This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Village of Michiana Zoning Ordinance."

It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety and general welfare; to encourage the use of lands in accordance with their character and adaptability; to limit the improper use of land; to conserve natural resources and energy; to meet the needs of the state's residents for food, fiber and other natural resources, including wooded areas, wetlands and the Lake Michigan shoreline and dunal formations, places of residence, recreation and other uses of land; to ensure that uses of the land shall be situated in appropriate locations and relationships; to avoid the overcrowding of population; to provide adequate light and air; to lessen congestion on the public roads; to reduce hazards to life and property; to facilitate adequate provision for a system of transportation, sewage disposal, safe and adequate water supply, recreation and other public requirements; to conserve the expenditure of funds for public improvements and services to conform with the most advantageous uses of land, resources and properties; to implement the goals and policies of the Village of Michiana Master Plan adopted pursuant to the Municipal Planning Act, Public Act 33 of 2008, as amended (MCLA § 125.3801 et seq.); and to advance all other purposes as authorized by the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.[2]