Sec. 1.0. This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as "The Moorland Township Zoning Ordinance."

Sec. 1.1. This Ordinance is based on provisions of the Township Rural Zoning Act, being Act 184 of the Public Acts of 1943, as amended, and is intended to regulate use of land and structures, to regulate development of land, and to accomplish the following: promote the public health, safety and general welfare; ensure the use of land will be appropriate as to location and relationship with other uses of land; preserve prime agricultural lands; limit overcrowding of land; prevent congestion of population; ensure provision of and efficient use of transportation, sewage, water supply, energy, education, recreation, and other public facilities; require use of lands in accordance with it's character and adaptability; and provide for orderly development of the Township with minimal nuisance or hazard to life and property.

Sec. 1.2.

A.

Where any condition imposed by this Ordinance upon the use of any lot, building or structure is either more or less restrictive than any other Ordinance of the Township, the requirement which imposes a higher standard or condition shall apply.

B.

This Ordinance is not intended to abrogate any easement, covenant, or other private agreement affecting real property, provided that where this Ordinance imposes a higher standard or condition than such easement, covenant or other private agreement, the provisions of this Ordinance shall govern.

C.

Every use of land, building, or structure, every building or structure built, altered, relocated, enlarged, or demolished in any manner which requires a building permit after the effective date of this Ordinance, shall be subject to all regulations contained herein which are applicable to the zoning district within which the use of the land, building or structure is located.

D.

Building setbacks and lot areas existing at the effective date of this Ordinance shall not be reduced below the minimum requirements of this Ordinance. Setbacks or lots created after the effective date of this Ordinance shall meet at least the minimum requirements of this Ordinance.

E.

The regulations contained in this Ordinance shall be considered the minimum regulations to promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare.

Sec. 1.3. If any court of competent jurisdiction shall declare any part of this Ordinance to be invalid, such ruling shall not affect any other provisions of this Ordinance not included in said ruling. Further, if any court of competent jurisdiction shall declare invalid the application of any provision of this Ordinance to a particular parcel of land, lot, building, or structure, or use of land or building, such ruling shall not affect the application of said provisions to any other parcel, lot, building, or use not included in said ruling.

Sec. 1.4. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon publication of the notice of adoption of this Ordinance. The effective date is December 9, 1996.

Sec. 1.5. The Moorland Township Zoning Ordinance, effective December 10, 1992 and all amendments thereto are hereby repealed coincident with the effective date of this Ordinance. The repeal of said ordinance shall not release or relinquish any violation, penalty or liability incurred thereunder and such ordinance shall be treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of instituting or sustaining any action for enforcement of provisions in said ordinance.

Sec. 1.6. This Ordinance is enacted in accordance with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended.

(Ord. No. 06-21, § 9, 9-7-2006)