The Village of Ontonagon is comprised of a combination of residential neighborhoods, business centers, mixed-use areas, and natural space components. These areas generally are organized around common physical and functional characteristics such as relationships of buildings to streets, street layout, building types, prominent uses, circulation patterns, and development patterns. The traditional zoning approach provides basic standards to ensure the continued compatibility of development in these areas.

This Ordinance also includes a form-based approach that emphasizes the creation of a basic format for future development which explains how buildings, structures, and circulation patterns relate to public space, natural features, and to each other, while allowing more flexibility in use over time. The intent is to contribute to the unique and desirable character of the district.

Anyone seeking to erect, alter, or relocate any building or structure, or commence any new use of land, building, or structure, should first consult the Zoning Administrator to review the Official Zoning Map and determine which district(s) applies to their property. A basic understanding of district dimensional regulations can be found in the summary table in Article 3: Ordinance and District Overview. A basic understanding of permitted uses can be found in the summary table in Article 4: Use Overview and Matrix. Before finalizing a development plan, an applicant should consult Article 2: Zoning Intent and Purposes, and the Site Plan Review section of Article 14 to determine consistency with community and Ordinance goals.

All proposals must satisfy the provisions of Article 5: General Provisions, which addresses regulations applying to all structures; lots; parking and loading; landscaping, screening, and fencing; signs; essential services, communications, utility, and public infrastructure; access; and miscellaneous provisions. Article 6 contains the regulations applying to each traditional zoning district, and Article 7 contains the regulations applying to the form-based zoning district(s). Supplemental conditional and special use provisions are contained in Article 9. In the case of a Planned Unit Development (PUD), Article 10 applies.

If a nonconforming lot, building, structure, or use is involved, Article 13 should be consulted. Article 14: Zoning Administration explains the appropriate review and approval process. For reference, measurement standards and definitions are located in Article 15.

The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act establishes the authority of a local government to establish one or more districts within its zoning jurisdiction which regulate the use of land and structures for the various purposes contained within the Act. This includes the establishment of districts which apply only to land areas and activities involved in a special program to achieve specific land management objectives and avert or solve specific land use problems, including the regulation of land development and establishment of districts in areas subject to damage from flooding or beach erosion. The local unit of government may adopt regulations designating or limiting the location, height, bulk, number of stories, uses, and size of dwellings, buildings, and structures that may be erected or altered, including tents and recreational vehicles. The zoning districts of the Village of Ontonagon Zoning Ordinance were designed to achieve the vision, goals, and objectives of the Ontonagon Village Master Plan of 2007.

3.4.1

Establishment of zoning districts. The purpose of this Section is to provide an understanding of the zoning districts within the Village of Ontonagon, in relation to the Future Zoning Plan from the Ontonagon Village Master Plan of 2007, and in relation to the zoning districts of the former Village of Ontonagon Zoning Ordinance (see Table 1-1 [3-1]). This summary is intended only as a guide to understanding the transition between the current and former zoning ordinance, and the connection with the Village master plan. More detailed information for each district is contained in Article 6: Schedule of Regulations for Traditional Zoning Districts, and Article 7: Schedule of Regulations for Form-Based Zoning Districts.

TABLE 3-1. COMPARISON OF FUTURE ZONING TO FUTURE ZONING PLAN FROM MASTER PLAN AND CURRENT ZONING DISTRICTS

3.4.2

List of zoning districts.

Form-Based Zoning Districts

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DT3—Downtown 3

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DT2—Downtown 2

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GC—Gateway Corridor

Traditional Zoning Districts

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R1—R-1 Residential

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R2—R-2 Residential

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W-MU—Waterfront Mixed-Use

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I—General Industrial

3.4.3

Newly annexed territory. Whenever any lands are annexed to the Village, one of the following conditions will apply; 1) Land that is zoned previous to annexation shall be lawfully zoned as being in whichever district of this Ordinance most closely conforms with the zoning that existed prior to annexation, such district to be recommended by the Planning Commission and lawfully adopted by the Village Council within ninety (90) days of annexation. 2) Land not previously zoned shall be automatically zoned R-1 district until a zoning designation and appropriate map for said lands are recommended by the Planning Commission and lawfully adopted by the Village Council within ninety (90) days of annexation.

3.4.4

Comprehensive schedule of district regulations. Table 3-2 summarizes the general dimensional regulations for all zoning districts for easy reference. More detailed information is in Article 6: Schedule of Regulations—Traditional Zoning Districts, and Article 7: Schedule of Regulations—Form-Based Zoning Districts.

*Assuming an appropriate water and wastewater treatment system can be engineered and Standards of Sections 5.4.6 and 9.3.6.2.B are met.

**Does not apply to attached buildings.

***Zero rear yard required with alley access. OHWM = Ordinary High Water Mark

*Assuming an appropriate water and wastewater treatment system can be engineered and Standards of Sections 5.4.6 and 9.3.6.2.B are met.

**Does not apply to attached buildings.

***Zero rear yard required with alley access. OHWM= Ordinary High Water Mark