The regulations of this chapter governing area, height, placement and use of land and buildings shall be subject to the provisions, interpretations and exceptions set forth in this article.

(Code 2004, § 54-1541; Zoning Ord. 1999, § 2500)

Essential services serving the township shall be permitted as authorized and regulated by law and other ordinances of the township. Overhead or underground lines and necessary poles and towers to be erected to serve those areas primarily beyond the township shall receive the review and recommendation from the township planning commission to the township board. In making their review, the planning commission and township board shall take into consideration the possible impact of such lines on:

(1)

Abutting land use.

(2)

Other utility easements in the area, public rights-of-way, and the general route of the proposed utility line through the township, and the impact the proposed route may have on future land use development in the township, as proposed on the township's adopted master plan for future land use map, and the general orderly appearance of the township.

(Code 2004, § 54-1542; Zoning Ord. 1999, § 2501)

The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed so as to interfere with the temporary use of any property or building as a voting place in connection with any public election.

(Code 2004, § 54-1543; Zoning Ord. 1999, § 2502)

The height limitations of this chapter shall not apply to farm buildings, chimneys, church spires, flag poles, public monuments or wireless transmission towers; provided, however, that the planning commission may specify a height limit after review of plans for the proposed building or structure.

(Code 2004, § 54-1544; Zoning Ord. 1999, § 2503)

(a)

In the one-family residential districts, an open, unenclosed, and uncovered porch or paved terrace may project into a required front yard up to a maximum of ten feet. An open, unenclosed, and uncovered deck or raised patio may extend into a required rear yard up to a maximum of 15 feet. These two permissives shall not be interpreted to include or permit fixed canopies or awnings.

(b)

In all districts, architectural features such as roof overhangs and bay windows, not including vertical projections, may extend or project into any required side yard not more than two inches for each foot of width of such side yard; and may extend or project into a required front yard or rear yard not more than three feet.

(Code 2004, § 54-1545; Zoning Ord. 1999, § 2504)

For the purpose of this chapter, vehicle and pedestrian access drives and walks may be placed in any required front or side yard so as to provide access to a rear yard or to an accessory structure. These drives or walks shall not be considered as structural violations in front or side yards. Further, any walk or other pavement servicing a like function, and not in excess of nine inches above the grade upon which placed, shall, for the purpose of this chapter, not be considered to be a structure, and shall be permitted in any required yard.

(Code 2004, § 54-1546; Zoning Ord. 1999, § 2505)

The use of an existing basement, or the basement of a partially built or planned building, as a residence or dwelling unit is prohibited in any zoning district in the township; except, homes of a soil-sheltered nature that have been designed specifically for such purpose and which meet all applicable building and safety codes shall be permitted.

(Code 2004, § 54-1547; Zoning Ord. 1999, § 2506)