure on my property? See Article 6 for Permitted Uses and Schedule of Regulations for structures in all zoning districts. Structures can be constructed only by complying with the setback requirements as noted in Article 6 and within the applicable district article.
(2)
How do I measure building height? Where building height maximum is noted in linear feet, the height is measured from grade at the time of construction. If number of stories is the maximum requirement, a story is typically 16 feet in height, or the distance between the floor and ceiling of a structure, whichever is less.
(3)
Where can I find requirements for fences? § 450-508.
(4)
Where can I find out how much parking is required? § 450-1701.
(5)
Where can I find requirements relating to nonconforming uses and structures? § 450-509.
(6)
When do I need a permit? Typically, zoning permits are required for all buildings, structures, and uses. For all structures, a building permit is required. This includes detached accessory structures, decks, patios, garages, swimming pools, and other applicable structures. If you are planning to include electric hookups in (or to) the structure, an electrical permit is required.
(7)
When is site plan review required? Site plan review (by the Planning Commission) is required for certain new uses and changes of uses. This includes all new commercial, industrial, and mixed-use buildings and land uses. Single-family, two-family, three-family and four-family homes are not subject to site plan approval — but still require permits.
(8)
How do I measure lot widths and setbacks? The following diagram includes information on how to measure lot widths and setbacks.
 |
§ 450-204 Processes for planned unit developments (PUDs).
A.
PUDs explained. In certain situations, a planned unit development is a more appropriate development type. In general, planned unit developments are utilized when a proposed project does not appropriately fit into traditional or conventional zoning. For example, if a developer wants to build a residential development that includes several types of housing within that development (e.g., single-family homes with townhomes and multi-unit buildings), then a PUD would be the best option for development. Another example for PUDs includes a mixed-use development, such as a "lifestyle center." This would include several different land uses contained within the same site. PUDs are also used when there are constraints to development on a site. These constraints can include wetlands, heavily wooded areas, topography issues, and other challenges. As such, it may be appropriate to build a development with reduced lot sizes, lot widths, setbacks, or other features that are otherwise required by the underlying zoning district. PUDs are its own zoning classification. The image below shows an example of a mixed-use PUD layout.
 |
B.
Review and approval process. The following process applies to all PUDs in the City. This includes both residential and mixed-use PUDs. See Article 21 for more information.
(1)
Applicant typically schedules a pre-application conference with the City Administrator and submits applicable applications and payments filed. This includes the required PUD agreement.
(2)
The proposed PUD site plan is reviewed by applicable City entities.
(3)
A public hearing notice is filed.
(4)
The Planning Commission holds public hearing and makes decision to approve, deny, or table.
(5)
If approved, the Planning Commission will forward approval to the City Commission for final approval.
(6)
If approved by the City Commission, building processes may commence, as long as all conditions of approval are satisfied.
§ 450-205 Architectural standards.
A.
Architectural standards explained. The City requires a minimum standard of architectural style and aesthetic character for certain parcels within the City. The primary purpose for this is to preserve and strengthen the City's unique character and charm within its historic Central Business District (CBD) and immediate periphery areas.
 All parcels subject to architectural standards described in § 450-1108 are enclosed within the red boundary above. |
B.
Where required. With the exception of single-family, two-family, three-family, and four-family residential buildings, architectural standards described in § 450-1108 shall apply to all parcels in the CBD and select parcels in the B-1 District with frontage on East Main Street and West Main Street, between Mary Street to Wilson Street. The design is subject to review and approval by the Downtown Design Review Committee.
C.
Where architectural standards are found. Architectural standards are described in § 450-1108.
D.
What architectural standards entail. The required architectural standards in § 450-1108 describe the required built conditions for CBD and certain B-1 parcels pertaining to the following site features:
(1)
Building form. This includes requirements for the base, middle, and top of buildings as well as building alignment and storefront design.
(2)
Windows. This describes requirements for all windows including transparency requirements, number of windows required, and style of windows.
(3)
Lighting. This requires fully shielded lighting and describes permitted light source types.
(4)
Signs. All signs shall comply with requirements set forth in Article 18.
(5)
Ground floor design. This describes requirements for building entrance design, architectural features, and building orientation requirements.
(6)
Architectural features. This describes the process and requirements for rehabilitation of historic buildings.
(7)
Outdoor seating, dining, and patios. All CBD and applicable B-1 parcels are permitted to have outdoor seating and dining spaces, accessory to a principal use. Requirements for outdoor seating and dining are found in § 450-1108.