GENERAL PROVISION
Nothing in this Ordinance shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any building or structure, or part thereof, declared unsafe by the Zoning Administrator, or required to comply with his lawful order.
Accessory buildings and uses shall be subject to the following regulations:
A lot which is platted, or otherwise lawfully of record as of the effective date of this Ordinance, may be used as specified in the District in which it is located, provided the lot conforms to the requirements of the Ottawa County Health Department. The main building on such lot shall be located so as to assure maximum compliance with all yard and setback requirements for the Zoning District. In all cases, the minimum front yard requirements of this Ordinance shall be met.
It is the intent of this section to establish minimum standards of aesthetic appearance for all single- family dwellings constructed or placed in the Township, whether constructed and erected on a lot or a manufactured home. Construction and/or placement of a single-family dwelling on any lot or parcel shall be permitted only if the dwelling complies with all of the following standards:
(revised 6/24/2013)
(revised 4/24/17)
The required front yard shall be measured from the right-of-way line or distance from the centerline as stipulated in Chapter 24 footnote (B) for certain streets or any street easement line as established by the Road Commission for a street to an imaginary line across the width of the lot which represents the minimum required front setback distance for that district provided that where an average setback line less than required has been established by existing main buildings on the same side of the street and within three hundred (300) feet of the proposed building, such established setback shall apply. However, no reduction in the minimum required front yard setback shall be permitted along those streets identified in Chapter 24, footnote (B). Unenclosed porches, steps, or similar facilities may project into a required front or rear yard for a distance not to exceed twelve (12) feet. (revised August 1996) In the case of a handicap wheelchair ramp (not to exceed a width of five (5) feet), the Zoning Administrator may waive any setback requirements at his/her discretion, if no other options are available to provide a ramp, provided that the applicant agrees to remove the ramp if it is no longer necessary on the property. A performance letter or performance guarantee may be required. (revised 6-27-2005) (revised 7-24-06) (revised 12/11/17)

Required walls shall be located on the property line. When used to screen features taller than six (6) feet, required walls may be constructed to a height up to twelve (12) feet if approved by the Board of Appeals. In reviewing such requests, the Board of Appeals shall consider the visual impact of such wall upon neighboring properties. The design of all walls, including openings for vehicular traffic or other purposes, shall only be as permitted by the Zoning Administrator.

It is the intent of this provision to promote the public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping as greenbelt buffer zones between potentially incompatible uses and as streetscapes along public roadways. Landscaping is viewed as a critical element contributing to the aesthetics, development quality, stability of property values, and overall character of the Township. As such the following standards shall be met, as applicable.
No buildings shall be razed until a permit has been obtained from the Zoning Administrator who shall be authorized to require a performance bond in such amount according to a schedule as determined by the Township Board. Such bond shall be conditioned on the applicant completing the razing within a reasonable period as prescribed in the permit and complying with such regulations as to health and safety as the Zoning Administrator from time to time prescribes, including filling excavations and proper termination of utility connections.
The storage, collection, or placing of used or discarded material, such as lumber, scrap iron, ashes, slag or other commercial or industrial by-products or waste shall be permitted only subject to a Temporary Permit obtained from the Board of Appeals, which application shall be accompanied by a performance guarantee. In reviewing such request, the Board of Appeals shall consider the length of time requested, the visibility of such storage area from surrounding properties, potential safety concerns, the ability to provide adequate security fencing and aesthetic screening, and other factors relevant to the specific location.
The use of any basement for dwelling purposes is forbidden in any Zoning District. Buildings erected after the date of this Ordinance as garages or accessory buildings shall not be occupied for dwelling purposes.
The construction, maintenance, or existence within the Township of any unprotected, unbarricaded, open, or dangerous excavations, holes, pits, or wells, which constitute or are likely to constitute a danger or menace to the public health, safety, or welfare, are hereby prohibited; provided, however, this section shall not prevent any excavation under a permit issued by the Building Inspector where such excavations are properly protected and warning signs posted in such manner as approved by the Building Inspector; and provided further, that this section shall not apply to streams, natural bodies of water, or to ditches, reservoirs, and other such bodies of water created or existing by authority of governmental units or agencies.
The outdoor storage or parking of recreational vehicles shall be prohibited in all residential districts, unless the following minimum conditions are met:
No lot or parcel of land shall contain more than (1) main building or one (1) principal use. Exceptions shall be permitted if all land and buildings are considered a principal use collectively if each of the following conditions are met.
Any lot of record created after the effective date of this Ordinance shall have frontage as required by this Ordinance upon a public street right-of-way or approved private street, except as may be otherwise provided for otherwise in a Planned Unit Development (Chap. XXII) or created in accordance with all the applicable provisions of this Ordinance.(revised 11-13-2000)
Should density computation be required for a land development project, for the purpose of determining the total number of dwelling units that may be constructed, the net residential site shall be used.
No satellite dish antenna shall be constructed, installed, maintained, or operated in Georgetown Township except in conformance with these regulations. It is the intent of these regulations to protect the community from a potentially unsightly proliferation of such antennas in open view; to protect public safety by regulating the placement of such dishes in front yards and thereby avoiding visual obstructions to traffic; and ensuring conformance to applicable building codes to avoid injury or destruction of property.
All lighting of a high intensity nature on residential properties, intended to illuminate broad areas, shall be directed away from, and if necessary shall be shielded to prevent the shedding of light onto adjacent residential properties or roadways.
An occupation conducted in a dwelling unit, provided that:
Private streets are allowed only in a Planned Unit Development, a condominium project and/or a private street project approved by the Township prior to 11-28-2000. A previously approved lawful nonconforming private street may not be extended. Private streets are not allowed in any site condominium development. (revised 11-13-2000) (revised 3/13/17)
An ordinance to regulate partitioning or division of parcels or tracts of land, enacted pursuant but not limited to the Land Division Act, Public Act 288 of 1967, as amended, (MCL 560.101, et seq.) and the Township Ordinances Act, Public Act 246 of 1945, as amended, (MCL 41.181, et seq.), being the Township General Ordinance statute; to provide a procedure therefore; to repeal any ordinance or provision thereof in conflict herewith; and to prescribe penalties and enforcement remedies for the violation of this ordinance.

(a) Pursuant to Section 6 of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of 2018, as amended, marihuana establishments are prohibited within the boundaries of the Township. (b) Marihuana facilities are prohibited within the boundaries of the Township. As used in this section, “marihuana establishment(s)” means that term as defined in the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of 2018, as amended, and “marihuana facility(ies)” means that term as defined in the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, 2016 PA 281, as amended.
(revised 6/22/15) (revised 12/10/2018)
Pursuant to the authority conferred by Section 141 of the Michigan Condominium Act, (being MCL 559.241, Public Act 59, of 1978, as amended), all site condominium projects shall comply with this and all other applicable Township ordinances in order to provide a development that promotes and safeguards the public health, safety and general welfare of the people of this Township.
GENERAL PROVISION
Nothing in this Ordinance shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any building or structure, or part thereof, declared unsafe by the Zoning Administrator, or required to comply with his lawful order.
Accessory buildings and uses shall be subject to the following regulations:
A lot which is platted, or otherwise lawfully of record as of the effective date of this Ordinance, may be used as specified in the District in which it is located, provided the lot conforms to the requirements of the Ottawa County Health Department. The main building on such lot shall be located so as to assure maximum compliance with all yard and setback requirements for the Zoning District. In all cases, the minimum front yard requirements of this Ordinance shall be met.
It is the intent of this section to establish minimum standards of aesthetic appearance for all single- family dwellings constructed or placed in the Township, whether constructed and erected on a lot or a manufactured home. Construction and/or placement of a single-family dwelling on any lot or parcel shall be permitted only if the dwelling complies with all of the following standards:
(revised 6/24/2013)
(revised 4/24/17)
The required front yard shall be measured from the right-of-way line or distance from the centerline as stipulated in Chapter 24 footnote (B) for certain streets or any street easement line as established by the Road Commission for a street to an imaginary line across the width of the lot which represents the minimum required front setback distance for that district provided that where an average setback line less than required has been established by existing main buildings on the same side of the street and within three hundred (300) feet of the proposed building, such established setback shall apply. However, no reduction in the minimum required front yard setback shall be permitted along those streets identified in Chapter 24, footnote (B). Unenclosed porches, steps, or similar facilities may project into a required front or rear yard for a distance not to exceed twelve (12) feet. (revised August 1996) In the case of a handicap wheelchair ramp (not to exceed a width of five (5) feet), the Zoning Administrator may waive any setback requirements at his/her discretion, if no other options are available to provide a ramp, provided that the applicant agrees to remove the ramp if it is no longer necessary on the property. A performance letter or performance guarantee may be required. (revised 6-27-2005) (revised 7-24-06) (revised 12/11/17)

Required walls shall be located on the property line. When used to screen features taller than six (6) feet, required walls may be constructed to a height up to twelve (12) feet if approved by the Board of Appeals. In reviewing such requests, the Board of Appeals shall consider the visual impact of such wall upon neighboring properties. The design of all walls, including openings for vehicular traffic or other purposes, shall only be as permitted by the Zoning Administrator.

It is the intent of this provision to promote the public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping as greenbelt buffer zones between potentially incompatible uses and as streetscapes along public roadways. Landscaping is viewed as a critical element contributing to the aesthetics, development quality, stability of property values, and overall character of the Township. As such the following standards shall be met, as applicable.
No buildings shall be razed until a permit has been obtained from the Zoning Administrator who shall be authorized to require a performance bond in such amount according to a schedule as determined by the Township Board. Such bond shall be conditioned on the applicant completing the razing within a reasonable period as prescribed in the permit and complying with such regulations as to health and safety as the Zoning Administrator from time to time prescribes, including filling excavations and proper termination of utility connections.
The storage, collection, or placing of used or discarded material, such as lumber, scrap iron, ashes, slag or other commercial or industrial by-products or waste shall be permitted only subject to a Temporary Permit obtained from the Board of Appeals, which application shall be accompanied by a performance guarantee. In reviewing such request, the Board of Appeals shall consider the length of time requested, the visibility of such storage area from surrounding properties, potential safety concerns, the ability to provide adequate security fencing and aesthetic screening, and other factors relevant to the specific location.
The use of any basement for dwelling purposes is forbidden in any Zoning District. Buildings erected after the date of this Ordinance as garages or accessory buildings shall not be occupied for dwelling purposes.
The construction, maintenance, or existence within the Township of any unprotected, unbarricaded, open, or dangerous excavations, holes, pits, or wells, which constitute or are likely to constitute a danger or menace to the public health, safety, or welfare, are hereby prohibited; provided, however, this section shall not prevent any excavation under a permit issued by the Building Inspector where such excavations are properly protected and warning signs posted in such manner as approved by the Building Inspector; and provided further, that this section shall not apply to streams, natural bodies of water, or to ditches, reservoirs, and other such bodies of water created or existing by authority of governmental units or agencies.
The outdoor storage or parking of recreational vehicles shall be prohibited in all residential districts, unless the following minimum conditions are met:
No lot or parcel of land shall contain more than (1) main building or one (1) principal use. Exceptions shall be permitted if all land and buildings are considered a principal use collectively if each of the following conditions are met.
Any lot of record created after the effective date of this Ordinance shall have frontage as required by this Ordinance upon a public street right-of-way or approved private street, except as may be otherwise provided for otherwise in a Planned Unit Development (Chap. XXII) or created in accordance with all the applicable provisions of this Ordinance.(revised 11-13-2000)
Should density computation be required for a land development project, for the purpose of determining the total number of dwelling units that may be constructed, the net residential site shall be used.
No satellite dish antenna shall be constructed, installed, maintained, or operated in Georgetown Township except in conformance with these regulations. It is the intent of these regulations to protect the community from a potentially unsightly proliferation of such antennas in open view; to protect public safety by regulating the placement of such dishes in front yards and thereby avoiding visual obstructions to traffic; and ensuring conformance to applicable building codes to avoid injury or destruction of property.
All lighting of a high intensity nature on residential properties, intended to illuminate broad areas, shall be directed away from, and if necessary shall be shielded to prevent the shedding of light onto adjacent residential properties or roadways.
An occupation conducted in a dwelling unit, provided that:
Private streets are allowed only in a Planned Unit Development, a condominium project and/or a private street project approved by the Township prior to 11-28-2000. A previously approved lawful nonconforming private street may not be extended. Private streets are not allowed in any site condominium development. (revised 11-13-2000) (revised 3/13/17)
An ordinance to regulate partitioning or division of parcels or tracts of land, enacted pursuant but not limited to the Land Division Act, Public Act 288 of 1967, as amended, (MCL 560.101, et seq.) and the Township Ordinances Act, Public Act 246 of 1945, as amended, (MCL 41.181, et seq.), being the Township General Ordinance statute; to provide a procedure therefore; to repeal any ordinance or provision thereof in conflict herewith; and to prescribe penalties and enforcement remedies for the violation of this ordinance.

(a) Pursuant to Section 6 of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of 2018, as amended, marihuana establishments are prohibited within the boundaries of the Township. (b) Marihuana facilities are prohibited within the boundaries of the Township. As used in this section, “marihuana establishment(s)” means that term as defined in the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of 2018, as amended, and “marihuana facility(ies)” means that term as defined in the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, 2016 PA 281, as amended.
(revised 6/22/15) (revised 12/10/2018)
Pursuant to the authority conferred by Section 141 of the Michigan Condominium Act, (being MCL 559.241, Public Act 59, of 1978, as amended), all site condominium projects shall comply with this and all other applicable Township ordinances in order to provide a development that promotes and safeguards the public health, safety and general welfare of the people of this Township.