Ionia City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1261
F-Fairgrounds District
1261.01 INTENT.
This district is intended to permit the historical Ionia Free Fair, held annually in the City of Ionia, to operate as a principal use within its own zoning district. Due to the availability and usability of the buildings and fairgrounds outside of the annual fair week and the historical use of this property, this district may also be utilized for outdoor gatherings, shows, displays, sporting or music events and similar outdoor activities as secondary uses, subject to the provisions of this chapter and all ordinances of the City of Ionia.
(Ord. 473. Passed 5-4-10.)
1261.02 PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED.
In the Fairgrounds District, no building or land shall be used, and no building shall be erected, except for one or more of the following specified uses, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.
(a) The Ionia Free Fair and associated uses include:
(1) Amusement rides and games.
(2) Animal shows, sales and boarding.
(3) Sale of food and souvenirs.
(4) Temporary quarters for fair employees and workers.
(5) Concerts, shows, vehicle racing and contests, sports activities and other similar events associated with on-going fair activities.
(6) Fireworks in accordance with State of Michigan law.
(7) Fair offices.
(8) Other activities and uses normally occurring with the fair.
(9) Camping associated with the annual fair.
(10) Community gardens.
(11) Boat docks and launch.
(12) Uses similar to those listed above as approved in advance by the Community Development Director.
(b) Shows, demonstrations, indoor and outdoor gatherings for weddings, graduation and family gatherings, displays, music and sporting events, flea markets, craft shows, entertainment events, religious services, and similar uses, either inside or outside of buildings, which occur outside of the annual fair time period, when determined similar by the Community Development Director.
(c) Renting of fairgrounds buildings and grounds for the storage of vehicles and equipment.
(d) Seasonal/daily use of the fairgrounds property and equipment outside of organized events or gatherings described in subsection (b) above including hiking, playgrounds, boat launch and docks, recreational activities and events including go-cart race track, batting cages, skateboarding, frisbee golf, ball games of any type and similar uses.
(e) Camping for recreational vehicles and tents not associated with fair activities.
(f) Training exercises for emergency services agencies, fire and police personnel.
(g) Agriculture subject to the City's health and sanitation provisions.
(Ord. 473. Passed 5-4-10.)
1261.03 EXISTING BUILDINGS AND USES.
All existing uses occurring within the Fairgrounds District and all buildings, signs, and structures existing as of the effective date of this amendment creating the Fairgrounds District are hereby considered to be conforming. However, any expansion of uses or of existing buildings, signs or structures shall comply with the requirements of this chapter and the requirements of the Ionia Zoning Ordinance.
(Ord. 473. Passed 5-4-10.)
1261.04 REQUIRED CONDITIONS.
(a) Buildings within this district which are erected after the adoption of this chapter and in which the public will be allowed to enter shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 1276 herein (Site Plan Review) and Chapter 1264 (Flood Plain Overlay Zone) before a building permit is issued.
(b) Accessory buildings within this district which are erected after the adoption of this chapter and expansions of existing accessory buildings in which the public will not be allowed to enter shall be reviewed by the Community Development Director in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 1276 herein (Site Plan Review) and Chapter 1264 (Flood Plain Overlay Zone) before a building permit is issued.
(c) Off-street parking for the Fairgrounds District shall be exempt from the paving and setback requirements of Chapter 1282, however, dust from such parking areas shall be controlled through watering and other appropriate measures to prevent it from blowing off-site.
(Ord. 473. Passed 5-4-10.)
1261.05 DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
Buildings and structures shall not be enlarged or erected in the Fairgrounds District unless the following requirements are met and maintained:
(a) Minimum lot area and width: None required;
(b) Minimum setbacks for buildings and structures: 100 feet but for along the M-66 side of the property, no building or structure shall be constructed closer than the east wall of the Merchant's Building; and
(c) Maximum building height: 35 feet.
(Ord. 473. Passed 5-4-10.)
1261.06 SIGNS.
Signs shall be permitted in this district in accordance with Chapter 1284.
(Ord. 473. Passed 5-4-10.)